On the Beat With Sheryl Steines at Wizard World 2021

My coverage of Wizard World Chicago 2021 continues with Sheryl Steines, a local author. Sheryl was one of my first interviews at a comic con.

I first met and interviewed author Sheryl at Wizard World Chicago 2011. She had just released her first book, The Day of the First Sun, in November 2010 and I love following authors from their beginning. That interview can be found at On the Beat With Sheryl Steines at Wizard World 2011.

In total, Sheryl has written six books. Five are stories of magic and mystery. Another, Introvert to Sales Goddess delves into the challenges and process of an introvert succeeding in the business world. I have Sheryl's books on my bookshelf, but I need to add that last one.

I love Sheryl's books. They are perfect mixes of romance, fantasy, magic, mystery and more. Sheryl weaves elements in and out flawlessly. I'm not a huge fan of the magic and fantasy genre, but I really enjoy Sheryl's books. I think Sheryl writes beautiful stories, that happen to include magic, fantasy and the other elements. A well-written story in any genre is always a treat.

I also follow Sheryl online on her social media accounts. Sheryl is very open about her writing process. I find it immensely interesting to read of her struggles and success in writing. The writing process fascinates me and Sheryl puts hers on display much to my delight.

At the recent Wizard World, Joey Roth joined the Johngy's Beat crew and handled the interview with Sheryl.They discussed her books, her work process through the pandemic and more. Joey's interview with Sheryl is at On the Beat With Sheryl Steines at Wizard World 2021.

Go to SherylSteines.com for more info on Sheryl and her books. Check WizardWorld.com for the latest news and updates.

Sheryl Steines at Lit Fest Chicago 2017

It's hard to believe I first met and interviewed author Sheryl Steines at Wizard World over 6 years ago.  That interview can be found at On the Beat With Sheryl Steines.

Sheryl's first book, The Day of First Sun, had been published about a year prior and she was doing book promotion.  The story features a magical murder of a non-magical princess.  I admit, it really wasn't my usual choice for reading, but it sounded unique, the reviews were good and Sheryl showed so much passion for it.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Day of First Sun.  It delivered as advertised.  It was interesting and unique.  It was like a fantasy detective novel.  It balanced everything and kept me engrossed and not wanting to put it down.  I couldn't wait to finish it, but I didn't want it to end.  I was comforted thinking this would only be the first book in a series.

I followed Sheryl's progress via social media and her website.  A couple years later, I saw a special post on her site.  She discussed another book, Introvert to Sales Goddess.  Her explanation is open, honest and appealed to my inner introvert.  Despite being totally intrigued, somehow I never got around to buying that book.  I will get that book.

At last summer's Lit Fest, I did pick up the much-anticipated follow-up to The Day of First Sun. which is Black Market (The Wizard Hall Chronicles Book 2).  FBI Special Agent Jack Ramsey once again pulls Annie Pearce into a magical mystery.  I intentionally went slow with this one, to make it last.  It took me a few weeks, but I always looked forward to coming home and jumping back into the magical world Sheryl created.

I highly encourage everyone to check out Sheryl at SherylSteines.com.  Along with info on her books, she updates it regularly.  It is a regular stop during my websurfing.

Aside from being a talented, passionate and hard-working author, Sheryl is a real sweetheart.  She has always made time to talk to me when we meet at various events.  I do my best to promote creative folks like Sheryl, because they deserve more eyes on their work and publishing is so difficult these days.  I also like to spread the word so more people can enjoy the tales she weaves.  I have no doubt you will enjoy her work as much as I do.

Sheryl Steines and me in Chicago, IL-June 2017.

Friend Encounters: Sheryl Steines and Joey Roth at Wizard World (...and Fan Expo)

Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends meeting celebrities. Today is a special edition in anticipation of the upcoming Fan Expo.

Fan Expo is less than one month away. Running July 7-10 in Rosemont, IL, Fan Expo takes over for Wizard World. Fan Expo promises to be just as fantastic as Wizard World always was.

One of my favorite guests at Wizard World was Sheryl Steines. I first met the Chicago area writer there years ago and have interviewed her several times since. Last year, Johngy's Beat Special Contributor Joey Roth handled the interviewing and that interview can be found at On the Beat With Sheryl Steines at Wizard World 2021.

An admitted television junkie, Sheryl credits Nancy Drew novels with inspiring her. That inspiration led to Sheryl's writing several books. Her first book, "The Day of the First Sun," was released in November of 2010. It is a supernatural murder mystery. The best description I saw for the book was it was a mystery about "the magical murder of a non-magical princess." The book appealed to me, because it seemed to be something unlike anything I have read.

I am not a huge fan of that genre, but I gave it a read and really enjoyed it. That book led to several more in her Wizard Hall Chronicles series.

Sheryl's writing is interesting and unique. She balances everything and keeps me engrossed. I can't wait to finish each book, but I never want it to end. At least I know there will be more.

One of the cool things about Sheryl is following her on social media. She posts about the process of writing, including rough patches. It makes me appreciate the finished product even more, but it shows how hard she works and how dedicated she is. I applaud her honesty and openness in putting that out there.

I look forward to seeing Sheryl at Fan Expo and hope to get an update interview with her. Sheryl will be one of several great creator friends I will see, as well as meeting new and different ones.

Go to SherylSteines.com for more info on Sheryl and her work. Go to FanExpoHQ.com for more info and scheduling.

Sheryl Steines and Joey Roth in Rosemont, IL-October 2021.

On the Beat with Sheryl Steines

I was really excited about meeting Sheryl Steines, an author from the Chicago area, at Wizard World.  I love finding authors early in their careers and watching as things develop.  Being able to actually talk to Sheryl made it very appealing.

Her first book, The Day of the First Sun, was released in November of 2010. It is a supernatural murder mystery.  The best description I saw for the book was that it was a mystery about "the magical murder of a non-magical princess".  The book appealed to me, because it seemed to be something unlike anything I have read.

Sheryl was very kind and receptive.  We discussed how she got into writing, The Day of the First Sun and her future plans.  She did give us a little hint of things to come when she said that the two main characters from The Day of the First Sun, Annie Pearce and Cham Chamsky, would be returning, but it won't necessarily be a murder mystery.

Since I have been following her blog, I discovered she had a great time at Wizard World and would be appearing again in 2012 with her next novel!  That is exciting news and hopefully I will have the opportunity to talk to her again.

I hope you enjoy learning a bit more about Sheryl in our interview below.  After watching it, please check out SherylSteines.blogspot.com or Sheryl's Facebook page for more info about her

Sheryl Steines at Fan Expo 2024

Fan Expo Chicago returns August 14-16. As usual, I will be "On the Beat" all weekend meeting all sorts of interesting folks.

One of the most interesting creators I have met is Sheryl Steines.I interviewed Sheryl one of the first times I met her. That was a typical coverage interview for Wizard World. Since then though, i really became a fan of her work.

At some point I learned her love of writing started with reading Nancy Drew mysteries. As a big fan of The Hardy Boys books (counterparts to Nancy Drew), I certainly could appreciate that.

Sheryl bills her work as urban fantasy and mystery. Her stories are very character-driven. It is easy to get drawn into the characters once we get to know them. Sheryl does a great job with character development. She also tends to focus on strong women characters, but not at the expense of male ones or stories. Again, Sheryl does a wonderful job with balancing all. That is what makes her a fantastic writer.

She is also a very nice person. She always has time to chat with me. I enjoy seeing her at conventions and checking out what is new with her and her work.

One additional impressive part of Sheryl is she is active on social media and is not afraid to express frustration during dry writing spells. Sheryl shows it isn't always easy, but she shows her talent wins in the end.

I don't know if Sheryl will be at Fan Expo this year, but Artist Alley is filled with dozens of creative folks. You can get more info on Fan Expo and fanexpohq.com. Also, check out Sheryl at sherylsteines.com.

Sheryl and me in Rosemont, IL-August 2024.

Joey Roth at Wizard World and Elsewhere

Joey Roth is the Main Event Villain of wrestling. He is also half of the Symbols of Wrestling (along with Roxi Heart). He is an actor, wrestler, manager, host and much more. Over the last couple years, he has added Johngy's Beat interviewer to his already massive resume.

Last year at Wizard World Chicago, Joey interviewed several creators, including author Sheryl Steines, author artist DJ Corchin and more. Joey brings a new angle to these interviews. Having done interviews at Wizard World for 15 years, I can use a fresh perspective and Joey brings that and more. Many on the wrestling scene will tell you he is fresh.

Of course, in that world, many other adjectives are used for Joey. While many seem to be ngative, Joey thrives on all of them. He does his job well. I don't want to spoil the illusion and give you a peak behind the curtain, but Joey is actually a nice guy. Just don't tell him I said that.

Last year was the last year for Wizard World as we know it. Acquired by Fan Expo, Wizard World's spirit will live on. Fan Expo has announced many events this year, including Chicago July 7-10. I hope to have Joey back on board for a new round of interviews at Fan Expo Chicago 2022.

Check out Joey on Facebook to get news of his appearances. Also, go to FanExpoHQ.com for news and updates on that convention.

Joey Roth and me in Rosemont, IL-September 2021.