Interview with Shannon Hart
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: Are you currently working on a second novel?
A: I actually already finished my second novel and I am so excited about it.
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 turne doubt 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: 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, the 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.
