Meet Sharon Fox (Valley, AL)

Sharon Fox has been obsessed with food since she was a very small child. Over the past 36 years she has worked in the food industry on many different levels. Starting from the bottom and working her way up, she has done everything from being a cashier in a burger joint to catering private parties, teaching healthy cooking classes, studying Pharmacy and Nutrition, and working as a Private Chef, to becoming Food Editor for three magazines and self-publishing a collection of cookbooks. Sharon's love and passion for food really shines through in every task she takes on.

"I feel that food brings everyone together. A good meal has no boundaries of race, gender, economic level, or religion."

She now resides in Valley, Alabama. She's the mother of 4 sons, grandmother to 2, and loved and respected by numerous others. In 2013, Sharon plans to expand her talents and reach other business goals. Keep your eyes on her!

Sharon’s titles include: 

HEALTHY FOOD for Diabetes, Celiac Disease and You!

COMFORT FOOD for the Mind, body, and Soul

About “Comfort Food”

Sharon Fox does it again! After the success of COMFORT FOOD For the Mind, Body, and Soul there were many requests for healthier recipes, vegetarian dishes, and gluten-free ideas. Well the new book is here!

HEALTHY FOOD is filled with recipes for not only Diabetics or people who are on Gluten-Free diets, but for anyone who wants to live a healthier life.      No longer does "healthy food" mean tasteless food. There are well over 200 tasty recipes that anyone will enjoy.

Get your pots and pans ready because you are about to go on a culinary adventure with Sharon as she shares some amazing and simple recipes that your family and friends are sure to love.

If that's not enough, get your pencils and pens ready because Sharon has done some homework just for you! This book is filled with vital information, healthy tips, easy ideas, and everything you need to get your healthy lifestyle on the right track.

Learn about:

• Caring for infants with diabetes

• Children and teens who have to cope with special dietary needs

• How Diabetes affects children, men, women, and the elderly

• Living with Celiac Disease

• How to shop for special ingredients

• Fighting Childhood Obesity

• and much more!

UBAWA: When did you first decide you wanted to become an author?

Sharon: After being diagnosed with severe Rheumatoid Arthritis, I went through a period of depression. I had always been a hard worker and suddenly I was told that I'd never work again. Cooking has always been my passion, so I told myself, "If I can only get around well enough to cook again...I'll be OK."

I reached that goal! I was cooking again, just like I said I would. Later, I started sharing my recipes on social networks and the response was outstanding. I continued to share recipes and encouraging words. The next thing I know...I'm writing a book telling my stories of triumph and sharing recipes.

UBAWA: How did you decide on the idea for your 1st book? 2nd book? 3rd book, etc?

Sharon: The first book, COMFORT FOOD, was born out of my own story of overcoming obstacles as well as sharing my favorite recipes.

My second book, HEALTHY FOOD, was developed because I have several readers/fans who are on special diets, living with Diabetes or Celiac Disease, or just want to learn to cook healthy meals that actually taste good!

I did tons of research and worked with some amazing people to put this book together.

UBAWA: How long did it take you to complete your first book? What was the process like?

Sharon: My first book took about 5 years to complete. I was new to the world of writing and I didn't know anybody in this field to mentor me. It was very hard, but I was determined to beat the odds and self-publish my own book.

There are so many companies out there that claim to be the "best" one out there for new authors seeking help with publishing. I wasted so much time and money dealing with crooks. Finally, I decided to become friends on social networks with other authors. I watched their steps and put the puzzle together on my own. One of my virtual friends was a graphic designer, and she did book covers and marketing materials. She referred me to another person who specialized in interior layouts and editing. Together we put that book together and the rest is history!!

UBAWA: What’s so rewarding about writing books and being an author?

Sharon: The rewards are great! Once you do a few radio and/or TV interviews, you get categorized as a "guru" or "specialist" in your field. Once people see you as the go-to person for what you do, even more doors begin to open.

I've been writing as Food Editor for several magazines and newspapers, done cooking segments on television, and offered my own cooking show!

UBAWA: Was there ever a time you felt like giving up?

Sharon: YES!! There have been times I wondered why I ever got into this. Sometimes it seemed like nobody wanted to buy a book, nobody cared if I wrote a book or not, and I was just wasting my time. During those times I learned to really take a deeper look at WHY I do what I do. Once I tapped into that inner self, I realized that I do this because I love it. My passion keeps me going.

UBAWA: There’s more to being an author than writing a book. How do you manage to handle the business side of things?

Sharon: I make a calendar and stick to it. Being well organized is the key. Everything must be done in a certain order: making phone calls, doing interviews, shopping for supplies, book signings, etc. all must be scheduled.

You can't work effectively if you can't work efficiently!

UBAWA: Do you have an editor or do you edit your own books?

Sharon: I edit my books first, then I get 4-5 more pairs of eyes to do the same. (People who are not going to sugar coat it.) Then I allow my editor to do the final job.

UBAWA: Who does the cover art for your book(s)?

Sharon: Donna Osborn Clark and she's outstanding!

UBAWA: Do you ever encounter writer’s block? How do you get past it?

Sharon: Yes, I sure do. That's when I know it's time to take a break away from writing. It may be a day, a week, or a month. I use my "away" time to enjoy the outdoors as much as possible. Refreshing my brain with some fresh air, sunshine, and activity works wonders. During my down time, I don't think about the book at all. I know when I'm ready to go back to writing because my creativity starts taking over again.

UBAWA: How often do you write?

Sharon: Every single day!

UBAWA: Tell us about your last book signing.

Sharon: My last book signing was so much fun! Since I write cookbooks, you know I had lots of good food on hand to sample. I also had goodie bags with exclusive recipes, gift baskets, and door prizes. My book signings are more like a cookbook tasting party!

UBAWA: Beside social media, what other methods are you using to get the word out about your book(s)?

Sharon: Radio and TV interviews, networking at local events, ads in magazines/newspapers that I write for, wearing t-shirts with my product on them, promotional products like ink pens, calendars, and coffee mugs.

UBAWA: As a Woman of Color, what inspires you the most?

Sharon: I read inspirational sayings when I wake up. I have some favorite scriptures marked in my Bible, and I meditate to keep a clear mind. Also a vision board keeps my mind focused on the prize!

UBAWA: Who is your biggest influence?

Sharon: My father. He just passed away less than a year ago. I go on because of him.

UBAWA: Have you ever done something in the past you regret? How did you get through it?

Sharon: Yes, haven't we all? I regret that I catered to everyone else's needs before my own. I put my goals on the back burner for far too long. But never again!

I had to learn how to say NO. I started doing what made me happy, regardless. Taking care of yourself is not being selfish. I had to learn that. Once I conquered that task, the rest was easy.

Learn from your regrets and you'll never have to regret anything again.

UBAWA: How do you get through the tough times in life when life throws what it throws at you?

Sharon: Prayer and faith! Let's face it, there is not a person on this planet who's going to have a perfect life every single day. When life throws hard times at me, I just stand and let it be. Don't fight life because you'll lose every time. Allow it to happen, and know that everything will be OK in its own time. Tough times will bring you to your knees. That's why it's so important to have a spiritual connection with the Creator. This keeps me grounded.

UBAWA: What is one goal you want to accomplish for yourself in 2013?

Sharon: I have wanted to take a trip to a certain place for several years. This year, I will do that!

UBAWA: What do you have planned next?

Sharon: Well, I have been working on a special project for some time now. I'm working with my son to develop a Baby Spa skin care line for babies! I have 4 boys and a grandson...and finally I'm blessed with a granddaughter! This project will bear her name.

I also have other projects in store for my young men! We have a line of gourmet grilling sauces coming.

UBAWA: How can readers and others in the literary community reach you?

Sharon: You can email me at [email protected] or follow me on Facebook, www.facebook.com/icook4real

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