Author Interview:
Shirley McCann
Genre: YA Suspense/Horror
Good question. I wrote when I was in school, but never seriously considered being a writer. Then I started a romance novel in my twenties, but never did much with it. It wasn’t until I was in my late thirties that I pursued being published. I wrote a lot of short stories before I wrote the first novel.
What inspired you to write your first book?
What inspired you to write your first book?
The first book I ever wrote was Anonymously Yours, but it went through a LOT of changes through the years. I read a lot, so I guess like most people, I thought I’d like to try it myself.
What have you written?
What have you written?
Numerous short stories over the years. I’ve been published in Woman’s World, Alfred Hitchcock, The Forensic Examiner, and many of the confession magazines, plus a few epublications. I have a couple of short story collections available on Amazon.
I also have a middle grade mystery called The Necklace, a cozy mystery, Anonymously Yours, and a YA, which is the first in a series called The Scarry Inn.
Is there a message in your book and/or books?
I also have a middle grade mystery called The Necklace, a cozy mystery, Anonymously Yours, and a YA, which is the first in a series called The Scarry Inn.
Is there a message in your book and/or books?
Nope. I write strictly for entertainment. If someone finds a message in there, good for them, but it was not intentional.
Is there anything in your book and/or books based on real life experiences?
Is there anything in your book and/or books based on real life experiences?
The Necklace was based on my life in a small farming town of Boaz, Missouri. The theft never occurred, but the old barn was a real place. Still think about those days.
The Scarry Inn was based loosely on when my husband and I were stranded in a rundown motel in Ashfork, Arizona. Nothing bad happened though. We left in one piece.
Who is your favorite character from one of your stories?
The Scarry Inn was based loosely on when my husband and I were stranded in a rundown motel in Ashfork, Arizona. Nothing bad happened though. We left in one piece.
Who is your favorite character from one of your stories?
I like Madge Story from The Scarry Inn. Her character will grow with time. She’ll have an interesting side of her. But YOU don’t know that yet.
What books and/or writers have influenced you the most?
What books and/or writers have influenced you the most?
I’m a huge YA fan. Lois Duncan has always been a favorite, as has R. L. Stine. Their work is timeless.
What is your favorite book?
What is your favorite book?
I Know What You Did Last Summer. Haven’t found one that matched it yet.
How do you conquer writer’s block?
How do you conquer writer’s block?
Don’t have it. I can always go to a short story if I get stuck on a book. I think a writer can get stuck, but not blocked.
What has been your greatest challenge when writing?
What has been your greatest challenge when writing?
Finding time. I have a paraplegic husband who’s been bedridden for two years. I work part time, and watch three grandchildren when I’m off. And then I’m TIRED.
How do you rejuvenate after a writing session?
How do you rejuvenate after a writing session?
I love to read a Kindle book while on the treadmill. Also, relaxing with any book, ebook or print and a cup of green tea.
What are you working on right now?
What are you working on right now?
A sequel to The Scarry Inn. Plus another short story collection. Love doing the shorts.
What have you learned and do you have any advice for other authors?
What have you learned and do you have any advice for other authors?
Don’t believe everything you hear. Take risks. And don’t try to write like other people. You need your own voice.
What famous person would you like to meet? Why?
What famous person would you like to meet? Why?
Mick Jagger. He’s been my idol since my teenage years. I find him SO interesting.
If you could go anywhere in the world? Where?
If you could go anywhere in the world? Where?
I’m pretty low maintenance. I’d love to spend a week by myself in a log cabin on the lake with a fishing pole and my computer. ALL BY MYSELF!! It’s always noisy here. Babysitting and caring for my husband takes its toll sometimes. But I DO want internet service.
Four teenagers embark on a Christmas Eve trip to Flagstaff, but are detained in a town called Frighton when their cars breaks down. They seek lodging in a motel called The Scarry Inn, owned by Dick and Thelma Scarry. There is no phone service of any kind, making it impossible for them to contact their families. Creepy things begin to happen, making them think consider that they are victims of a practical joke to make a name for the new inn. Until someone ends up dead.
Amazon.com:
About the Author
Author Links:
Facebook:
http://tinyurl.com/lkhoyjm
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/shirleymccann
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About A.E. Albert
B&N:
Smashwords:
KOBO:
ARe:
BOB:
Scribd:
About A.E. Albert
People should be their own voices - the discrepancy is when it comes to trying to find representation..
ReplyDelete"The better the product you make, the harder the effort you have to make".