Bonus Episode with Arwyn Sherman

Hey friends! Welcome to another Indie Author Spotlight Bonus Episode! Hopefully you read the feature on Arwyn over on The Writer's Workout website, where I'm a volunteer. If not, do not pass GO! Do not collect $100. I'm telling you, you don't want to miss knowing more about Arwyn, so do an about-face, turn around, read it then return.

photography by Arwyn Sherman

What does your writing ritual look like? 

Whenever I’m about to write I have to get a hot beverage–even in the summer. There’s something about getting a drink and getting settled in that helps me focus. I have a writing group I go to on Sundays where we all meet up at a coffee shop and write together. The consistency of that has really done a lot for my productivity. Sometimes that’s the only writing I get done in a week but two hours each week really does add up. 

What’s the worst advice you’ve ever received as an Indie Author? 

I’ve unfortunately received a lot of bad advice in my time writing. I guess all I’ll say is to only take advice and guidance from people whom you trust and whose careers are going in the direction you want to go as well. There are truly no hard and fast rules and at the end of the day no one really knows what they’re doing.  

Author Arwyn Sherman

What’s your go to book, movie or musical artist when you need some inspiration (or just a break from the keyboard)? Why? 

I have a writing playlist that consists of Bad Omens, Nothing More, Architects, Des Rocs, Chevelle, Reign Wolf, Smile Empty Soul, Linkin Park, Bring Me the Horizon, Too Close To Touch and whatever odds and ends I find. I like Daddy’s Girl by Halo Kitsch and Wasteland by 10 Years, and some mehro. 

In terms of media, I’m always looking for what I call the ‘fuck yeah’ feeling afterwards. It’s the feeling I get whenever I watch or read something that just hits that inspiration button in me. A piece of art that's done so well it leaves me ruminating and a sense of satisfaction. For books that would be The Earthquake Bird, The Hunger Games, Blood Red Road, No Country for Old Men, and Station Eleven.

For movies, I love how they adapted The Hunger Games and rewatch (and re-read) that regularly. It’s a comfort movie for me. And, of course, Constantine. I also love John Wick. A final favorite movie is Before I Disappear, which is both beautiful and haunting while at times being hilarious. 

If you could snap your fingers and be “known” for one piece of your writing, what would it be? Is it something already published? Or is it something in your heart you’ve not yet written? 

Definitely my debut We, the Missing. Or my short story in Rattus Futura about ferrets in space committing domestic terrorism. I’d be happy with either. 

Unspash Yulia Vambold

Any other tidbits you wanna share?

I have two ferrets I’m obsessed with and three cats that I’m also obsessed with. One of my ferrets has a rare autoimmune disorder called DIM, which is where most of my writing money goes. She’s great though and I love her to pieces.

Do you have a newsletter you want people to sign-up for? Link it here: 

Yes I’m on substack! https://shermanarwyn.substack.com/