Interview With Author Shelby Oval
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born and raised in the US but got my first masters degree (in literature) in Scotland. Afterwards I pursued another masters, this time in education, and began my teaching career abroad in Saudi Arabia. While traveling during a break I was on a grueling hike with my partner and to keep myself busy I created a story around the mountain and the castle we were hiking past. From that initial idea sprung to life my Shadowfire series! So far I have self-published four book, three in my Shadowfire series and one prequel, with many more to come!
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Since I am writing a series my latest book, Bound by Ash and Shadows, is the third. The themes become a bit more adult in this book where my characters come face to face with the realities of their choices and relationships. They get tested, physically and emotionally, and it was hard to write but overall I think needed and worth it.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Okay so hear me out – I am obsessed with Sticky Notes. My desk is COVERED in them. I like that you can write out your entire book on them and then move the pieces around like a puzzle only you know what looks like. I use them in all facets of my writing process from inception to instagram post planning.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
My first true adult fantasy experience was ACOTAR and let me tell you it was a gateway book. I have since read any and all fantasy books (written by women) I can get my hands on! I love a good enemies to lovers trope, but love a found family trope even more! I also take things very personally for the characters so its nice to read books where you can really hold a grudge!
What are you working on now?
Since book three came out last week I have already dived (dove? diven?) head first into book four. I put my characters through so much and now I am having to figure out how to dig them back out. On top of book four I am also flirting with the second in my prequel series, as well as some other stories in different genres! (A LOT is going on in my head – rent free might I add!)
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
So far I have found that engaging on Instagram is working the best for me. I am hoping to take some courses (aka watch TikTok videos) on using ads on Amazon and Instagram. I need to do a better job at marketing myself but it just takes so much time away from my stories, ya know?
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep going!
I truly do believe that every story deserves to be told and subsequently be heard so keep writing and pushing and doing everything you can to get that story from pen to print! Also, sticky notes. Use them.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The book is always better than the movie.
But in regard to writing – Keep writing because one day you will be someone’s favorite author.
What are you reading now?
I was plagued over December with images of Lore Olympus and so I went ahead and bought them all. I am devouring them! They are my first ever graphic novel series and to say I am obsessed would be an understatement.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I have so many stories cooped up in my head I feel I need to get as many of them down as possible before they start slipping away. All that’s to say, I have a lot of writing to do!
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?
This is hard…honestly, one would be blank so I could write things down (is that cheating?), and then probably A Court of Mist and Fury, Song of Achilles, and Wildwood Dancing.
Author Websites and Profiles
Shelby Oval’s Social Media Links
Author Interview Series
To discover a new author, check out our Featured Authors page. We have some of the best authors around. They are just waiting for you to discover them. If you enjoyed this writer’s interview feel free to share it using the buttons below. Sharing is caring!
If you are an author and want to be interviewed just fill out out Author Interview page. After submitting we will send it out in our newsletters and social media channels that are filled with readers looking to discover new books to read.
If you are looking for a new book to read check out our Featured Books Page.