Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Meet The Author - Shannan Albright


Please give a warm welcome to...

Shannan Albright lives in Las Vegas, NV with her husband, two dogs and two cats. When not writing she spends her time between oil painting and reading.  She loves writing paranormal romances because of the world building and rich characters she finds.  She loves dark, edgy heroes and heroines overcoming impossible odds internal and external. I am a "hopeful" Romantic and believe healthy relationships and strong partnerships are key to a happy ever after.
***

 What motivates Shannan Albright the author? Why do you write?
 Painting or reading work great for me to get my muse going. I started drawing around 3 years old and used to tell stories about my pictures. As I got older that need to share stories grew and by 16 after reading Rosemary Rogers Sweet Savage Love I knew I wanted to write for a living. I have a love for words and have always been an avid reader. Writing is an extension to who I am as integral as breathing.
When did you know you were a writer? Was it always your destiny or did you stumble upon your craft by accident?
I think I knew I was a writer at age 21 after a ton or rejections I looked at all of them and knew I was on my way. Even though life got in the way and I stopped submitting I still kept my hand in it off and on until 2008 when I joined RWA and decided to work toward it as a business.
How many hours a day do you devote to writing? Do you have a set routine or do you write when the mood strikes?
I try to put in at least 5 to 6 hours a day Monday through Friday. With a full time job it can be a bit tricky to accomplish but I try to write every day. On Sat. and Sun. I write anywhere from 8 – 12 hours if I can and have nothing to interfere with it, like life, husband and animals that need to go to the Vet. If I waited until the mood strikes I’d never get anything accomplished. Lol! I’m training my muse to work with me not against me and so far it works for me.
Tell us about the most intriguing character you've created.
I’d have to say it’s Temple Fox from my Dark Breed series. He’s the antagonist in the series and though his actions are evil, his heart and life are dedicated to his race. He’ll do whatever it takes to save his Lycan’s and though, is actions are evil I believe he is coming from a place where he can be redeemed. I was surprised how my readers really hated him; a lot of them don’t want to see his redeeming qualities which I must admit I get a kick out of. As the series unfolds even more of Temple’s personality will come into play and I’m looking forward to his book. Yep, he gets his own story told which I think will be the topper to the series.
Who is your favorite author? And, if given the opportunity to meet them, what would you ask them?
One of my favorites is Erin Quinn who writes the Mists of Ireland series. I had the opportunity to meet her earlier this year and…wow! What a gracious and talented Lady. She told me of the struggle she had doing the third book in the series and it was so relatable to me with the struggle I had with Tegans book Passions Flight: A Dark Breed Novel, I was blown away. Just goes to show no matter how successful a writer gets they still have hurdles to go over just like everyone else. She, like me also works a full time job and writes when and where she can. Her vacation time, like me is spent at conventions. She has children and a husband so she is juggling all that and making it. Of any author I know, she is exactly the perfect role model for me to aspire to.
What did you do when you found out your first book had been contracted?
I was at work when I got the acceptance letter and it took me five minutes before it hit me. I remember running out of my office and through the warehouse screaming I’m published! My boss thought I lost my mind I’m afraid. Lol! All my co-workers have been so supportive I’m blessed to work with them.
-Do you have any words of inspiration to aspiring authors? What advice would you offer a writer trying to publish?
Don’t get discouraged. When you get a rejection and they have something constructive to say, take it to heart. Take workshops, get involved with a writing chapter and use their resources. Open yourself up to any and all publishing opportunities, including eBook publishers. The main thing is to get your name out there and never give up. Treat it as a business; write up a 5 year and 10 year plan. Never give up submitting and writing.
Tell us about your current release.
Beloved Wizard: Book 1 of Knights of Excalibur is an idea that came to me when I was writing a short story for an anthology. The anthology never got off the ground but this novella took off and has a life of its own. It is the first of an 8 part series and let me tell you I’m really enjoying the ride.

Blurb:
Arthur and his Knights are back and ready to kick ass!
Merci Tramaine is not happy to be called back into service by her old boss Arthur, especially when she is charged to find her missing ex lover. Drake Monroe is Merlin reincarnated, with his powers bound by the Goddess Nimue he has become a skilled fighter, but no match for Nimue who kidnapped him determined to destroy him forever.
The bloodline of Morgan Le Fey taints Merci keeping her on the edge between light and dark, the Goddess’s wicked trap springs shut leaving both Drake and Merci racing against the clock. Passions ignite once again, but are they too late to plan a future or will they be torn from each other?
This time for eternity. 

Buy Link:
 Do you have any upcoming projects in the works?
I’m awaiting the release date for the second book in my Dark Breed series Passions Flight. This is Tegans book and from the feedback I’m getting from my fans they are excited about hearing from Tegan.
Where can readers connect with you?

***
Thanks so much for joining us!
Ella

1 comment:

  1. Hi Shannon, just stopping by to show some love and give you my support. Your writing is excellent and love to dive into your books.

    Have a great day!

    Ronda Tutt

    ReplyDelete