Author Archives: Sherri Matthews

About Sherri Matthews

Sherri's work is published in magazines, anthologies, her Summerhouse blog, and memoir column at Carrot Ranch, an online literary community. As a young mum of three, she emigrated from the UK to California and stayed for twenty years. Today she lives in England's West Country with her family and two beautiful black kitties. A keen walker and photographer, she is working hard on her memoir. Her 2021 entry to Fish Publishing Short Memoir Prize was shortlisted and also received a special mention at Spread the Word Life Writing Prize.

Dispatches From Lockdown In An English Spring

Posted on April 3, 2020 by Sherri Matthews

We humans are resourceful. We adjust. We have to. My mother lives in her snug, safe home across the garden from us, but I can’t get close or hug her, because she is self-isolating, sheilded from the outside and coronovirus. … Continue reading →

Posted in Coronovirus | Tagged Coronovirus, Isolation, Key Workers, Lockdown, Photos English Countryside, Photos of English Spring Garden, Self Distancing, Supermarkets, thank you, Walking, Working From Home, Writer's Brain Fog, Writing From Home | 77 Comments

A Plea From The Ranks Of Carers At Home

Posted on March 19, 2020 by Sherri Matthews

I write this as a plea. Our Prime Minister tells us to stop panic buying, there’s enough for all, stock up in case you need to self-isolate for 14 days, but leave some for others. Please. Mr Johnson, I would … Continue reading →

Posted in Carers, Coronovirus | Tagged Asperger's Syndrome, Carers, Coronovirus, Covid-19, Kindness, Panic Buying, Sandwich Generation, Self Distancing, Self Isolating, Social Isolation, Supermarkets, The Elderly, The vulnerable | 72 Comments

Still Sweet Robin Sings

Posted on March 12, 2020 by Sherri Matthews

The world has gone mad, my family’s needs call… but still Sweet Robin sings. And the blackbird too. Take care all, keep safe and be well… This too shall pass.

Posted in Nature & Wildlife | Tagged Blackbird Photo, British Robin Photo, Nature & Wildlife | 32 Comments

Book Tour With Author M J Mallon And Mr Sagittarius

Posted on February 18, 2020 by Sherri Matthews

Today, I am thrilled to host talented author and lovely friend, M J Mallon. I have had the good fortune of meeting Marje several times, and she is as kind and as friendly as her smile attests. Marje is on … Continue reading →

Posted in Guest Blogs | Tagged Author M J Mallon, Book Launch, Book Tour, Guest Post, Mr Sagittarius, Poetry | 46 Comments

Happy New Valentines Day With Memoir Pitching Tips

Posted on February 14, 2020 by Sherri Matthews

Not quite the jaunty start to 2020 I hoped for, but at least I can wish you a Happy New Year and Valentines Day at the same time. One reason for my absence is my self-imposed, many-weeks long assignment to … Continue reading →

Posted in Memoir | Tagged Agent Submissions, Anne R Allen, Elevator Pitch, English Coastline, Happy Valentines Day, Jane Friedman, Memoir, Memoir Pitching Tips, Pitching to Agents, Query Letters, Ruth Harris, Storms, Synopsis, Traditional Publishing | 36 Comments

What I Wanted To Tell You At Christmas

Posted on December 17, 2019 by Sherri Matthews

What I wanted to tell you at Christmas is how spectacular the illuminations at Stourhead this year. I wanted to show you the carpet of lights twinkling down to the lake and the Pantheon lit up like a beacon in … Continue reading →

Posted in Christmas | Tagged Charlie Mackesy, Christmas, City of Bath, depression, Friendship, hope, Light and Dark, Lonliness, love, Memoir, Stourhead Illuminations 2019, The boy the Mole the Fox and the Horse, Writing Contests, Writing fears | 67 Comments

Book Blog Tour: The Last Will of Sven Anderson by Geoff Le Pard

Posted on December 9, 2019 by Sherri Matthews

Seasons Greetings, all! Things might have seemed quiet here at the summerhouse, but it’s been a buzz of activity behind the scenes. More on that next week in my Christmas post. For now, it’s great to return with a hearty … Continue reading →

Posted in Guest Blogs | Tagged Annual Bloggers Bash, Book Launch, Book Promotion, Geoff Le Pard, Guest Post, The Last Will of Sven Anderson | 58 Comments

For Stories Yet To Be Written

Posted on October 1, 2019 by Sherri Matthews

In early September, my family whisked me away to a delightful cottage (a one time Calvinist chapel) in the heart of the beautiful Sussex countryside. This was my ‘big’ birthday getaway, plotted and planned with great secrecy. With stunning views … Continue reading →

Posted in Inspirational | Tagged Andy Poplar, Artisan Small Businesses, Battle of Hastings, Creativity, Family Celebrations, Holly & Co, Ideas etched in glass, Inspiration, love, Memoir, Mental Health, Sussex, Vinegar & Brown Paper, writing | 46 Comments

‘More Glimpses’ And A Secret With Hugh W Roberts

Posted on September 23, 2019 by Sherri Matthews

Greetings, dear friends! After a few weeks away at work (memoir submission) and play (birthday fun, catch up post next week), today I’m delighted to welcome author, Hugh W Roberts, to the Summerhouse. Hugh is on book blog tour with … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Tour Posts | Tagged Black Mirror, Book Blog Tour, Book Promotion, Book Review, Book Writing, Dyslexia, Glimpses, Guest Blog, Hugh W Roberts, More Glimpses, Secrets, Short Story Collection, Twilight Zone | 64 Comments

Sally’s Cafe and Bookstore – New Series – Sunday Author Interview – Coming Soon.

Posted on August 22, 2019 by Sherri Matthews

Originally posted on Smorgasbord Blog Magazine:
Welcome to the new Sunday Interview series, and this time, the focus is on the authors in the Cafe and Bookstore. At any time there are approximately 150 authors in the Cafe and Bookstore…