Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m Shawna an erotica author with books focusing on BDSM and LGBT romance, community and drama although I do enjoy mixing genres. I currently have 6 published works, 1 available for pre-order (releasing Nov. 7th), 2 in the publishing process and a tenth I’m currently editing.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book (the one currently up for pre-order) is call The Lust Fairy in Exile. It’s a comedy erotica that I wrote while coping with a pretty hurtful rejection. The rejected book, A Girl Named Flower, was later picked up by another publisher and should be releasing Nov 12th. At the time of its rejection, however, I felt rudderless and decided to cheer myself up with a story that was semi-random and fun. As it turns out I can’t write such a thing without a plot, however, and as such the silly book I rote to cheer myself up became a proper novel worthy of publication.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Well I generally write nude or nearly nude, does that count?
What authors, or books have influenced you?
There are many books I enjoy reading and many authors I look up to but very little has influenced my writing style. I don’t really try to emulate others so much as I try to put myself in my characters’ head and see the world of the story through their eyes.
What are you working on now?
The tenth book I’m currently editing is tentatively titled By Right Of Conquest and is about the end of a war between two fantasy kingdoms. Moregan, the warrior-princess of one of the kingdoms is captured by their conquerors and taken as a battle-bride/sex slave by the enemy leader’s son. Vowing revenge in whatever form she can find it Moregan is constantly frustrated by her clever captors and her growing sexual desires for them. It’s a departure from my usual fare but its been fun to push the boundaries a bit and explore what I’m capable of.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
The most effective method I’ve found for promotion is social media posts. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Gab, MeWe, Minds, whereever. A few times a week post a catchy headline, the book description and a link and encourage people to share it around.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Going with a publisher is better than self-publishing but a real publisher will never charge you anything up-front. Cover design, editing, promotions, etc all come from their take of the royalties. Don’t get suckered in by scammers demanding hundreds or thousands of dollars to put your book out there.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“To be a great writer you have to write.” – Anonymous. Its the truest sentiment I’ve heard. People spend so much time wishing they could write a book or worrying about what people will think of their ideas. Don’t. Sit down, drink some coffee and get typing (or handwriting if you’re old fashioned).
What are you reading now?
I am currently reading The Secret History Of Wonder Woman (a feminist book that says very little about the comic book character), The Eldritch Tales and Strength Training.
What’s next for you as a writer?
With my Brooke’s Hollow universe saved from exile I’ll be returning to it for the election arc. Starting with A Girl Named Flower this 3 story saga will explore a mayoral election in the town and a party I’ve hinted at at the end of a few of my books. It will fundamentally shake the foundations of the existing stories and hopefully expand the universe in new and interesting ways.
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?
Darth Bane by Drew Karpacyn
The Claiming of Sleeping Beauty by Anne Rice
How to survive on and escape a desert island by whoever wrote it
Beyond Good and Evil by Friedrich Nietzche
Author Websites and Profiles
Shawna Hunter Amazon Profile
Shawna Hunter’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account