Urban Reviews: Start by
telling us about My Soul Cries Out?
Sherri L. Lewis:
My Soul Cries Out is
the story of a woman's perfect world falling apart the day
she comes home to find her husband of two years in bed
with another man. She discovers that he's had a
lifelong struggle with homosexuality that began when he
was molested by a deacon at the age of ten. She must
develop an intimate relationship with God to not only
overcome the devastation of her marriage caused by the
betrayal but also the health problems that result from her
"eating herself to death" for comfort. My Soul Cries
Out is a compassionate view of homosexuality in the
church and the power of God to help individuals overcome
whatever problems they're faced with.
Urban Reviews: Where did
you come up with the idea for this story?
Sherri L. Lewis:
I initially wanted to write a
story about a Christian woman going through a divorce.
I wanted to create a situation where no one in the church
world could question her right to get a divorce. I
also thought about several dear friends I've known in
church who loved God with all their heart just like I did,
but were struggling with their sexual identity. They
lived hell daily, but no one knows their struggle.
The church is too busy ignoring homosexuals to care.
Urban Reviews: How did
you find out about your book deal? Did you expect to ever
get a major book deal?
Sherri L. Lewis:
I actually received an email
that I had gotten the book deal. I was in my office
at work and screamed so loud, my nurse thought I had been
attacked (I work as a doctor in a women's prison). I had
faith that I would get a book deal - I had worked hard to
write the best book I could write, plus I'm God's spoiled
brat daughter - He usually gives me everything I ask for -
eventually. He made me wait four years for this one
though, and I had gotten somewhat discouraged with years
of rejection. I think I would have quit trying if
this last attempt had ended in rejection.
Urban Reviews: Do you
think you were destined to do Christian Fiction, or are
there other types of books that you'd like to write in the
future?
Sherri L. Lewis:
Definitely destined to write
Christian fiction. I love the power of story.
I'm a God's girl through and through and can't imagine
writing anything that didn't have Him as the central
theme. It's such a great way of life to me that I
want to share it. Everyone should enjoy this kind of
happiness. I have some Christian non-fiction
projects in my heart I'd like to share as well.
Urban Reviews: Do you
have any upcoming projects? Don't you have yet
another title being released in a couple months?
Sherri L. Lewis:
My second novel, Dance
Into Destiny, will be released in January of 2008.
It's the story of a purposeless socialite who's depressed
because she feels like her life is meaningless and a
purpose-driven church mouse who needs more balance in her
life. They meet and go on an awesome journey of
friendship and intimacy with God that leads them in
passionate pursuit of their purpose and destiny in Him.
It was actually the first book I wrote but My Soul
Cries Out got signed first.
Urban Reviews:
Are there any authors or books that were influential in
you becoming a writer?
Sherri L. Lewis:
I love Pearl Cleage, J.
California Cooper, the late Bebe Moore Campbell, Eric
Jerome Dickey, and Victoria Christopher Murray to name a
few. There have been MANY writing craft books I kept
reading every time I got a rejection letter to improve my
craft and write the best book I could write.
Urban Reviews: Christian
Fiction seems to be on the rise in popularity. Do
you think this is the case?
Sherri L. Lewis:
Apparently Christian Fiction
is on the rise. I think people enjoy clean,
inspiring stories of hope and faith.
