Q: Why did you decide to start writing?
A: I’ve always loved writing. I used to write short stories for my High School paper and stuff, and I used to write just for my friends to read. One of my close friends encouraged me to write an entire book but I never thought I could do it. Then, after that, I had one too many excuses: marriage, work, having kids – and one day, I had trouble sleeping and started to write some things just to kill time but then it got so exciting. It was like this adrenaline rush and I just couldn’t stop.
Q: Who are some of the authors or novels that inspired you when you were younger?
A: I am a huge Meg Cabot fan and I started reading Danielle Steel when I was quite young too. When I was really young I was hooked on Beverly Cleary’s Ramona books.
Q: Your first novel, Until the End of Forever, features a heroine who seems to be uneasy with her completely perfect life. How did you create your main character and her troubles?
A: I’ve met a lot of people in my life – they have come from various backgrounds, education, and were at different stages. No matter how rich, how popular, how successful, how beautiful they were, they all had something in common: there was always a point in their life when they felt discontent. They got bored of doing the same routine day in and day out, even their marriages didn’t seem exciting anymore and they wanted a temporary getaway. These things become lunch topics when I meet with these people and I just figured that a lot of people could really relate to it.
Q: What was your biggest obstacle when writing this novel?
A: Having a full time job! Everytime I would get an inspiration for a chapter, I’d be at the office in the middle of a meeting or something and by the time I got home to my computer, I already forgot half the things I wanted to write.
Q: How important do you think having a website, blog, or social media presence is to an author?
A: Website, blog, twitter, facebook – all are extremely important to authors. People are spending more time on their computers, laptops, iPads, tabs, smartphones and other forms of technology, and we need to make use of that. It’s amazing what you can do and gain just by being present and active on platforms like twitter and facebook. It’s a must for me.
Q:Until the End of Forever is your first book, and I know you are working on publishing your second. How was the process different the second time around?
A: Well for one, the characters in my second book are very different from all the ones I had in Until the End of Forever. They are a lot younger, which meant I had to get in touch with the younger voice inside my head. I haven’t been 25 in a long time, so it was pretty challenging. I think that being my second book, I had a better sense of what I needed to do to make the story work. I was very motivated because it felt like a challenge: can I make it just as good or better than the first one?
Q: Will you ever revisit any characters from Until the end of Forever?
A: I love all my characters from Until the End of Forever. There are times I reread it myself just because I miss some quirky comment from Samantha or miss some of Rob and Sarah’s romantic stories from when they were dating. I think revisiting one of the characters and doing a spin-off story is definitely in the cards, but perhaps not in the very near future. It would be great to know who readers would like to see in the spin-off. Let’s ask them!
Q: Do you have any plans right now for a third book?
A: Funny you should ask that. I was just thinking about it the other day. I have this plot in mind. I’ve been scribbling notes on how to build it. I’ll keep you updated!
Q: I read that you lived in Melbourne, Australia for some time. How long did you live there and what are some experiences you will never forget?
A: I was there for about 4 years, studying marketing and business administration. Living there on my own, far from my parents and family was not easy at first, but it turned out to be the most valuable experience in my life. I learned how to be independent and this was also the time I found myself to be most creative. I was a part of drama clubs and choirs and just felt like I really matured while I was there.
Q: I know that you have a career outside of writing, as well as a family to juggle. How do you keep all under control?
A: Keeping it all under control is not easy, that’s for sure. But I’d have to credit my husband who is so super supportive. He lets me have that “me” time to sit down and write, he lets me do my work at home when I don’t manage to finish at the office and he doesn’t complain when I have to travel for my day job. He is understanding and very accommodating and I hope he knows how grateful I am. I also have nannies who are amazing with my kids.
Q: What are you currently reading?
A: Last Night at Chateau Marmont by Lauren Weisberger
Q: What are the top three stores you could max your credit cards out?
A: Chanel, Miu Miu and just about any denim store. I’m a real denim freak.
Q: Where would be your dream vacation?
A: To be honest, I just love traveling period. So anywhere I go, as long as I get to spend it with my family, I’m good.
Q: What is your best advice for aspiring writers?
A: This is hard – I’m still aspiring too! But here is my two cents worth: there is no dream too big to chase, so if it’s your life long dream to be a writer, then go sit down and just write. Just sitting down and actually writing a whole novel, and being happy with what you’ve written is already half the battle.
Visit Shannon’s website or see my review of Until the End of Forever!
