Interview with Sherilyn Decter, author of Gathering Storm

What can you tell us about your new release, Gathering Storm?

Gathering Storm is not just a story of prohibition in America, it’s a story of womanhood and strength. The feeling one is left with when closing Gathering Storm is one of steely determination and hope. Those who are looking for a female-led historical fiction with a backbone of steel, this book is for you.

What books are currently on your nightstand?

I’m reading the latest Jack Reacher thriller- Blue Moon. I find when I’ve finished writing I need something different than my own book to clear my mind. The strong women in my book deal with life’s challenges and drama very differently than the testosterone-fueled Reacher.

What advice would you give your teenage self?

Listen to my mother more. She was a fountain of wisdom and wasn’t with me long enough.

If you had an extra hour each day, how would you spend it?

In my garden. No veggies, alas because I have a lot of mature trees that block out full sun, but I do love my fern and hosta gardens, including a Japanese garden with a small pond and moon bridge.

What makes your world go round? Why does it bring you joy?

Watching my grandchildren discover the world. It’s hard to be apart from them… so thank goodness for technology. We video chat and send each other silly pictures all the time.

What scene in Gathering Storm was your favorite to write?

I like the scenes with the tarot card reader, Cassie. Researching the meanings of the cards, finding just the right one to foretell a plot twist, digging deeper into meanings. And the scenes in Gator Joe’s (Edith’s speakeasy). I used to run a bar in a small town and the conversations in Gathering Storm over a beer or glass of whiskey are awfully familiar to those that have spent time in a place like that.

Sherilyn Decter is the author of the new book Gathering Storm.

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