I'm Shelf-ish: ⭐INTERVIEW⭐CHERYL CARPINELLO AUTHOR OF ANCIENT TALES & LEGENDS⭐

Cheryl Carpinello taught high school English for 25 years. During that time, she worked with numerous students who didn’t like to read for a variety of reasons. However, she discovered that even the most reluctant readers became engaged in the classroom and in reading when she introduced units on King Arthur and the works of ancient world writers. Upon retiring, she set out to write fast-paced, action-filled stories in these setting to encourage young readers to read more. When not writing, you can find her reading, spending time with family, and traveling.

“In 2008, my husband and I spent three weeks traveling around Egypt via train and visiting all those magnificent archeological sites. Since we returned home, Egypt has never been far from my thoughts. I truly believe that I left part of my soul in that ancient land. To satisfy my longing to return, I wrote Sons of the Sphinx and Tutankhamen Speaks.” Visit her on Twitter and Facebook.

Thank you for this interview! I’d like to know more about you as a person first. What do you do when you’re not writing?

When I’m not writing, I have plenty to fill up my time! Don’t we all?! We have 4 grandkids which keep us busy. I also love to read, both fiction and non-fiction. I love reading about the ancient worlds. When we can, my husband and I love to travel. We go to college football games around the country in the fall, and I’ve got a long list of countries overseas that we haven’t visited yet.

When did you start writing?

I’ve always written, but as a high school English teacher, I didn’t have time to write seriously until I retired in 2007. Since then I write as often as I’m able, and when I can’t physically write, I write in my head.

As a published author, what would you say was the most pivotal point of your writing life?

Seeing my first book in print gave me the confidence to continue writing. Subsequently, each of my newly published books re-enforce that confidence and renews my creative brain.

If you could go anywhere in the world to start writing your next book, where would that be and why?

Where I write isn’t a concern of mine. In fact, going anywhere I wanted to in the world to write would be a distraction. I consider myself a life-long learner, so when I find myself in a new environment, I set out to discover the many treasures and wonders of that environment.

Now that said, we are frequent visitors to Mexico, and I’ve finished many a story there. It’s almost like a second home, so there are few distractions, except for the ocean, the beach, the Cajun-seasoned mahi- mahi, the margaritas, etc.!!

If you had 4 hours of extra time today, what would you do?

Probably read, and try to finish up my newest picture book.

Where would you like to set a story that you haven’t done yet?

One of the books of my upcoming series Feathers of the Phoenix takes place in Pompeii. It’s always intrigued me. Hoping for a visit there soon.

Another in that series is set in Egypt, and although, I’ve been there and done that, I’m looking forward to writing that story.

Back to your present books, Sons of the Sphinx and Tutankhamen Speaks, how did you publish those?

All of my books are published under the Silver Quill Publishing brand. It is an author-owned co-op based in England. I publish through Amazon, Ingrams, Draft2Digital, Hulu, and several other platforms.

In writing your books, did you travel anywhere for research?

Yes and no. We spent three weeks in Egypt in 2008. The country, its people, and its monuments and history really registered with my creative side. However, it was four years later before that influence led to writing Sons of the Sphinx and Tutankhamen Speaks.

Why was writing Sons of the Sphinx and Tutankhamen Speaks so important to you?

Our visit in Egypt temporarily sated my curiosity and thirst for exploring an ancient world. However, I continued to replay that visit over and over in my mind. Writing Sons and Tut allowed me to actually place myself back in ancient Egypt amid those monuments and those ancient pharaohs. Each time I read these stories, I experience the thrill I first felt when I beheld the Great Pyramid outside of Cairo.

Where do you get your best ideas and why do you think that is?

My story ideas come from my teaching and my love of medieval times and the ancient worlds. All of my characters are based on my intimate knowledge of teenagers, i.e. what excites them and/or scares them, their fears, longings, and expectations to name just a few. With so many tales hiding in the ancient stories, it’s easy to pick a favorite and develop my story.

Any final words?

Both Sons of the Sphinx and Tutankhamen Speaks are based on historical facts with a little literary license thrown in. If you enjoy a thrilling adventure and you’ve ever wondered what ancient Egypt would have been like, I hope you’ll pick up my Ancient Tales.

Also, I want to thank you for hosting me.

Title: Tutankhamen Speaks
Author: Cheryl Carpinello
Publisher: Beyond Today Educator
Pages: 81
Genre: Teen / YA / Ancient Egypt Historical Fiction

BOOK BLURB

From over 3000 years ago comes the voice of the Boy King.

Scrolls found buried in the basement of the Egyptian Museum. Transcribed in an ancient hand. Record the words of King Tut for all to read.

Tutankhamen answers all of the lingering questions, including the big one.

Discover the real story behind this famous pharaoh. Transport yourself back to an Ancient Egypt filled with mystery, magic, and danger!

ORDER YOUR COPY

Amazon eBook: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E18KH46

Amazon Print: https://www.amazon.com/dp/149615536X

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/tutankhamen-speaks-cheryl-carpinello/1118847147

Book Depository: https://www.bookdepository.com/Tutankhamen-Speaks-Cheryl-Carpinello/9781496155368

Title: Sons of the Sphinx
Author: Cheryl Carpinello
Publisher: Beyond Today Educator
Pages: 189
Genre: Teen / YA / Ancient Egypt Historical Fiction

BOOK BLURB

A grandmother’s gift usually bring happiness. Rosa’s gift: a very different story. Hearing the dead alienated her from classmates. Not good for a 15-year-old.

Many times very insistent, the dead cared little for her surroundings. They even bothered her in class. Dates? Forget that.

Then one day, he shows up in her room. An old dead guy. A really old famous dead guy. In living human form!

Thrilling story of battling good and evil in an ancient world.