In this engaging episode of Author Express, Kathleen Basi hosts Sharon M. Peterson, whose romcom The Fast Lane has been lauded for its wit and heartfelt moments. Sharon reveals the most interesting fact about her small town, discusses her unique writing process, and shares an amusing anecdote about her inexplicable fear of poodles. Listen as Sharon talks about her inspiration for characters, touching on real-life experiences and how she navigates writing disabilities authentically. Tune in for a blend of humor, sincerity, and literary wisdom that will inspire both readers and writers alike.
Sharon M. Peterson writes romantic comedies that will make you laugh. Readers have praised her books, not only for their humor, but for her ability to write relatable, memorable characters you’d want to be friends in real life. Sharon has always used humor to deal with the messy, hard things that life throws her way. Her favorite quote, from Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath, is: “It was her habit to build up laughter from inadequate materials.” Life has given her lots of inadequate material. As a mom to four children, including her two sons with autism, there are often challenges (and more than a little chaos). Being able to find humor in hard situations is her superpower. Laughter in the middle of tough times is, at its core, hope. Not all is lost if we can find a way to smile through it.
Her roots are in women’s fiction so her romcoms are full of messy families, emotional character arcs, and lovable side characters. She also doesn’t believe the best love stories are about perfect size twos and billionaires. For her, the real romances are the ones we see every day. We all have a love story to share, and she loves exploring how us real folks fall in love. And the best part? These love stories always have happy endings. Both romance and humor are essentially about hope—hope for a better day, a new future, in the here-and-now. Hope has been a driving force in Sharon’s life, and she loves to share that with other people through her stories.
Her debut novel, The Do-Over, was released in August of 2022 (Bookouture) and while it’s never been a best seller, it has steadily won over the hearts of readers. It’s being translated into five languages and was recently released as a trade paperback with Grand Central. She’s released two other romcoms, The Fake Out and The Fast Lane, over the last two years.
If you would like to see her on a daily basis, check her out on Instagram at @stone4031 or visit her website at www.sharonmpeterson.com. Her books are available in paperback, on audiobook, and in Kindle Unlimited. You should definitely read them.
Support your local bookstore & this podcast by getting your copy of her debut novel The Do-Over and romcoms The Fake Out & The Fast Lane at Bookshop.org.
A little about today's host-
Author and musical composer Kathleen Basi is mother to three boys and one chromosomally-gifted daughter. Her debut novel, A SONG FOR THE ROAD, follows a musician on an unconventional road trip. Bestselling author Kerry Anne King writes, “In a novel filled with music, heartbreak, and surprising laughter, Basi takes us on a journey that encompasses both unimaginable loss and the powerful resilience of the human heart.”
Meaty, earnest, occasionally humorous, and ultimately uplifting, Kathleen’s fiction highlights the best within ourselves and each other. She writes monthly reflections on life, writing and beauty on her newsletter. Subscribe at https://kathleenbasi.substack.com/.
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