Interview With Author Shenna Coty Paju
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I love reading any version of historical fiction whenever my children and my schedule allows! That passion has led me to begin writing my own stories about some of the interesting—and often forgotten—women helped to shape America’s ongoing development.
My women’s historical suspense novels feature strong women navigating the constraints of the early 20th century—and the cost of becoming powerful within systems designed to limit them.
These stories explore the social and economic pressures of the era, following women who push beyond what is expected of them and are transformed by what it takes to survive and succeed.
I strive to bring a grounded understanding of systems, responsibility, and human resilience to my work. I hope readers enjoy delving deeper into some of the lesser-known moments in history alongside my characters.
I have written my debut novel, “Stolen By Order”, which was published on April 21, 2026. The next book in the six-book series will be “Compelled By Intent” due out on July 21, 2026.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Stolen By Order is my latest book. It was inspired by the vulnerability many widowed and impoverished mothers faced in the early 1900s, especially when powerful institutions became involved in family life. I was struck by the irony that systems created to protect children could also separate loving families and impose impossible standards on struggling mothers. Many women who deeply loved and sacrificed for their children were judged against ideals they could never realistically meet.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
It’s not unusual, but I get up every morning around 5am to write for two to three hours before beginnning to homeschool my children. If I don’t write first thing in the morning, I won’t get the opportunity to do so once the day gets going.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
My favorite series of all time is Laura Ingalls Wilder’s “Little House on the Prairie.” The ability to travel back in time to experience life in a different era intrigued me. I often drive through different parts in the northeastern United States and wonder what life would have been like before cars, roads, or even an appreciable population had inhabited the areas. I still enjoy historical fictions set in any time frame from ancient Egypt to the Scottish Renaissance period to the 20th century Americas and Europe. I enjoy historical romances from authors such as Mary Balogh as well as WWII fictions from authors like Jenna Blum and Heather Morris. Each sub-genre of historical fiction brings to light a different aspect of life during that time.
What are you working on now?
Right now, I am finishing my second book in the Stolen By Order series. The title is “Compelled By Intent.” It is a continuation of Mae’s journey into the seemingly innocuous state of the corruptible orphan train system. Through Mae’s eyes, we experience the judgement and insurmountable expectations that society places on motherhood in the early 1900s and how she strives to work within the system to create more fair outcomes.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am still figuring out a “best method” for promoting my books. I appreciate sites like Awesome Gang for being willing to take a chance on new authors such as myself. It can be very difficult to get your name out there and compete with so many other talented authors. With targeted ads and promotions, I am hoping to expand my readership and spark lasting thoughts about these strong and resilient women that helped to shape the America of today.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
As I am a new author myself, I’m not sure I can give much actionable advice. However, I can certainly provide a cheerleading section for my fellow authors—you can do it! Finish that draft! Be patient with yourself! And don’t forget that everyone must start at the same starting line. <3
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Just keep writing. Even when it doesn’t come easily. Even when sleeping sounds preferable. Even when everyone else puts demands upon you. Your voice and your stories matter.
What are you reading now?
I am currently reading “The Mad Wife” by Meagan Church. I just finished “The Alienist” by Caleb Carr and, though it was a great book, it was very heavy. Church’s new book is very witty and the narrative makes me consider what life must have been like for my grandmothers during the 1950s.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I am planning to continue writing the Stolen By Order series until the last book is out, hopefully by the end of next year. After that, I’m not sure if I will start a new series or if I will follow alongside some of the more memorable characters from this series. I hope that readers can provide some feedback about what they enjoyed most to help me in my future endeavors.
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?
Out of all the books I’ve read, it would be difficult to narrow that down. “On the Banks of Plum Creek” by Laura Ingalls Wilder would probably be the first one I’d tuck into my bag. It’s not the first book in the series, but I really enjoy Laura’s antics and how the family values the things they have. Next, I would probably take along “The Five People You Meet in Heaven” by Mitch Albom. I haven’t read it in a long time, but I do remember that it made me think about the interconnectedness of this world and how small acts that you didn’t even think about could change someone else’s life. I would love to relive that book again. Lastly, I would add in “Les Miserables” by Victor Hugo. It is still a mesmerizing story of redemption, sacrifice, and suspense—and the length of the book would whittle away the hours waiting for rescue! 🙂
Author Websites and Profiles
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