Charles Peterson Sheppard is originally from Springwater NY and attended Wayland Central School. He has eleven siblings and four grown stepchildren and many, many author friends on social media. He is a former public school teacher, prison educator, correctional counselor and California law enforcement agent. He currently lives and works in Southern California with his wife Paz Merlan (also an author) and their dog, Tiko. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature (UCLA) and a Master’s Degree in Education & Public Policy (Ashford). Charles authored The Specialist: The Costa Rica Job (2013) and Flint of Dreams (2016).

Charles Peterson Sheppard’s author page on Amazon
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What motivates you to write and how did you get started?

I think I like to entertain people with a good tale, to take them to another place, and have them completely immersed and absorbed in the story I tell. I began writing as a child in middle school, writing excuse notes for myself and my classmates when we skipped school, and I guess it kind of grew from there! More seriously, my middle school English teachers (Mrs. Hargrave and Mr. Fedorchuk) were outstanding motivators; they told me I had ‘good syntax’ and ‘flair’, respectively, and that stayed with me, encouraging me to try writing more and more.

What’s most rewarding about writing?

Fictionally speaking, it’s something I enjoy doing because, for that little while, I feel almost kingly, worldbuilding and enchanting the reader with my visual and tactile prose. Concerning the basic transfer of knowledge and information, the reward is effective communication, knowing that people find my writing succinct, understandable, yet engaging.

What’s your favorite genre and why?

I have two, really. Science Fiction is a definite favorite, and also Paranormal Spiritism. They both take you to brand new places, with writer and reader interacting on a highly imaginative plane. As a writer, these genres unleash me the most, allow me to research cool subject matter and extend the boundaries of my own thought-box, so to speak. I like imagination and speculative thinking, and I want to believe in fantasy worlds and space travel and the vast universe’s limitless offerings.

Where do your characters come from?

My characters come from the people I have known all my life. I have met some interesting, incredible living, breathing characters in my life, and they are a rich source to cull from in my writing. I have met all types, I observe them and remember, and I think it’s quite natural for me to create imaginary characters using real-life prototypes. Nearly every character I create has a basis in my own life experiences!

Who is an author who inspires you and why?

Ernest Hemingway is one. I have always liked his minimalist style and though I don’t emulate him, there are times that I channel him for certain purposes for dramatic effect. I also like Stephen King’s character studies. As a child, I loved Roald Dahl, too. All three knew how to create good protagonists and fine villains, whether actually human or circumstantially symbolic. That’s what I try to do in my writing.

What do you look for in other people’s books?

Good writing. I want to be affected emotionally in some way. I want to be pulled in the direction they want to take me and feel that I am going down their path against my will. I like emotional sincerity and really good character development. Events and plot twists are not as fulfilling as the realism of the characters in the story. So I guess I like writers who paint well with their words.

What are you writing now?

I am writing a book called The Ant Lords, about insectoids who visited our planet in the distant past and have returned to save us from ourselves, before it’s too late.

What kind of book would you like to be known for?

Well, simply, a book that people read and say… wow! I want to write a book that people want to read twice. I hope that says it all.

What has writing taught you about yourself?

I am very deeply emotional and can transfer that to the page. I am extremely observant and can bring that to the minds of others very well. It’s taught me that I love other people about as much as I love myself and that I can affect others very deeply through my words.

How has your life experience influenced your writing?

I feel like I have been betrayed at times, let down at times, been hurt at times, and felt disappointed at times– but that I have caused that in others too. So, I believe I can write about personal failures from a variety of perspectives. I also think I want good to triumph because good people have uplifted me more than bad people have brought me down.

What encouraging advice can you offer new writers?

Always hone your craft, but don’t write inside a turtle’s shell. Give to others. Share and take interest in others. Don’t be self-centered. Enjoy other writers’ work and celebrate their efforts. This comes back to you and you feed off their energy. It makes you a better person and a better writer when you see the positive skills or habits in others, acknowledge them, and strive to emulate them.

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