Thanks for meeting us at The Crossroads! Today we're featuring YA paranormal author, Shannon Delany. The Wolfy Chicks have been thrilled to work with Shannon during our time with the Class of 2k10. We a blast hanging with her in NYC during our Class tour and Book Expo America. The lady is a whirlwind of writing, is amazing at connecting with readers and she's a fierce organizer. Plus, she writes about werewolves....how could we not love her? Get your mitts on her books ASAP!
1. As a fellow Wolfy Chick, what drew you to writing about werewolves?
Werewolves represent change, transformation and the struggle we experience embracing and balancing the duality of our wild and tame natures. It seemed the perfect character vehicle when dealing with adolescent characters who, even as simple humans, go through similar identity crises. Plus, they’re fluffy. Who doesn’t like fluffy? (says the girl with outrageous allergy issues)
2. Best writing advice you've heard?
Write every day. Seriously. (This one’s followed up by “Do as I say, not as I do” because I should follow that advice and I definitely feel better when I do.)
3. How do you balance writing with your “real” life – hobby farmer, mother, wife, etc?
Balance? *fumbles for dictionary* Ohhh. That’s what that word means. I knew I’d heard it before—probably one of those things my husband shouts in passing as he heads to the hay field.
It’s an ongoing challenge that changes based on deadlines and book release dates set by (fabulous) non-farmers. On the farm some things are standard: fall is the harvest and time to prep for winter storms and spring planting; winter is the quiet but dangerous time when everyone needs something from food to water to slip-resistant shoes or tires; winter’s also when the ewes come in close to lambing—February being their time of choice. And yet... February is also the release date for Secrets and Shadows (and a time of poor travel ability around here). So we (as a family) try to shuffle things a bit.
Would I love to do a multi-city tour to launch Secrets and Shadows? YES. Will nature (and my husband’s teaching job and son’s school) allow it? *shakes Magic 8 Ball* Future looks cloudy—and icy. So we hope for the best, prepare for the worst and depend on the law of averages to keep us sane. But seriously, balance around here is all about learning to juggle and working as a team. It’s stressful. But I wouldn’t trade a bit of it.
4. Did you write stories as a teen? If yes what has/hasn’t changed?
Yes. I even had a couple critique partners who encouraged me. I blame them for telling me my stuff was good and giving me the courage to submit my first story. That led to my first publication (during my 8th grade year) and the crazy belief writing can be a worthwhile profession if you’re brave (or stubborn) and have a thick skin (or delightfully unrealistic view of life).
What’s changed? I no longer include volcanoes or unicorns in my stories now. Well. Not as frequently. And generally my sentence structure is longer and more complex. Generally. Oh! And currently I write fewer girls carrying swords and bows (but who knows what the future holds, right?).
5. Describe your office/workspace/writer’s cave.
Currently I’m writing at my dining room table. Shhh! I know, I know. My husband doesn’t like the idea either, but I did it to break out of my brief writing rut. I needed a change of scenery from my normal spot at the little captain’s desk in the living room (the sheep can look up from the yard—where they’re currently acting as lawn mowers—and spot me, leading to lots of noisy salutations).
Werewolves represent change, transformation and the struggle we experience embracing and balancing the duality of our wild and tame natures. It seemed the perfect character vehicle when dealing with adolescent characters who, even as simple humans, go through similar identity crises. Plus, they’re fluffy. Who doesn’t like fluffy? (says the girl with outrageous allergy issues)
2. Best writing advice you've heard?
Write every day. Seriously. (This one’s followed up by “Do as I say, not as I do” because I should follow that advice and I definitely feel better when I do.)
3. How do you balance writing with your “real” life – hobby farmer, mother, wife, etc?
Balance? *fumbles for dictionary* Ohhh. That’s what that word means. I knew I’d heard it before—probably one of those things my husband shouts in passing as he heads to the hay field.
It’s an ongoing challenge that changes based on deadlines and book release dates set by (fabulous) non-farmers. On the farm some things are standard: fall is the harvest and time to prep for winter storms and spring planting; winter is the quiet but dangerous time when everyone needs something from food to water to slip-resistant shoes or tires; winter’s also when the ewes come in close to lambing—February being their time of choice. And yet... February is also the release date for Secrets and Shadows (and a time of poor travel ability around here). So we (as a family) try to shuffle things a bit.
Would I love to do a multi-city tour to launch Secrets and Shadows? YES. Will nature (and my husband’s teaching job and son’s school) allow it? *shakes Magic 8 Ball* Future looks cloudy—and icy. So we hope for the best, prepare for the worst and depend on the law of averages to keep us sane. But seriously, balance around here is all about learning to juggle and working as a team. It’s stressful. But I wouldn’t trade a bit of it.
4. Did you write stories as a teen? If yes what has/hasn’t changed?
Yes. I even had a couple critique partners who encouraged me. I blame them for telling me my stuff was good and giving me the courage to submit my first story. That led to my first publication (during my 8th grade year) and the crazy belief writing can be a worthwhile profession if you’re brave (or stubborn) and have a thick skin (or delightfully unrealistic view of life).
What’s changed? I no longer include volcanoes or unicorns in my stories now. Well. Not as frequently. And generally my sentence structure is longer and more complex. Generally. Oh! And currently I write fewer girls carrying swords and bows (but who knows what the future holds, right?).
5. Describe your office/workspace/writer’s cave.
Currently I’m writing at my dining room table. Shhh! I know, I know. My husband doesn’t like the idea either, but I did it to break out of my brief writing rut. I needed a change of scenery from my normal spot at the little captain’s desk in the living room (the sheep can look up from the yard—where they’re currently acting as lawn mowers—and spot me, leading to lots of noisy salutations).
Thanks so much for hanging with us, Shannon. What a fangtastic end to the Crossroads Tour!
4 comments:
Shannon:
Great comment about werewolves and transformation. Me? I just love wolves...even if they may be part human.
Good interview - and love the vision of the sheep looking up from "mowing".
Love your sense of humor!
Also have loved the whole tour and will miss visiting and looking for the answers to questions. Thanks so much to the hosts, authors and Judith.
Heather Rosdol
Thanks Shannon! As always you're a welcome breath of fresh air!
I don't know if I could write with an audience (sheep watching) either.
Hi Judith and Kitty! Thank you both so much for all the work you did putting the Tour together--I really enjoyed it and look forward to the chat tonight!
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