Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve read and written since I could do either. It’s natural to take those stories and find a tangent to explore. I’ve lived along the east coast all my life yet traveled more of it after marrying. My husband retired from the Navy and we finally settled our gypsy wagon in Georgia.
I couldn’t take Navy out of the man so I started cruising and he’s back in love with the sea. I love traveling, that gypsy blood again. Our son is in college and I’m a rescue mom of a Pharaoh hound mix who was literally kicked to the curb and nearly run over by her previous humans.
I’m lucky to be a full time writer. Having said that, I’m rebooting the Sanctuary series with edits/revisions that the books didn’t have before their first releases. This series has 20 books and counting. It’s a big world.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Drakken Brotherhood is a trilogy at this time, but the other GIs need their stories told. I’m working on Derryck’s story. Of all the soldiers who survived the experiment, he didn’t adjust as well as the others. It’s very close to my heart because our Navy life included this exceptional man. Some things the military can’t heal.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I may be a minority. I get up every morning as if going back to my job as human resources. I dress, and put on make up and brew coffee while I make breakfast.
I’m a diabetic so there is a walk after I eat. Then work. Lunch and another walk. I bug out of my world in time to fix dinner.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I was writing in a vacuum. All writers do. Sherrilyn Kenyon advised me for several years until I published the first book. I met her at Dragon*Con in Atlanta.
I love to read about heroes who have to conquer demons and find their soulmate.
What are you working on now?
I’m always juggling it seems. I’m working a time travel anthology story of the infamous pirate Anne Bonny. Another anthology set at a popular convention of paranormals is in the works.
I’m also planning a non-fiction run of teaching books.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
That’s tough. There are a bunch out there, websites. I’m new to this as the publishing market is fluid and changes every minute it seems. I’ve used social media, finding myself on twitter and Instagram, and the old standby Facebook.
I’ve been to signings and markets to meet readers personally. Love doing that one!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Finish. The. Book! One of my mentees just got picked by Carina Press. She wasn’t done before she met me and we worked together to polish once she was done. I’ve mentored other writers, but the first rule is…finish the book.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Find an editor that will work with you to polish your story and keep those grammar gremlins at bay.
What are you reading now?
I’m caught up in cowboys for the moment. Love erotica and dark fantasy. Who knew people wrote BDSM or explored the LGBTQ world? So I keep my tablet full and charged.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Seeing my series optioned for TV or movies would send me over the moon! It has everything we want, action heroes, daring damsels, a place to come home where love can grow.
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?
Sherrilyn Kenyon’s new Deadmen series. I haven’t cracked the covers yet, but that seems appropriate, right?
Love Christine Feehan’s Carpathian series.
Author Websites and Profiles
Carol Shaughnessy Amazon Profile
Carol Shaughnessy’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account