Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I started my work life as a journalist (newspaper reporter) so it seemed natural to write nonfiction books. I’ve written eight nonfiction books. My latest nonfiction book is Voices of New China. My first fiction book is Desert Jade: A Letty Valdez Mystery. I will publish the second Letty Valdez Mystery, Dragon’s Revenge, in November 2018. I’m a native Texan, now an Arizona desert rat.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Desert Jade: A Letty Valdez Mystery was inspired by the culture and people of the U.S.- Mexico Borderlands, and also the people of China.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
When I get bogged down, I find that if I take the dog for a long walk, ideas come to me. When I go home, I write them down.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Too many to list! I want to thank the elementary school librarian who gave me Nancy Drew mystery books to read when I was in the third grade.
What are you working on now?
I’m finishing Dragon’s Revenge, the second Letty Valdez Mystery. A murder in the library leads Letty to a box of documents with a memoir that is over 100 years old. The memoir has a clue that helps Letty solve the present-day mystery.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still experimenting and I can’t say yet what is best.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Read a lot. Read outside your genre. Read non-fiction, too.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Start where you are.
What are you reading now?
The Babylon Eye by Masha du Toit
What’s next for you as a writer?
More Letty Valdez mysteries are coming plus a nonfiction book on a specific arts topic (not ready to talk about it yet), and maybe a romantic sci-fi?
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Arthur Conan Doyle’s collection of Sherlock Holmes stories
Ursula Le Guin’s The Left Hand of Darkness.
Anything by Pema Chodron.
Author Websites and Profiles
C.J. Shane Website
C.J. Shane Amazon Profile
C.J. Shane Author Profile on Smashwords
C.J. Shane’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Pinterest Account