Interview with Author Sheena Binkley

Describe yourself in three words.

Ambitious, Motivated, and Introvert

What are three facts about you?

I was born and raised in Houston.
I graduated from the University of Houston with a BA degree in Business Communications.
My dream job was to be a news reporter.

What is your favorite book from childhood?

Baby-Sitters’ Club
Sweet Valley High

When you read, which authors are your go-to authors?

Carl Webber
Colleen Hoover
Alexandra Warren

What book has made the biggest impact on your life?

I would say Baby-Sitters’ Club and the Sweet Valley High series because those books made me want to write stories regarding myself and my friends since there weren’t any books then that were about African-American teens.

What is your favorite TV show or movie?

I love soaps, so currently, General Hospital and Beyond the Gates. I also love watching The Bay.

What subject could you talk about all day?

TV shows

What is your dream vacation destination?

Jamaica

What do you do for fun when you aren’t writing?

Shopping

Are there any causes you support or which are important to you?

Breast Cancer awareness. It’s important to me since I lost my mom and grandmother to breast cancer. Being able to spread awareness for women, especially myself, to have annual mammograms is extremely important.

How did you discover writing as a possible career?

When I was 9, I had to write a story for a class project. It was about myself and my friends being locked in a mall, lol. I loved writing that story so much that I decided to write more stories. It was a hobby at first, but I decided to make a career in 2023.

How did you choose your pen name?

It’s my actual name.

Where do you find inspiration for your stories?

I have a vivid imagination, so when a thought comes to mind, I usually run with it and create a story.

What is the weirdest fact you've found when researching for a book?

Honestly, I haven’t really found anything, but I’m sure I will eventually, lol.

What trope is your favorite to write?

Workplace Romance

What is your favorite thing about being an author?

That people actually read my books.

What is your writing process?

Usually, it’ll take me a month to write a story. During that time, I’m committed to writing it. Whether it’s an early morning or late-night session, I will put on some music and let it flow.

What time of day are you most creative?

Usually at night.

What is your ideal writing environment?

Sitting in my bed.

As an author, what challenges do you face?

Uncertainty around if anyone will read my story. Also, when I receive reviews. Sometimes, I don’t even check on Amazon to see how my book is doing. It sort of terrifies me.

What is your least favorite part of being an author?

Editing

If there was one thing you could change about the writing/publishing industry, what would it be?

For authors to get along. I have seen so many cliques and other authors not liking each other, which is sad. We’re all in the same industry doing something we love, so it would be great to be able to be in a group that we all have something in common with.

What advice would you give aspiring authors?

Don’t give up on your dream. There will be some bumps in the road, but if writing is something you want to do, continue to pursue it.

What is something you’d like to write, but haven’t yet?

Christian fiction. I have considered writing a novel, but I haven’t had a chance to yet.

Which parts of yourself are reflected in your characters?

I think I can relate to my character Resse, from the Into You series. She has been through similar situations that I have faced in my life, so seeing her growth throughout the series is something that I see in myself.

Which of your characters have special meaning to you?

Resse and Riana from the Love, Life, & Happiness series. I love all my characters, but those two I have extra love for.

How do you come up with character names?

Some names are random, and some I have to be creative with. I ask my friends or even look online.

What kind of readers enjoy your books?

My ideal readers are quick readers and readers who love a long story. I provide both, because I know a person’s life can be hectic, so they have options.

What is something you love to hear from your readers?

That a character or a story relates to them. That a particular scene or the overall book touches them. That usually puts me in tears.

Where can readers find you online?

Website: www.sheenabinkley.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/sheenabinkleyauthor

What is your latest/upcoming release?

I currently released a Christmas novella, Wrapped in You: https://www.amazon.com/Wrapped-You-Christmas-Romance-Novella-ebook/dp/B0G8CNMXYJ

I’m also working on the 7th book in the Into You series, Forever Starts Here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GDGQL7WL

Steam Level

Sweet and Spicy