The fantastic L. Shannon is my author interview today. If you visit her website, you will see numerous book series, works in progress…it’s mindboggling. Check out her answers to learn more about this prolific author of paranormal romance.

Q. Since you have such a huge backlist, I’m going to concentrate on your newest book….what can you tell us about your latest Cobblestone Press release, Anom’tan 4: Walking Death’s Edge?

A. Edge is the final (as far as I know) book in the Anom’tan series. For anyone who has followed the series or even just read one book, this is the one that brings it all together. I had a little bit of a hard time letting this one go. It’s the first ending for any of my series. For anyone who hates to see the end come, don’t panic, I’m sure these demons will wander through my other book now and then. (and one tiny hint… after –not before- you read Walking Death’s Edge, go to http://heartoftheserpent.blogspot.com/ for some follow up on the missing baby.)

On another note, I just have to mention that my first print book will be coming out on July 25, 2008! The first of the Eagle Clan books, Father of the Wolf, went through some pretty serious editing/revising and will be available through Cobblestone Press. I’m very excited. I’m also looking forward to finishing the third book in the series, which I know readers have been waiting for.

Q. Speaking of that HUGE backlist, how do you keep all of your series/books straight? Are you one of those super organized people with folders and lists everywhere?

A. Super organized? LOL!! Umm… no, safe to say I’m not that person. I do have a system that has grown wild. Basically I keep all my books in folders marked for that primary story line. For instance all the files for my Anom’tan books would be in one folder labeled ‘Anom’tan’. That folder is stuffed inside a bigger folder labeled ‘Tascryn’ and that one inside a bigger one labeled ‘books’. I guess that means I do have folders and lists everywhere, but trust me when I say it’s not organized or logical to anyone but me and my demons.

Q. How many cocker spaniels do you have? And what is it about that particular breed of dog that has captured your heart?

A. More than I need. But most of my dogs are rescued and have nowhere else to go. Here they get to be much loved house dogs and are spoiled rotten. And why Cockers? Because they are the biggest suck ups in the canine world. After dealing with rejections there is nothing better than having Damian (or even Talbot) snuggle me, telling me I’m wonderful.

Q. Looking at the complexity of your website, is writing all you do for a living? I can’t imagine how you could have time for another career, but you just never know!

A. I actually have a degree in teaching Special Education. I worked as a teacher both in the public school system and did private tutoring and also did job coaching for adults with special needs. All of it was very rewarding, although not so much in the financial way. In 2006 I made the leap from working and writing to working as a writer. I haven’t looked back since. My first two novels and several of my novellas were written while I held down a full time job, but I have to say putting those 8+ hours a day into writing is much nicer. Oh, and I recently redid my website (I do that now and then) and I’d love to had folks stop by www.lshannon.net to say hello.

Q. When was the first time you really felt like a writer?

A. Might have been the first time I wrote “The End” or maybe my first rejection letter. Maybe it’s not a single moment, but a hundred moments. I think it’s something that gets a little bigger with every new success. Am I a writer? Yes… I think so.
Q. Is there any particular genre of book you would like to write, but haven’t?

A. Pure Urban Fantasy. I don’t mean urban fantasy romance, but actual Urban Fantasy. One of my more private babies is Dead Men’s Nails, which is how I would label that book’s genre. Not that there isn’t romance in it, but the romance is not the story. Oh, and my nephews want me to write children’s books. Although I want to do it for them, I’m not so sure that I have it in me to write kid-appropriate books.

Q. Where do you see L. Shannon in five years?

A. Sitting right here at my computer, drinking diet dew, typing away and bitching about my characters not behaving. Oh and probably with a dozen more series all bouncing around in my head. If you are looking for a serious goal… I don’t so much have them. Oh sure, I’d love to have a contract that brings in bigger money, but for me writing isn’t about the paycheck. It’s all about telling the story. So where will I be? Right here, telling my stories.

Q. If you couldn’t be a writer anymore, what other career might you like to try?

A. Even if writing didn’t pay a nickel, I don’t think I would give it up. If the belt gets too tight and I had to take another job it would probably be teaching again. I already do a few things to make extra cash, including private dog training and helping out behind the scenes with Cobblestone Press. I’ve always been of the opinion that anyone who needs to work can, and I’m ready to do whatever it takes to get by, but as for career… I’m a writer. Everything else is just for making money.

Q. Does your husband read your books?

A. LOL! He will read any that I let him, but I know he skims all but the kinky ones. Those (of course) he actually reads and comments on! I won’t repeat his comments about any of the Anom’tan books, but suffice it to say one thing led to another… Love those books. (G)

Q. What kinds of books do YOU like to read? Who are your favorite authors?

A. I used to read everything I could get my hands on, but now I spend most of my time writing rather than reading. I still make sure I take the time to read in my genre and not for business reasons. I just quite simply love paranormal romance/urban fantasy/etc. As for favorite authors… I just finished JR Ward’s book, Lover Enshrined and loved it. But then I love the whole Black Dagger Brotherhood. I had a chance to meet JR at RT 2008 and was very impressed. The book I’m currently reading is Keri Arthur’s The Darkest Kiss, which is the kind of Urban Fantasy I was talking about earlier.

Thanks so much, Shannon, for taking time out of your busy schedule to answer my questions. Make sure to check out L. Shannon’s very detailed website for more information on her books.

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