Shelly Hancock

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I love history and I love a good story that can make you feel every emotion under the sun all in one book. A book where you forget where you are and for awhile actually feel like you are living with the characters and experiencing their emotions.
Fall of the House of Queens is the first book that I have published though I have many partial books laying around in folders, in drawers, in boxes, on the floor!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Fall of the House of Queens. I was inspired to write it because I have always been fascinated with Henry VIII and those who lived, and died, around him. I wanted to live for awhile in his court so I took a pen and a notebook and decided to go for a visit. I actually went in expecting to tell the story from the perspective of one of Henry’s mistresses, Bessie Blount, but when I started writing it was Henry’s famous fool William Somers that came through.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to write on the floor often in the closet. Small quiet places. I also have to have a Kombucha as my writing drink.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Mary Steward, Philippa Gregory, Alison Weir, Edgar Allen Poe, Shakespeare, James Alexander Thom, there are so many I could list several dozen more..

What are you working on now?
I’m working on the next two books in the Shattered Rose series that takes place where ‘Fall of the House of Queens’ leaves off. The second book follows one of the main characters daughters who is best friends with the future Queen Elizabeth I. That book is titled, ‘Crowns Will Fall’ and it will be followed by the third and last in this series ‘In the Shadow of the Sun’.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Well I’m new to this so I’m joining different writing groups on Facebook and learning from the other members.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Join groups, ask questions, answer questions. And the thing I want new authors to remember is this time in your journey. You have to give back. You will find help and advice from so many people that have been where you are and you should never forget when you needed and received help. So when a new author asks you for help or when you see a way you can help someone do it. Don’t compete with other authors support them; be happy for them when they are successful.

What are you reading now?
I usually read several books at once. I’m reading John Douglas and Mark Olshaker’s book ‘Obsession’ and ‘The Sacred Pipe’ Recorded and edited by Joseph Epes Brown.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I really need to sit down and finish the last two books in the Shattered Rose series because I have another book I want to start.

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 would bring ‘Black Hawk Down’ by Mark Bowden
‘Follow the River’ by James Alexander Thom
‘Black Elk Speaks’ by John Neihardts
and probably a collection of works by Edgar Allen Poe

Author Websites and Profiles
Shelly Hancock Website
Shelly Hancock Amazon Profile

Shelly Hancock’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile