Interview With Author Shanon Harwood
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a Canadian/American who lives in Southern Alberta at the base of the Rocky Mountains. I spend most of my time teaching and practicing Shamanism. Currency is my second book, but I consider myself a novice as an author. My first book, It Depends on Who’s Looking, was an online, interactive multi-media book that provided an entirely different writing experience.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I entitled the novel Currency. Currency was inspired by the tumultuous state of our world today. I perceive that the wrong type of currency is driving our existence at this time. As a Shaman, the guiding principles of Shamanic practice such as: ‘everyone is equal, ‘stewardship of the earth’, and the principle of ‘reciprocity’ are but a few of the factors that profoundly influenced the writing of the book.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I found that setting very strict deadlines for myself forced me to find a way to be productive, even when I didn’t feel productive.
For example, I gave myself one year, today, to complete the manuscript for Currency. Then I gave myself six months to have all stages of editing and proofreading done. Finally, I allotted three months to incorporate all necessary changes from three reader groups into the book.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
My favorite author is John Irving. I admire his courage to spotlight contemporary social issues. Oprah Winfrey also gets my vote because she understands the depth of her influence and uses it to make our world a better place. I also love Charles Dickens for his vision and attacks on social injustice.
What are you working on now?
My partner Marv Harwood and I have embarked on a project to create a new training program at our school, The Kimmapii School of Shamanism. It is our desire to share a segment of our teachings with a select group of our senior students in order that they too can take this work out into the world to help further the principles outlined in Currency.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
The best method or website to visit is https://www.currencythebook.com/
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I would encourage anyone, authors included, to embrace whatever you’re doing with passion. Perceiving our tasks through a lens of excitement and anticipation makes even those arduous moments enjoyable. Also, be prepared for the backlash from your writing.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Happiness is not a destination. Happiness is a method of traveling.
What are you reading now?
At the moment, I am reading Daughter of Time by Sarah Woodbury.
What’s next for you as a writer?
My next book will focus on Shamanism and how Shamanic principles can help build a better world. I’m undecided whether it will be another fiction or not. The only element I’m certain of is that it too will take aim at the inequality that abounds in the world today.
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?
I haven’t read The Last Chairlift by John Irving yet, so that would be my number one choice. I would also take along The Hate You Give by Angie Thomas and Conversations With Myself by Nelson Mandala. And…just for fun, you’d find me reading for probably the fifth time my favorite book of all time, A Prayer For Owen Meany.
Author Websites and Profiles
Shanon Harwood Author Profile on Smashwords
Shanon Harwood’s Social Media Links