Featured Author - Shadow Stephens

[Mandie]

Tell us about your book(s)  

All of my books focus on the paranormal in some way. I enjoy creating worlds and places that can take the reader out of their daily lives and into a fantasy.  

Where did the idea of your (latest) book come from?  

I'm finishing up the sequel to Broken Butterflies; Wilted Wings. The idea to have angels transform into butterflies came to me when I saw a Lunesta commercial. That floating neon green butterfly was all it took and a light bulb went off.

 Who and what inspires you to write your books?  

I'm finishing up the sequel to Broken Butterflies; Wilted Wings. The idea to have angels transform into butterflies came to me when I saw a Lunesta commercial. That floating neon green butterfly was all it took and a light bulb went off.

  Each author has their own fascinating journey. How did you begin writing?  

When I was in fifth grade we wrote our own books. Granted they were only ten pages long and the illustrations came from our own hands, but our teacher bound them and covered them for us. My mom still has them. Growing up I didn't have to many friends so I would always make up stories and act them out with my toys. As I got older I stated writing poems and songs down in note books. One day I was sitting down at the computer and read an article where the author explained that the books needs to play out in her head like a movie. From that moment on I've been writing novels. I see each thing play out in my head.

 What has been the most pleasant surprise about being a writer? How about the most unexpected downside?

I love hearing that people love my stories and they couldn't put it down. The downside is how many people are out there that just want to steal your work. Crazy.

Do you have any particular writing routines or rituals? 

I have to have sound. Silence is something I can't stand. Even when I sleep I have a very loud fan on. I don't take massive notes I just let the story play out as I write it. It gets me excited to see what will happen next that way.

Do you write in order?  

Yes. I write from beginning to end. I don't think I could be a movie director and shoot the middle first then go back to the beginning. Though I guess that's more of a problem for the editor of a film; putting it all together.

 What is on your playlist when you write?  

I'm a metal head so I just let my iPod shuffle and I jam. Though if there is ever a sad scene to write I play Queen's The Show Must Go On. That song will get my crying every time.

 Favorite writing snack?  

Can't eat while writing. Too much of a distraction.

 Where do you like to write?  

I'm always in my house. Summer I write while camping. The invention of the laptop is marvelous. You can take your work with you everywhere.

 Do you have any advice for authors wanting to publish?  

I would just say don't give up. Whether you self publish or go through a publisher don't let rejection get you down. Just think JK Rowling had like 13 rejection letters for Harry Potter. Aren't they kicking themselves now?

 Are you currently working on anything else?  

I started my next book, but only the first chapter just to keep the idea fresh in my mind while I finish Wilted Wings.

 Who is your favorite character and why?  

I love Zoe from Legion of Bats. She's feisty, loyal, and fierce when she needs to be. I never have liked weak female characters. Bring on the Charlie's Angels kick butt girls.

 Favorite book of all time?    

Not a book but a play Macbeth by Shakespeare.

I think breakfast says a lot about a person, what is your perfect breakfast?  

I love biscuits and gravy. It reminds me of home and my grandma. She would always make it from scratch and have fried potatoes.

 Please tell us in one sentence why we should read your book

I don't want to say for myself, but I've had fans tell me they can't put my books down.

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