Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Shannon Jump and I’m a newbie indie author hailing from small-town, Minnesota! I’ve been an avid reader and lover of books ever since I can remember. I started dabbling in writing at a young age, but never really expected to become an author. Yet, here I am–a published author! My debut novel, My Only Sunshine, was released in February and I could not be more proud of this book! Holy moly…please hold while I take a moment to catch my breath (and swipe at this rogue tear).
Okay, breath caught, tear swept. Phew! Where was I? Oh, yes…I was blabbering on about myself! Let’s see, I have two wonderful teenagers–a 16-year-old daughter and 14-year-old son–and I happen to adore the heck out of both of them; they’re pretty great kids. I’ve been married to my wonderful husband for about a year and a half and it’s kind of like having a third kid because he’s a total goofball with the biggest heart. Plus, he spoils me and I totally let him. 🙂
Aside from reading and writing, I love to play tennis, am a huge baseball fan (Minnesota Twins!), spending time with family, friends, cooking/baking and anything HGTV!
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I suppose I should tell you a bit about this book I wrote, huh? Here we go…I’m especially attached to my debut novel, My Only Sunshine, which I started writing about 13 years ago. Yes, you read that right–THIRTEEN years ago.
It’s been a journey.
Here’s why: falling into the Contemporary Fiction genre and LOOSELY based on true events, My Only Sunshine is a story centered around domestic abuse, with a smidge of romance as well. It’s a heavy topic, I know. But the unfortunate truth is that every year more than ten million Americans experience domestic abuse, many of whom are too afraid to seek help.
This book took me so many years to write because it was such an emotional process. And so personal. Writing this book was, in some ways, like living through it all over again. Suddenly everything was so fresh, so real. But, as I mentioned above, I have some pretty great kids and an incredible husband and friends who took care of me and made sure that writing this book didn’t weigh me down. I had an end goal, and I was focused.
Uffda (did you like that MN reference, there?). There I go rambling again…forgive me, new friends! The truth is, I want to be upfront about the content of this book as much as possible. It’s an emotional read, but there are some really wonderful, happy moments in it, too.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Hmm…I’m not sure. I have heard that a lot of writers make it a point to write every single day. I don’t do that…I don’t want writing to feel too much like a job, so I write when I feel the need to. Meaning, when I have the words, the inspiration and the scenes are coming together smoothly. Some days I don’t write at all, but I do read at least a bit every single day and on the days I’m not focused on writing, I dedicate some time to the marketing side of things instead.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Oh man…so many to name! Um, Colleen Hoover, Kristin Hannah, James Patterson, Michael Connelly, J.T. Ellison, Lisa Regan, Kiersten Modglin. I know there are many others, but those are some of the one-click authors that I absolutely love.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on my sophomore novel, which has a working title of Happy Everything. Hoping for a summer 2021 release.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Instagram is pretty big for me right now. I try to post daily and have been working to make connections with bloggers and other authors. My Only Sunshine will also be featured as a book bomb with By The Book Promotions coming up later in March, which I’m very excited about.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t give up! I had many moments where I wanted to throw in the towel, especially during the editing process. I’m so glad I didn’t and I’d say that’s my best advice; just keep swimming!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Two of my favorite authors have shared this as their best advice for aspiring authors and it’s sat well with me and hangs on a post-it note next to my computer: write with reckless abandon.
What are you reading now?
My current read is The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah
What’s next for you as a writer?
Focusing on my next book, while continuing to promote My Only Sunshine where I can!
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?
That is a TOUGH question! Well, Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah would absolutely be one of them (it’s the only book I’ve read more than twice) and I think I’d need a crime drama and a romance along with it, so for a crime drama, I’d have to say one from of J.T. Ellison’s Taylor Jackson series OR one from Lisa Regan’s Josie Quinn series. Don’t ask me which one though, I can’t choose; they’re too good! And for a romance, something from Corrinne Michaels.
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