Upcoming Agent Spotlight Interviews & Guest Posts

  • Stuti Telidevara Agent Spotlight Interview and Query Critique Giveaway on 3/20/2024
  • Agent Rachel Orr and Author Cathy Carr Guest Post and Lost Kites and Other Treasures Giveaway on 3/25/2024
  • Paula Weiman Agent Spotlight Interview and Query Critique Giveaway on 4/8/2024
  • Hillary Fazzari Agent Spotlight Interview and Query Critique Giveaway on 4/22/2024
  • Miriam Cortinovis Agent Spotlight Interview and Query Critique Giveaway on 5/6/2024
  • Jenniea Carter Agent Spotlight Interview and Query Critique Giveaway on 5/8/2024
  • Caroline Trussell Agent Spotlight Interview and Query Critique Giveaway on 5/20/2024
  • Jenna Satterthwaite Agent Spotlight Interview and Query Critique Giveaway on 6/10/2024
  • Bethany Weaver Agent Spotlight Interview and Query Critique Giveaway on 6/24/2024

Agent Spotlight & Agent Spotlight Updates

  • Agent Spotlights & Interviews have been updated through the letter "H" as of 5/11/2023 and many have been reviewed by the agents. Look for more information as I find the time to update more agent spotlights.

CHERIE REICH BLOG TOUR INTERVIEW AND REBORN GIVEAWAY



Today I’m thrilled to have blogger friend and follower Cherie Reich here to share about her new YA fantasy REBORN that was released on May 23, 2014. This sounds like a fantastic epic fantasy that’s on my summer TBR list. I’d planned to read it before Cherie’s interview but have gotten really behind in my reading.

Here’s a blurb from Goodreads:

To save a kingdom, a prophetess must challenge Fate.

On the day of Yssa’s death and rebirth, the god Apenth chose her as the Phoenix Prophetess.

Sea serpents and gods endanger the young prophetess’s journey and sour the omens. Yssa is cursed instead of blessed, and her duties at the Temple of Apenth prove it. She spends her days reading dusty scrolls, which does nothing to help her forget Tym, the boy back home. But the annoying yet gorgeous ferryman’s son Liam proves to be a distraction she can’t predict, even though he rarely leaves her alone for two sand grains.

Her boring temple life screeches to a halt when visions of her parents’ murders consume her. Yssa races across an ocean to stop the future. If she can’t change Fate, she’ll refuse to be the Phoenix Prophetess any longer. Fate, however, has other plans for her and the kingdom.

Yssa must either accept her destiny or fight to change Fate.

Hi Cherie! Thanks so much for joining us.

1. Tell us about yourself and how you became a writer.

Although I once wanted to be an actress and opera singer, I found my real passion for books: writing and reading them. I graduated from Missouri State University with a BA in Classical Antiquities (Ancient Greeks/Romans) with a minor in the Ancient Near East. I’m a speculative fiction writer and library assistant living in Virginia. I have three adorable kitty furbabies and spend most of my time reading, writing, and watching TV (I’m still lamenting that Psych was canceled). In 1999, I started roleplaying online and branched into fanfiction. When I was hired at my library assistant job in December 2008, I found myself with a lot of free time, so in 2009, I started writing with publication in mind and have never looked back.

2. I’d love to have a job as a librarian assistant. Where did you get the idea for REBORN?

While I was roleplaying in the fantastical world of Harry Potter, I had created a character named Clarissa Black. She was Sirius Black’s niece by his half-brother John. Clarissa had an interesting origin story. She was stillborn, but her father, with Apollo’s help, brought her back to life. From that moment on, she had the gift of prophecy. From Clarissa’s origin story, I created Yssa, the main character for Reborn. Although the two characters diverged widely from each other, I have my Harry Potter roleplaying experience to thank for the idea of my debut novel.

3. What a fun way to come up with the story idea. World building is so important in fantasies. Share a bit about the world building in REBORN and your tips for the rest of us on world building.

As soon as I knew the premise of Yssa’s story, I had to figure out the world. I instantly went to my college studies and decided I wanted a world loosely based off Ancient Rome, but with Royals instead of Senators. I pulled from different mythologies to help fill in the gods and goddesses as well as the creatures in Reborn. And I enjoyed expanding upon Amora (backwards for “a Roma” or “to Rome”) to create the world Yssa lives in.

As for tips, not all world building has to be created at the beginning. I found new things about the world as I wrote and edited. I even discovered things in the final edit and first proofread to add. I suggest keeping a list of places, people, language, etc. And the biggest tip I learned while writing Reborn is to figure out distances as I go. When I went to draw a map of the Kingdom of Amora, I learned I had some dates wrong based on the distances. People couldn’t be in a place, if I didn’t change things. It involved a lot of math to get back on track. Next time I create a fantasy world, I’ll be figuring up distances as I go.

4. That’s great advice to keep track of everything. It’s so easy to forget if you don’t. And I never thought to track distances. Plotting can be challenging to keep track of in high fantasies. And I know you have sequels planned in this series. What was your plotting process like for REBORN and what advice do you have on plotting a series out?

As my first novel, Reborn was written differently than my other works. I knew various scenes throughout the story before I started writing, but when I sat down to write, I would write the chapter I was on and then use a few days to figure out the next chapter, if I didn’t know it. When I rewrote Reborn, I wrote out an outline with each basic plot of each scene/chapter. I’ve done the same for Reforged, Book Two, and Redestined, Book Three. A lot about Yssa’s story hit me all at one time. I knew the beginning and end of all three books before I started writing Reborn as well as various scenes throughout. I just needed to know the plot in between those scenes. Even if you aren’t a plotter, I suggest making some note of what each chapter/scene is about. It’ll be helpful when it comes to revising and writing the rest of the series.

5. Lucky you to know the whole story when you started reborn. I have to know the general story start and end points too. Tell us a bit about Yssa, the main character of REBORN. Is there any of you in her?

Yssa is god-chosen as the Phoenix Prophetess. She’s grown up knowing who she is, but that doesn’t
change how she wants to be normal, just like everyone else. She’s sometimes naïve, self-centered, and wishy-washy, but she can be strong and caring. She genuinely does want to change people’s terrible Fates, even though she often fails. Like Yssa, I’m a little too trusting. I’ve gotten less trusting as I get older, but when I was her age, I trusted way too much. I also like to think I’m a bit psychic. Strange things I just seem to know or have foreseen, including general times when/how a person would die to foreseeing what a professor was dressed like and the first words out of his mouth before it happened. Freaky stuff!

6. How cool you’re a bit psychic. I know you started your own publishing company Surrounded by Books Publishing. What made you decide to start your own press and what was the process like? Do you recommend this for self-published authors?

When I decided to self-publish, I had to decide whether or not I wanted to create a company, so to speak, or just use my name as the “publisher.” I wanted to treat my writing as professional as possible, so for me, creating a company was a step in the right direction. So far I haven’t done anything official for the company, like setting it up as a LLC, which I plan to do once I start making more money from it, but I have created a website for the company. And if I ever had the funds, I would like to expand SBB Publishing beyond myself because I do enjoy the creation of a book, particularly cover art and formatting. As for recommending this to self-published authors or not, I don’t think creating your own company is necessary. Whether you give it a fancy name or just publish under your own name, you are the publisher. If a different name helps you make that distinction, then so be it.

7. How are you planning to market REBORN and will it be different from the marketing of your other books you’ve published? If so, why?

With Reborn, it’s all about getting the word out. In May 2013, I announced I would be publishing Reborn in a year. At that time, I created a form for people to sign up for the cover reveal, to review the book, and the blog tour. In January, I had the cover reveal and got a great response to the cover. I made sure Reborn was up on Goodreads early, so people could add it. In March, I sent out the eARCs to reviewers. This month, I published Reborn two weeks early, so I could make sure everything looked right and I would have purchase links for the blog tour. About the blog tour, I have 30+ hosts over a period of a month (May 23 – June 23). Early reviewers are getting their reviews up on Goodreads/Amazon/etc. I’m looking into some cheap advertising sites as well as trying to find other reviewers. Also, I’m publishing a chapter every first and third Wednesday of Reborn on Wattpad, so people can read for free to decide if Reborn is for them. By December 2015, the entire book should be up there, and I hope to have all the books except book three published by then.

For the other books in the series, I don’t plan to do such an extensive push to spread the word. I’ll likely contact people who have reviewed and enjoyed Reborn to see if they want to read and review the next book. I plan to have a free novella prequel set in The Fate Challenges’ world available by the end of this year. I’ll also do a smaller tour or just a promo blast when other books are released.

8. You’re so organized. I’ll have to talk to you about my marketing plans if I ever get published. You also work as an assistant librarian. What’s the best way for authors to connect with librarians and to reach out to librarians across the country when their book is published?

Well, I work at more of an academic library instead of a public/school one, so we don’t really work with authors. But I used to work at a public library, and the best way is to approach the library director and ask to speak about your book or set up a time to speak about it. The worst they can say is “No.” Be presentable. Have some information handy for them. Even offer to donate a book to add to their collection.

I’ll tell you a little secret, though. The best way for an author to get their book into a library is to get readers to request the book. A request from a patron means a library is more likely to purchase the book. Libraries serve their patrons first, after all.

9. Thanks for sharing your secret. What are you working on now?

I’m finishing up the first draft of Repledged, a prequel novella set 800 years before Reborn. Then, I’ll start writing Remarked, Book 1.5 of The Fate Challenges and told from Liam’s point of view. As for editing, I will begin editing my epic fantasy short stories from my Kingdom of Foxwick world in June/July in hopes to publish the short story collection People of Foxwick and Their Neighbors later this year.

Thank you so much for having me!

Thanks for sharing all your advice, Cherie. You can find Cherie at


Available in Ebook and Print!

Click here to add on Goodreads.


The authors of Untethered Realms and I are giving away over $50 worth of books to one lucky winner. The giveaway is open internationally.
a Rafflecopter giveaway


A self-proclaimed bookworm, Cherie Reich is a speculative fiction writer and library assistant living in Virginia. Her short stories have appeared in magazines and anthologies, and her books include the horror collection Nightmare, a space fantasy novella collection titled Gravity, and the fantasy series The Foxwick Chronicles and The Fate Challenges. Reborn is her debut novel. She is Vice President of Valley Writers and a member of the Virginia Writers Club and Untethered Realms. For more information, please visit her website.

Cherie is also offering a print copy of REBORN for US residents or an e-book for International residents for a giveaway. To enter, all you need to do is be a follower (just click the follow button if you’re not a follower) and leave a comment through June 14th. I’ll announce the winner on June 16th. If your e-mail is not on your Google Profile, please leave it in the comments.

If you mention this contest on Twitter, Facebook, or your blog, mention this in the comments and I'll give you an extra entry. You must be 13 or older to enter. International entries are welcome.

Here’s what’s coming up:

Next Monday I have an interview with debut author Skylar Dorset and a ARC giveaway of NEVER TRUST A FAIRY, a urban fantasy that sounds really good and that I would have read if so much hadn’t been going on in my personal life lately.

Next Wednesday that week I have a fantastic guest post with follower and debut author Jessie Humphries and her agent Sarah Davies. There's going to be a big giveaway, including a giveaway of KILLING RUBY ROSE, her YA mystery thriller, a t-shirt, a $20 Amazon Gift Card, and a query critique by Sarah Davies.

The following Monday I have an interview with debut author Bethany Neal and a ARC giveaway of MY LAST KISS, her YA ghost story/mystery. I loved it.

The following Monday I have an ASK THE EXPERT interview with a high school student and will be offering a number of MG and YA books for a giveaway to get you and/or your kids started on your summer reading.

And don’t forget Casey’s Agent Spotlights.

Hope to see you on Monday!

57 comments:

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

She is organized!
Roleplaying - what a cool place to get an idea. Maybe my hours of D&D weren't a waste?
I've certainly learned to keep a detailed list of items for the manuscript I'm working on now, as there's a lot more world-building this time.
Congratulations, Cherie!

Joni said...

I love the origin of this story idea- what fun! This book has definitely caught my eye. ^^ Thanks for the giveaway!

Barbara Watson said...

Thanks for sharing about your book and your journey, Cherie. It's things like formatting and cover art that keep me away from self-publishing. :-) Nice interview, Natalie.

Cherie Reich said...

I would say the hours lost to D&D were not a waste, Alex! Thanks for stopping by!

Cherie Reich said...

Thank you so much, Joni!

Cherie Reich said...

Thanks for stopping by and commenting, Barbara! And you can always hire out formatting and cover art. :)

Cherie Reich said...

Thank you so much for hosting me today, Natalie! And it's when you get published, not if. :)

Anonymous said...

I really like the origin story for Yssa.

Cherie Reich said...

Thank you! :)

Unknown said...

I'm still not over Psych either, but it was time for it to go, rather than have it die a slow death.

DMS said...

What a wonderful interview. I love that the role playing world of Harry Potter had a hand in Cherie developing her ideas for Reborn. Awesome! I am always amazed by Cherie when I visit her blog. Not only is she super organized, but she is a task master and gets so much done each month. I am wondering if she has found a way to get a little extra time in each day... Hmmm.;)

Great interview and wishing Cherie the best of luck. LOVE the cover!
~Jess

Nicole Zoltack said...

It's a fabulous story. I need to finalize my review and post it everywhere!

Cherie Reich said...

Oh, I do agree it was time for Psych to go, but I still miss it. I haven't even watched the last two episodes yet because when I do, then it'll truly be over.

Cherie Reich said...

*tucks time-turner into my shirt* I don't know what you mean, Jess. ;) Hehe! I wish I had a time-turner!

Cherie Reich said...

Aww, thanks, Nicole! Your proofread helped make Reborn all nice and shiny. :)

Crystal Collier said...

I totally agree. You need to get your fans/readers requesting your book through the library system. That's the BEST way to go.

Tammy Theriault said...

Great way to market the book! I'll just drop a copy to my library when I'm published ;D

cleemckenzie said...

Another thumbs up for Cherie. Getting those requests in are exactly what you have to do.

kathrynjankowski said...

So happy to see interviews about self-published authors here. Congratulations, Cherie!

M Pax said...

The idea for stillborn is genius, and the novel is wonderful. I'm getting near the end. Absolutely, 'golden'.

Cherie Reich said...

Yep! Fans/readers requesting makes it all that much more important to librarians.

Cherie Reich said...

Some libraries do take author donations, although sometimes they just put it in the donation box instead of the collection.

Cherie Reich said...

Definitely, Lee! :)

Cherie Reich said...

Thank you, Mary! So glad you think Reborn is golden!

Cherie Reich said...

It's definitely nice to see an array of authors, no matter how they choose to publish. :)

Tyrean Martinson said...

I love the idea process behind Reborn, it makes me appreciate the book even more now. I purchased it, read it, and reviewed it right away - loved it!!! I think the world-building is excellent, but Yssa is the draw as a character. She has so much depth. Great writing, Cherie!

Natalie - thank you for interviewing, Cherie! I have so much respect for her as an author and blogger. I've been impressed by all of her writing. :)

Christine Rains said...

Cherie is super organized! And her book is fantastic. Great interview!

Donna K. Weaver said...

I've been seeing her book all over the blogosphere. Congrats!

Emma A. said...

Oh my gosh! This looks so good! I need to read this!

Wry Girl said...

I'm glad you got such a lovely cover to showcase your story! Enticing. :)

Cherie Reich said...

Aww, you're making me blush, Tyrean. So glad you enjoyed Reborn so much. :)

Cherie Reich said...

Aww, thank you, Christine! And it pays to be organized. ;)

Cherie Reich said...

Thank you, Donna! And there's a lot more of the tour left to go, so you'll see it a few more times. ;)

Cherie Reich said...

Aww, thank you, emandm! :)

Cherie Reich said...

Thank you, Wry Girl! The talented Laura Sava illustrated the cover for me.

E.G. Moore said...

Thanks for all your marketing tips and ideas. Good luck with your current and future writing endeavors.

Danielle H. said...

I love the way you came up with your character! I can't wait to read your book and I know my daughter will also enjoy it. thanks for the interview and giveaway!

Sarah said...

I love the idea of Yssa and her world... And I agree with you on the plotting -- I'm NOT a plotter, but I've found my writing is smoother when I write at least 1 sentence about where each chapter will go.

I've asked at my library for other books, before... I will be asking for Reborn next time I go in!

Rachna Chhabria said...

Cherie is sure one hard working and organized lady. I love her ability to set goals and achieve them. Congrats Cherie. I did not know that you are a psychic.

Rosi said...

Very nice interview. Lots of good information here. Thanks.

Cherie Reich said...

You're welcome, Emily! Thank you for stopping by and commenting!

Cherie Reich said...

Aww, thank you, Danielle! If you, as well as your daughter, get a chance to read Reborn, I hope you enjoy it!

Cherie Reich said...

Thank you, Sarah! And I definitely think having an idea of where to go next can help the writing go smoother. I just wish it would make the editing go smoother, though. LOL! Thanks for asking your library to purchase Reborn! :)

Cherie Reich said...

Aww, thank you, Rachna! And I'm a little bit psychic or at least really observant and able to predict what will come next. It's one or the other. :)

Cherie Reich said...

Thank you for stopping by and commenting, Rosi!

Julie Musil said...

Great interview! I think it's cool how Cherie created her own publishing company. It's fun that these days small presses are helping other authors achieve their goals. Congratulations on the release!

Nicole said...

Yay! Great interview with Cherie. Been seeing lots of news about Reborn.

Anonymous said...

Cherie's everywhere. I look forward to reading my copy.

Anonymous said...

Wow...all the best with your book. A lot of work goes into writing it and so impressed that you are also publishing it! I am looking forward to reading Reborn.

Cherie Reich said...

Thank you, Julie! I've worked with other small presses from an author end and an editor end, so I thought I could create my own publishing house for my own work (and maybe one day other people's too, if I had the money).

Cherie Reich said...

Thank you, Nicole! And you may see a bit more of Reborn before the end of June. Hehe!

Cherie Reich said...

Hope you enjoy Reborn, Medeia! :)

Cherie Reich said...

Thank you, Deb! There is a ton of work in writing and publishing, although at times, the publishing part is the easiest part. Getting the work ready to be published is much harder. LOL!

Unknown said...

the idea for this book sounds very intriguing and the artwork is so pretty! all the best for your book and i hope to read it soon

Cherie Reich said...

Thank you, Freya! I hope you enjoy Reborn if you get a chance to read it. :)

Unknown said...

Very interesting interview and it looks like a great book. Thanks for the insight :)

Cherie Reich said...

Thank you for stopping by and commenting, Danie!