Interview With Author Shannen L. Colton
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am an author and artist from Western New York. So far, I’ve mostly written YA fantasy, but I’ve also recently written and illustrated my first children’s book. In the YA fantasy department, I currently have one stand-alone novel (Between the Light and Dark) and a trilogy (Weaver’s Stone). A friend of mine described my books as “tales that are exciting and clean without losing the grit (and romance) of adventure,” and I have never been so flattered in my life. That is exactly the kind of book I love to read, and I’m so happy to be writing them as well. For my first children’s book, I recently published my beloved Froggy and Snakey and the Pincher Bug Buffet, which I hope to continue into a series.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Froggy and Snakey and the Pincher Bug Buffet was inspired by bedtime stories my dad used to tell me and my sister when we were little. I wrote the book in memory of him, and it is a project very close to my heart.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
If I get stuck while writing a scene, I leave the computer. I find something relatively mindless to do, like washing dishes. I find that ideas and solutions come quickly once I get a little space from the keyboard.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
J.R.R. Tolkien will always be one of my biggest sources of inspiration, although I think Brandon Sanderson and Jonathan Stroud have had the biggest impacts on me in terms of writing style and tone.
What are you working on now?
I recently started my next YA fantasy novel, which doesn’t yet have a title. I’m also in the early stages of drafting a sequel to my children’s book, Froggy and Snakey.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have yet to find a great way to promote my books, but word of mouth seems to be the most effective. I’ve also shared artwork I’ve drawn of my characters online to try to build interest.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write what you love to write, not what you feel will be popular based on current trends. If readers can feel your joy for writing while reading your book, it will pull them right in. Writing with only sales in mind produces heartless copycats.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t be discouraged if you feel like it’s all been done before. Sure it has, but not by you.
What are you reading now?
I’m just finishing up Wind and Truth by Brandon Sanderson.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I hope to continue creating both fantasy novels and children’s books.
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?
The Bible and The Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Author Websites and Profiles
Shannen L. Colton Amazon Profile
Shannen L. Colton’s Social Media Links
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