Sherry Ellis is an award-winning author and professional musician who plays and teaches the violin, viola, and piano. When she is not writing or engaged in musical activities, she can be found doing household chores, hiking, or exploring the world. Ellis, her husband, and their two children live in Atlanta, Georgia.
As an author, Sherry has written children's books as well as articles for parenting publications. Her book, That Mama is a Grouch, was honored as a finalist in the Parenting/Family category of the 2010 USA Book News Awards and as a finalist in the Parenting/General category of the 2011 International Book Awards. Other awards include first place in the Parenting category of the 2011 Pinnacle Book Awards, the silver award in the 2013 Mom's Choice Awards, and first place in the Family Matters category of the 2015 Purple Dragonfly Book Awards.
Sherry is also a professional musician who plays and teaches violin, viola, and piano. She has appeared as a soloist in Germany, and was a semi-finalist in the 2004 International Viola Competition held in Paris, France. She is actively involved in the American String Teacher' s Association, and has served terms as Secretary and Vice President of the Ohio String Teacher's Association. Sherry is the principal violist of the Georgia Philharmonic.
Additionally, Sherry is a lifetime member of Cambridge Who's Who and was honored as a 2010 VIP of the year. In 2012, she was honored as a Woman of the Year by the American Biographical Institute for her contributions in the field of music education. Sherry was the recipient of the 2013 Top Professional of the Year award given by Worldwide Who's Who and has been recognized as a Top 100 Professional by the International Biographical Institute.
SIX MINUTES WITH SHERRY ELLIS:
Joining LitPick for Six Minutes with an Author is Sherry Ellis, award-winning author and professional musician.
Her book, Bubba and Squirt’s Big Dig to China, has received a five-star review from one of our student reviewers who had this to say about the book: “Bubba and Squirt’s Big Dig to China is an adorable, heart-warming, and educational story about the misadventure of siblings Bubba and Squirt.”
***How did you get started writing?
My love of books and writing goes back to when I was a kid. I was seven years old when I wrote my first story. It was about a buried pirate treasure. Since then, I’ve written a lot of stories, but I never thought I’d be a published author. That happened after my three-year-old daughter heard one of my stories and suggested that it should be a book. I took her advice, and the rest is history.
***Who influenced you?
As I mentioned, my daughter influenced me to become a writer. But along the way, my mom and various teachers helped nurture my love of books and encouraged me to write. As far as author influences go, Jane Yolen, Mary Pope Osborne, and Rick Riordan are some writers who have shaped my style of writing.
***Do you have a favorite book, subject, or character setting?
I’m not sure that I do, but I’d have to say that I enjoy writing books that teach children about the language, culture, and history of other countries. I like learning about those things, and it’s fun to share that knowledge with kids.
***What advice do you have for someone who wants to be an author?
Learn as much about the craft as you can. Attend writing workshops, read books on writing, and join a critique group that can help you perfect your work. Read other books in your genre as well. Other than that, I would say keep writing, revising, and most importantly, don’t give up!
***Where is your favorite place to write?
On a hotel balcony overlooking the ocean. Not that I do it often, but there’s something about that setting that gets my creative juices flowing. I can crank out several chapters in one sitting. Otherwise, I like writing in a quiet space in my room.
***What else would you like to tell us?
One of my favorite things as a children’s author is visiting schools. If you would like to schedule an author visit, please contact me through my website. Teacher resources that go along with my books can also be found there.
Thank you for having me as a guest!
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Sherry, thanks for spending time with us and sharing about all the people who have influenced your writing journey. We hope you have many chances to write on a hotel balcony overlooking the ocean this summer.
Check out the book review of Bubba and Squirt's Big Dig to China
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