35 Facts About Cheryl Bradshaw

Cheryl Bradshaw's Early Life and Education

Cheryl Bradshaw's journey began in Southern California, where she was born and raised. Her early years laid the foundation for a life filled with creativity and intrigue.

1. Cheryl Bradshaw was born and raised in Southern California.
2. She comes from a family of four, including her parents and one sister.
3. Bradshaw attended Dixie State College in Utah after graduating from high school in California.
4. She is a certified Montessori teacher and also held a real estate license at one point in her life.

Career Before Writing

Before becoming a bestselling author, Bradshaw explored different career paths that influenced her storytelling abilities.

5. Bradshaw had a career in education, working as a Montessori teacher.
6. She also worked in real estate, which likely helped her develop detailed and engaging stories.

The Dating Game Experience

One of the most intriguing chapters of Bradshaw's life was her appearance on the TV show "The Dating Game."

7. In 1978, Bradshaw appeared on the popular TV matchmaking show "The Dating Game."
8. She chose Rodney Alcala as her match, unaware that he was a serial killer.
9. Bradshaw declined Alcala's date, citing "weird vibes" she sensed from him.
10. Rodney Alcala was later convicted of multiple murders and became infamous as the "Dating Game Killer."

Writing Career and Success

Bradshaw's writing career took off in 2011, and she has since become a USA Today Bestselling Author.

11. Bradshaw began her writing career at a young age but didn't start publishing until 2011.
12. Her first full-length novel, "Black Diamond Death," was published in 2009.
13. The success of "Black Diamond Death" led to the creation of the Sloane Monroe series.
14. She has written six novels in the Sloane Monroe series, including "Hush Now Baby."
15. Bradshaw also wrote a paranormal thriller series called Addison Lockhart, starting with "Grayson Manor Haunting."

Social Media and Online Presence

Bradshaw has effectively used social media to connect with her readers and promote her work.

16. Bradshaw is active on various social media platforms, including Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest.
17. She was named one of Twitter’s seven best authors to follow in 2012.

Writing Style and Inspiration

Bradshaw's unique writing style and inspirations have contributed to her success as an author.

18. Her writing style is characterized by intricate plots and engaging characters.
19. Bradshaw does not outline her stories, preferring to let the words flow naturally.
20. Authors like Agatha Christie and Robert B. Parker have influenced her style and approach to storytelling.

Publishing Decisions and Professional Support

Bradshaw's journey in the publishing world reflects her determination and adaptability.

21. She initially self-published her books due to impatience with the traditional publishing process.
22. In 2013, she joined a literary agency in New York City, allowing her to reach a wider audience.
23. Bradshaw uses professional editors, cover designers, and beta readers to ensure the quality of her work.

Personal Life and Interests

Beyond her writing career, Bradshaw leads a fulfilling personal life with various hobbies and interests.

24. Bradshaw is married and has one daughter and two step-daughters.
25. She enjoys traveling and visiting new places, which often inspires her writing.
26. Her favorite foods are clean and healthy, with an occasional indulgence in dark chocolate.
27. Bradshaw prefers the color pink and listens to soundtracks like "Sense and Sensibility" for inspiration.
28. She enjoys watching TV shows related to forensics and history, such as those on the ID Discovery and History Channel.

Achievements and Recognition

Bradshaw's work has received significant recognition within the literary community.

29. In 2013, her novel "Stranger in Town" was chosen as a Shamus Award finalist.
30. She was the only female nominated in her category that year.

Community and Legacy

Bradshaw's contributions extend beyond her writing, impacting the literary community and aspiring authors.

31. She founded IWU on Facebook, a writers group with over 2,000 members.
32. Bradshaw's advice to other writers emphasizes continuous learning and perseverance.
33. She hopes to one day become an ambassador for UNICEF, aligning with her passion for helping children.

Future of Book Publishing

Bradshaw has insightful views on the evolving landscape of book publishing.

34. She believes that ebooks will continue to thrive in the future of book publishing.
35. Bradshaw advocates for fair collaboration between publishers and indie authors, recognizing the potential for both traditional and self-publishing models to coexist successfully.

Cheryl Bradshaw: A Life of Intrigue and Creativity

Cheryl Bradshaw's journey from a Montessori teacher to a USA Today Bestselling Author is nothing short of fascinating. Her close call with Rodney Alcala on "The Dating Game" adds a chilling twist to her story, highlighting her sharp instincts. Transitioning from education and real estate to writing, Bradshaw has crafted engaging novels like the Sloane Monroe and Addison Lockhart series. Her success in self-publishing and later joining a literary agency showcases her adaptability in the evolving world of book publishing. Active on social media, she connects with readers, sharing her passion for storytelling. Bradshaw's dedication to her craft, coupled with her life experiences, has solidified her place in contemporary literature. Her legacy continues to inspire, proving that creativity and resilience can lead to remarkable achievements.