Welcome to Shannon Muir’s Infinite House of Books!
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INTERVIEW WITH THE AUTHOR
What initially got you interested in writing?
I’m a journalist so I actually write for a living, but nonfiction. I always thought if I wrote a book it would be something informational and deadly serious. But then I branched out as a reader a few years ago, and fell in love with genre, specifically, romance, sci-fi and urban fantasy. It was an awakening. At some point, I thought, ‘I could write this.’ I don’t know what actually triggered the doing part.
How did you decide o make the move into becoming a published author?
It was never so deliberate. Sky’s End was my very first crack at any kind of fiction writing ever. And it was very much an experiment. I would write a chapter, and read it to my husband, who bless him, appeared astounded and amazed, encouraging me to keep at it.
The next big hurdle came long after it was finished and I couldn’t land an agent. I took a pause from all the rejections. And one day it occurred to me that if I didn’t keep trying to sell my book, the story would never actually be shared. And that’s all that really mattered to me. So I started pitching all over again and I found someone who loved it — Deborah Gilbert, founder of Soul Mate Publishing and my editor.
What do you want readers to take away from reading your works?
Two things. I want them to experience powerful emotions. Whether they’re on the edge of their seat. Or angry, even, at my heroine Cassiel Winters. Second, I want them to feel a connection to Cassiel, like they went on an incredible trip together, one they won’t soon forget.
What do you find most rewarding about writing?
How I experience my characters’ journeys. There’s nothing quite like it.
What do you find most challenging about writing?
Finding enough time. Since I am just getting started, I still work full-time, as a journalist. I am headed straight for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (but it’s worth it!).
What advice would you give to people wanting to enter the field?
If what you write makes you laugh out loud, or burst into tears, if it inspires you, or gives you goose bumps, then don’t give up. Writing fiction should be an extraordinarily emotional experience — not necessarily always happy either. Bottom line: If it’s shattering your world, it will shatter someone else’s.
Is there anything else besides writing you think people would find interesting about you?
Ha! What a hard question to answer. I’m melodramatic, a recovering control freak, clumsy, addicted to dill pickle potato chips, formula bodice-rippers and test level rugby, and sometimes funny. Uh, so no, not really.
What are the best ways to connect with you, or find out more about your work?
I’m posting blogs with extra stuff from the book about Or’ic for example at lesleyyoungbooks.com/blog and on facebook.com/cassielwintersseries. I also tweet fun stuff @lesleyyoungbks.