Welcome to the Author Interview. This time, it features the lovely Shannon Anderson, author of the A Monster and A Dragon series.
If you’re an author who’d like to take part in the series, email me: debbie@myrandommusings.co.uk
Now over to Shannon:
1 Firstly, tell us a little bit about yourself
A little about me? I’m a third grade teacher and children’s book author. I’m married to a police chief and have two teenage daughters. I love reading, writing, teaching, traveling, and running.
2 Tell us a little bit about your books
There is a story behind every story. That is one of my favourite things about doing author visits. I get to connect with my readers and share those backstories with them. My newest book which has just come out in July is about a Monster and a Dragon who love to write, just like me!
3 Where do you find your inspiration for your books?
I’m inspired by so many things in my day to day life. Sometimes it is my own kids, sometimes it is something that happens at school, or many times, as I’m lost in thought on a morning run, I find the best ideas.
4 What, for you, is the best thing about being a writer?
The best thing about being a writer is that I love that I can play with words and also use them in powerful ways to share with others. Our words can brighten someone’s day or be just what a child needed to know in the moment.
5 And the worst?
The worst thing about being a writer is that there’s never enough time to write all of the stories I want to write!
6 If you could have any super power, what would it be and why?
If I could choose a super power, it would be to not need sleep so I could have more time to read, write, and explore.
7 Do you have any tips for anyone wanting to write their first book?
Tips for first time writers:
- Find your tribe- the people who will support you and understand the writing process.
- Learn all you can about the genre you love by taking classes, workshops, conferences, and reading.
- Write.
8 Tell us one random fact about you
I’m a huge animal lover.
9 Who is your favourite author?
My favourite author is Mo Willems. It goes back to my days of teaching first grade. He is hilarious.
10 And your favourite book(s)?
So hard to choose! I’d say my favourite book to read with kids at school is Out of My Mind, by Sharon Draper.
11 What book are you reading right now?
Well, I have 7 books on my nightstand right now and a big pile on my writing table. I’m constantly reading a variety of books. Some to just enjoy, others to study, others to improve my writing or teaching.
12 Where is your favourite place to write?
My favourite place to write is in my writing cottage! When my daughters outgrew their playhouse in the backyard, I converted it to a writing cottage. It has armchairs, a writing desk, a great view, and is filled with inspiration and books.
13 Do you prefer to write in silence or do you have a writing soundtrack?
I do like to write in silence, with no distractions.
14 What can we expect from you next?
Monster & Dragon Write Poems is the first in a series of books about a Monster and a Dragon that love to write. The second book, coming out next year, will be Monster & Dragon Write a Story. The books that follow will be all different genres that these characters explore. I have a lot of other books out on submission right now, so we will see!
15 Anything else you’d like to share with us?
I love connecting with teachers and kids. Please let me know if there is a way I can write to your class or connect on Skype to talk writing!
16 Where can we find you? (Links to your Amazon page and social media)
There are many ways to connect with me: Twitter, Facebook, my website and my free monthly newsletter.
You can grab your copy of Monster & Dragon Write Poems here.
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