Follow Me Friday: Blog Style July 6

Hi! Welcome to Follow Me Friday: Blog Style!  I believe that  book bloggers should help one another, because well, we all have one thing in common- the love of blogging, and books. I've had the pleasure of meeting and networking with some great bloggers out there, and my little tribute to everyone is to start up this fun Friday post!  The power of uniting has helped Storm Goddess Book Reviews & More grow into what it is today, and I'm not about to forget the help I've gotten to achieve this goal.  My hopes in starting this is to get other blogs some more followers, whether they are a well known blog or a small one, a blog that's just starting out. I'm here to help. 




This Friday I'd like to feature Friday Flames.  The owner/create of this blog is Sheri Fredricks.  I hope you'll follow along as I ask some questions pertaining to the blog, and a few fun questions. Ready? Let's begin!




Hi! Welcome to Storm Goddess Book Reviews and More! I'm really excited about this, and glad that you have taken part of the fun!

You’re excited? Ha! I’m excited too, and you can take a flame thrower to that!

So, tell us a little bit about yourself!

Believe it or not, I’m a cowgirl. While I don’t wear the flat-heeled Ropers and my designer western jeans all the time, I yam what I yam — and that’s all that I yam! I live on our little ranch with my husband and our two male spawns. Here’a pic of my husband’s fine ass when he competed at the National Finals for sheep dog trials:

I stopped working outside the home after birthing my second spawn. A hard decision to make, but I’m forever grateful to God’s wisdom in opening that door. Now I work fulltime at romance writing, fulltime in my husband’s office—he’s a contractor, and I joyfully perform my duties as communications coordinator for my family!


What made you decide to start a blog?

The pressure from the publishing world demanded I start a blog. When I was near completion of Remedy Maker, I read repeatedly how agents wanted to see an online presence from their authors. If it came down to it, having a blog and website could be a make it or break it deal with them.


How did you come up with a blog name?

The name of the blog is Sheri Fredricks, Modern Mythic Romance. And what I’m finding out is the name isn’t as well known as the headlining feature. My author name might be unknown to some, but many in the romance circles have heard of my weekly event, Friday Flames. Therefore, I have a double answer to your question.

The first answer is simple: My author name titles the blog, followed by the genre.

The second answer would be about Friday Flames. I studied the many blogs entering my inbox, and chose a day with the least posts connected to it, which happened to be Friday. Then I brainstormed, listing as many topics as I could without it being redundant to what was already out there. Once the topic was chosen, it was a simple matter of noodling the name.

How many people do you have on staff, and how do you decide who does what job? 

It’s just me, myself, and I. But I’d LOVE to have a virtual assistant one day.


How long has your blog been live/active?

*Blank stare* Oh man . . . I don’t know. Six months now, maybe less.


What type of things do you do? Services you provide? 

Friday Flames is a place where authors can showcase their steamy scenes. It can be everything from closed door (meaning the sexual tension leading to a scene, as in Young Adult or Sweet Romance) to Erotic, and tells all in a graphic nature. I do include a Content Warning label to click on in order to enter the site. Like that ever stopped me when I was underage. Ha!


What are THREE unique things about your blog?

I’ll sound them off in Japanese numerals:

Ichi:  My blog is participant driven. It goes where those who post take it.

Ni: Every week, the visit meter goes up by an average of 50 hits. I know this isn’t anything unique, per se, but it’s a good indication that Friday Flames is catching on! It’s up to 300 hits per post these days.

San: This isn’t about me. I urge authors to leave their web addresses. Share their Amazon buy links, their website or blog links, etc. There are a lot more readers than there are writers who peruse my blog. I can’t tell you how many times my blog readers have contacted me inquiring about an author who posted a scene and didn’t leave their information. People want to buy! Leave your links!




How do you go about spreading the word about your blog, and the posts?

This is another area of expansion. I post a reminder to my online writing groups. I also share on all my groups on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn groups, and Triberr tribes. Best of all, I have wonderful friends who share my links with others — and that means so much to me.

What's the best thing about blogging?

For me, the best thing about blogging is the opportunity to pay it forward and help others.


What's the hardest thing about being a blogger?

With a full busy life outside of writing, sometimes it’s hard to be consistent. There’s been a few times when Friday Flames wasn’t posted, and I felt like I let everyone down.


Besides blogging, what are some of your other hobbies and passions?

I mentioned above that I’m also an author. My first release, Portals of Oz, published on June 29. My debut novel, Remedy Maker, releases on July 27. I’m passionate about my writing. (And yes, I’m passionate about you, too, husband o’ mine!)

I used to have more hobbies that blended with things my family enjoyed doing, but it seems our tastes have changed over the years. Whereas our horses used to hold top rank, now it’s the border collies. We still have the horses and I still enjoy going for rides, and working cattle at the brandings. I also enjoy my time in the morning where I exercise and clear my head.

Which author have you not hosted on your blog that you'd LOVE to have?

It’s hard to name just one! That is SO not fair! I’m split between Cherry Adair and Jacqueline Frank.


Where can readers find you?  How many ways to follow do you have?

“You just call out my name . . . and you know wherever I am . . . I’ll come running, to see you again.”

You can find me at these online locations:

Website: www.sherifredricks.com
Blogsite:   www.sherifredricks.blogspot.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SheriFredricks
Twitter: http://twitter.com/Sheri_Fredricks
Google+:   http://gplus.to/Sheri Fredricks

On both my website and blogsite, just click to join and receive weekly updates.



Most memorable post?


Science Fiction/Horror author Robert Sadler stopped by. Do you know he wrote a seductive short story just for Friday Flames?? It was longer than what is normally posted, but the story was fantastic. The flurry on Facebook following his post applauded his contribution and voted for publication. I was humbled, to say the least, that Mr. Sadler planned this in advance. Wow.



Let's share some firsts!

First post:  March 2, 2012 (what a surprise to me!)

First guest post:  First scene ever posted was contributed by D’Ann Lindun.

First milestone:  May 4, 2012 – 317 hits in one day! An all-time high.

First great compliment about your blog:  March 2, 2012, “Ooh, Ooh, Sheri! The blog was already Extinguisher Worthy before I even got here! Leanore Elliott



And now for some fun questions!

Three books on your keeper's shelf.

1.  Save The Cat, by Blake Snyder
2.  Love’s Prophecy, by Brenda M. Dyer
3.  Don’t Squat With Yer Spurs On!, by Texas Bix Bender

Favorite authors?

1. Cherry Adair
2. Jacquelyn Frank
3. Sandra Hill


Book you've re-read the most?

The Holy Bible


Favorite TV show?

You’re assuming I’m allowed to watch MY shows! In a perfect world, I would watch True Blood, and anything else paranormal. I say “anything else”, because it’s been so damn long since I’ve watched TV, I don’t even know what’s on anymore. The spawns and hubby watch Storage Wars and MMA. I tried to rent videos, and discovered someone broke the DVD player and didn’t say anything!


Favorite color?

Shocking pink.

What's your dream job?

If this writing gig pays well, then I’ll be living it. Oh please, oh please, oh please!


If you could travel anywhere in the world, no money holding you back, where would you go?

When the Hubster and I were planning our budget wedding, we looked at a variety of places for our honeymoon. One trip that has always stuck in my mind was the Pub Crawl on horseback in Ireland. Every day, you ride up to 20 miles to a designated pub, and stay in a B&B that’s horse friendly.

Anything else you'd like to add in, maybe something I didn't ask in the interview that you'd love to share with readers?

If you have an idea for a blog that you’d like to see, email me. I hope you’ll visit Friday Flames soon. Don’t forget your iced tea and air conditioning —you’ll need it!


I really appreciate you answering my questions, Sheri! You are so funny btw. Thanks for making it out to Follow Me Friday, and good luck on all your ventures!  It's great getting to know other bloggers that share the same interests as I do.  

Nikki, thank you so much for having me on Follow Me Friday! You’re better than a therapist and tons of fun, too.


Readers, I hope you'll check out this blog and give it a follow if you haven't already!