To celebrate 13 weeks of winter, Hàlön Chronicles is conducting one interview a week for 13 weeks. We’re also partnering with other sites and artists to bring a fuller, richer experience to our readers.
Join us on the hashtag #13Winterviews, or check out this season’s articles:
Welcome to the Season | Winterviews Partners | 2019 Blog Hop | Book Pairings | Winterviews & Solstice Eve
This week on Winterviews we travel into the sands of science fiction and romance as we say hello to Cheryl Lawson.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I was, originally, a graphic designer, working in marketing and advertising. I changed to writing, full-time, in 2014 when I wrote a creative manifesto. I’ve recently finished my first science fiction novel and am working on the sequel, which is coming out in 2019. I’m from South Africa, but have lived in BC, Canada for over twelve years now, with my husband and son. Lastly, Cheryl Lawson is my fiction writing name. The rest of the time, I’m known as Cheryl Bezuidenhout. I switched back to writing under my maiden name for ease of use.
What types of books do you write, and why?
I have a non-fiction creative manifesto and two science fiction books (second one is almost done). My books, We Are Mars (released May, 2018) and Storm at Dawn (release mid-2019), are the first two books of a three-part series I’ve named the Rubicon Saga. The name is derived from the main settlement that is at the center of my story of life on Mars. The Rubicon Saga is a tale of intrigue, deception, love, betrayal and survival. A ‘cast’ of characters inhabit the settlement, and the drama plays out from multiple points of view, moving at a rapid pace through the action. A full description of the first book is available on my website.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve enjoyed science and science fiction, so the genre felt like a natural fit for my debut as a fiction author. I may, or may not, stick to the genre, because I enjoy thrillers too. Time will tell.
What were your early influences, and how does this manifest in your work today?
I enjoyed reading as a teen (elementary school was a bit of a struggle). I got into reading thrillers and science fiction thrillers by reading Thomas Harris, Michael Chriton, Jules Verne and others. I also grew up a Trekkie, loving Star Trek and other science fiction tv and movies. I consider all of these exposures to the genre an influence. I try to maintain a believability in my work by doing a lot of research (the influence of thriller writers like Chriton, Harris and Stieg Larrsen influenced me here). The pace of my stories, the action and drama are all influenced by the books and shows I mention because I think the genre demands a brisk edginess to elevate the tension in the story.
Are there aspects of the craft that excite you more than others?
I enjoy plotting out a story in its infancy. That is when the ideas are still new and I can use my imagination (it’s like day-dreaming is your day job!). I love character development and setting the scene. I’m less enamoured with editing and revision, but they are a crucial part of the process and demand a high level of involvement and commitment. I am a perfectionist and I seek a high standard of quality in my work.
What books or websites are your go-to places while editing?
I definitely have a dictionary and thesaurus on hand. Another useful reference book is my style guide. I have a selection of magazines, books, maps and other resources related to Mars (my fiction books are based there), and I frequent NASA, Space-X and other space portals online for additional research information and imagery. I have to have the research handy at all times to make sure I keep my Mars facts straight.
Tell us about your latest book release.
For the people of Rubicon, Mars is Home – hostile and unforgiving – but still Home. When Rubicon is taken by surprise by an unexpected and deadly threat, it’s a race against time and a desperate fight to stay alive.
Jax and Dana, Ridley and Chuck, Lenny and Maliyah all stand on opposite sides of a class divide, battling passions and tensions in equal measure. But can they work together to avert a disaster? Could the fundamental differences between them be the key to their survival, or to their destruction?
To make matters worse, unsettling events on Earth put the entire Mars Mission at risk and Rubicon – with little choice left – declares its independence. The news of this is not welcomed by powerful politicians that devise dubious plans to shelve the settlement, once and for all.
Mistakes are made, allegiances shift and lives hang in the balance. No one can be trusted as allies become enemies and the true nature of life on Mars is revealed – One wrong move, and it will be your last. Read more >
After a long career as a graphic designer, photographer and artist, Cheryl began pursuing writing, full-time, in 2014. She released her first non-fiction book in 2016. When she is not writing, Cheryl continues to pursue her passion for nature through her art and photography. She has recently exhibited a selection of water colour paintings at a local, Kamloops Gallery and volunteered time as an editor for the BC Lapidary Society’s quarterly magazine, the BC Rockhounder.
Cheryl is a member of the Federation of BC Writers , the Interior Authors Group and the Kamloops Arts Council.
Her non-fiction book, a manifesto of her career as a creative professional, is entitled Authentic Creativity, How to Make the Most of Your Creative Intent, Strategy & Perspective. It is penned under her married name, Cheryl Bezuidenhout.
