Exploring Diverse Genres with Cheryl Burman
Burman seamlessly transitions between historical fiction and fantasy, captivating readers with her unique voice and storytelling prowess.
Cheryl Burman, inspired by Australia and the Forest of Dean, crafts diverse, genre-spanning stories, blending history, myth, and personal struggle, while mentoring young writers through Dean Scribblers.
Cheryl Burman, a distinguished author with roots in both Australia and the Forest of Dean, UK, has made a significant mark in the realms of historical fiction and fantasy. Her diverse background and rich life experiences have imbued her writing with a depth and authenticity that captivates readers worldwide. Burman’s impressive body of work includes two award-winning historical fiction novels, one of which has reached bestseller status on US Amazon, as well as two novellas and a captivating fantasy series for younger audiences. Her short stories and flash fiction, celebrated for their narrative prowess, have been featured in various collections and anthologies.
A dedicated student of the writing craft, Burman shares her insights through articles and a popular blog, guiding aspiring writers with her expertise. Writing under the name Cheryl Mayo, she has also played a pivotal role in nurturing local literary talent as the former chair of the Dean Writers Circle and a founder of Dean Scribblers, a group dedicated to fostering creative writing among young people in her community.
In a recent interview, Cheryl Burman delved into the profound influence of her Australian heritage and her life in the Forest of Dean on her storytelling. She discussed the inspiration behind her diverse genres, the development of beloved characters like Alf from “Walking in the Rain,” and the historical and mythical elements that enrich her narratives. Burman also reflected on her work with young writers and offered valuable advice to those embarking on their own literary journeys.
Burman’s experiences in both Australia and the Forest of Dean have significantly shaped her writing. She draws inspiration from these diverse settings, which influence the themes and characters in her stories. Australia, where she was born and raised, provides a rich tapestry of memories and family lore that she weaves into her women’s fiction novel “Keepers” and its two spinoffs. Set in post-World War II Australia, the story is loosely based on real events, allowing Burman to play with the personalities of friends and family, creating new characters and placing them in historical contexts.
Cheryl Burman captivates readers with her authentic storytelling, seamlessly blending history and fantasy, and inspiring young writers worldwide.
The Forest of Dean, where Burman moved later in life, offers a different kind of inspiration. This region, steeped in history, legend, and ancient traditions, whispers countless stories to her willing ears. These secondhand experiences fuel her imagination, allowing her to craft narratives that resonate with readers.
Burman’s writing spans multiple genres, from middle-grade fantasy to historical fantasy. Her motivation to explore such diverse literary landscapes stems from her eclectic reading habits. She views switching between genres not as a challenge but as an opportunity to tell new stories in ways that suit their target audiences. Over time, she has developed her own unique style, or “voice,” which serves as a unifying factor across her works, providing readers with the assurance that they are about to enjoy “another Cheryl book.”
In her latest work, “Walking in the Rain,” Burman explores themes of love, regret, and second chances through the character of Alf. His journey from being a self-sacrificing sidekick to finding his own happiness was a delight for Burman to write. Alf’s character arc is steady and thoughtful, reflecting his inner turmoil and eventual decision to embrace life on his own terms.
“River Witch,” another of Burman’s works, is set in 19th-century England and follows Hester as she battles societal expectations and personal ambitions. The story was inspired by a real-life account of a woman tried for witchcraft in the Forest of Dean in 1906. Burman combined elements of myth and legend to create a historical fantasy that explores themes of empowerment, resilience, and reconciliation.
As a founder of Dean Scribblers, Burman encourages young people to explore creative writing. This experience has shown her that even young writers have a keen understanding of the world and can portray deep emotion in their stories. Her advice to aspiring young authors is simple: keep writing.
Burman’s novels often weave elements of history, myth, and personal struggle to create engaging and relatable narratives. She believes that all readable fiction is about personal struggle, the hero’s journey. History and myth provide the backdrops to her stories, driving character behavior and informing their struggles. For Burman, relevance is key to creating believable characters in their settings, ensuring that her narratives resonate with readers.