Author Archives: Sherri Matthews

About Sherri Matthews

Once upon a time, Sherri emigrated from her native England to America and stayed for twenty years, raising her three children in California. Today, she lives in England's West Country with her family, shepherded by two little black cats. Always home, forever homesick.

Book Review: The Art of Memoir by Mary Karr

Posted on October 2, 2015 by Sherri Matthews

Mary Karr’s newly released The Art of Memoir couldn’t have arrived at a better time for me. As bestselling author of The Liar’s Club, Cherry and Lit, and teacher of the form for thirty years, I couldn’t wait to devour … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review | Tagged Book Review, Books, Harper Collins, Mary Karr, Memoir, Memoirist, Reading, writing | 87 Comments

First Draft Fever: Of Memoir And A Supermoon

Posted on September 30, 2015 by Sherri Matthews

Two of my favourite songs growing up were ‘Jackson‘ and ‘These Boots Are Made For Walkin’ ‘. As a child, I didn’t understand why anyone would want to get married in a fever (why would you want to get married … Continue reading →

Posted in Blogging, Memoir, Travel, Writing | Tagged Blogging, Devon, First Draft, France, Memoir, music, Photos of Sunset, Sunset, Supermoon, travel, writing | 94 Comments

Chasing The Finish Line

Posted on August 24, 2015 by Sherri Matthews

Those of you who read my blog regularly know that my laptop – sent off for repair – ended up missing somewhere in the Czech Republic. Well, I never did get it back. I eventually heard from the computer shop … Continue reading →

Posted in Blogging, Flash Fiction, My Dad's Alcoholic Prison | Tagged 99 Word Flash Fiction, Alcoholism, Bench Series, Blogging, Chinese Button Quails, Computers, Memoir, postaday, Weekly Photo Challenge, Werewolves, writing | 129 Comments

Back Up: 99 Word Flash Fiction And The Stigma of Asperger’s Syndrome

Posted on August 18, 2015 by Sherri Matthews

When my daughter was sixteen and battling chronic anxiety which made school practically impossible for her, our GP referred her for counselling. She took her time to do her make up and dress in her unique, slightly goth/punk style and … Continue reading →

Posted in Asperger's Syndrome, Flash Fiction | Tagged 99 Word Flash Fiction, Advocacy, Anxiety, Asperger's Syndrome, Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Benefits, Carers, Mental Health, PTSD, Stigma, Veteran's Administration, Welfare | 98 Comments

My Meet-up With Fellow Blogger, Sherri Matthews

Posted on August 17, 2015 by Sherri Matthews

Originally posted on Sarah Potter Writes:
Last Monday, I met up with the wonderful Sherri Matthews who blogs at A View From My Summerhouse. Sherri and I have become firm emailing friends (the modern equivalent of pen friends) since she…

Posted in Friendship, Reblogs | Tagged Blogging Friends, Blolgging Community, Friendship, Reblog | 27 Comments

Barking: 99 Word Flash Fiction

Posted on August 11, 2015 by Sherri Matthews

Tailgaters are rude, selfish and arrogant. Today, I got my own back. Driving on a dual carriageway (two lane freeway), I pulled out into the fast lane to overtake a slow van and an even slower car just ahead. And … Continue reading →

Posted in Flash Fiction | Tagged 99 Word Flash Fiction, Car Accidents, Deer, Driving, Humour, Road rage, Tailgating, Werewolves | 118 Comments

In The Presence Of A Hedgehog

Posted on August 8, 2015 by Sherri Matthews

George Washington Carver was an African-American botanist born into slavery somewhere around 1864 (the exact date of his birth is unknown). He went on to receive many honours for his work, which ultimately helped teach poor, farming families how to … Continue reading →

Posted in Birds of a Feather, Childhood Memories, Nature & Wildlife | Tagged Beatrix Potter, Devon, English Countryside, Fairies, George Washington Carver, Hedgehogs, Mrs Tiggywinkle, Nature & Wildlife, Squirrels, travel, Weekly Photo Challenge | 78 Comments

Bring It On! The Annual Bloggers Bash 2015

Posted on August 3, 2015 by Sherri Matthews

Well, I did it! I made the Annual Bloggers Bash 2015 in London by the skin of my teeth. Hubby and I caught the train to Waterloo Station on Saturday morning, then the Underground to Euston Station; a short walk … Continue reading →

Posted in Blogging, Friendship, Travel | Tagged Annual Bloggers Bash 2015, Annual Bloggers Bash Awards 2015, Blogging, Blogging Community, Friendship, London, Train Journey, travel | 101 Comments

Five Photos, Five Stories Challenge Day Five: The Parsley Incident

Posted on July 31, 2015 by Sherri Matthews

While I didn’t have the language barrier to contend with when I moved to America in the 1980s, I had plenty of new words and expressions to learn. For instance, I once spent too much time walking around a supermarket … Continue reading →

Posted in Childhood Memories, Family Life, Photo/Story Challenges, Travel | Tagged American Diners, Bench Photo, Bench Series, Childhood memories, Dennys, Family Life, Five Photo/Five Stories Challenge, food, Personal Narrative, travel | 97 Comments

Jewel Of A Surprise – 99 Word Flash Fiction

Posted on July 28, 2015 by Sherri Matthews

What moves one person may not move the other. It’s all about perspective. This week for the Flash Fiction prompt over at Carrot Ranch, Charli ask us this: ‘In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story that … Continue reading →