Author Q&A with Shauna McKee

Shauna is a writer of adult fantasy novels and often sprinkles romance into her stories. She lives with her husband and two children in a cosy village in Yorkshire in the UK, down the lane from rolling hills. Ever since she can remember, fantasy, myths, and legends have always captured her heart. This is a love sparked by the first ever book she took into school, which was about the ‘Cottingley Fairies’.

Shauna has a degree in fine art and a masters in education. At University, she studied Victorian Pre-Raphaelite paintings and was fascinated by their storytelling. When she isn’t found writing, reading or sipping tea (in between chasing wild toddlers) she often has a paintbrush in her hand and working on her own oil paintings.

Her debut novel Our Broken Mirrored Soul, will soon be released on the 4th of April 2023.

Tells us about your writing/ published book(s)
I have a debut fantasy novel releasing on the 4th of April 2023

After the love of his life dies in his arms, the Guardian of Souls reincarnates her once more…

Haunted by dreams of someone else’s memories and born with rare magic, Emrys is sold to the king and her family is banished to the Uzairas Wastelands. Now the king’s executioner, she must play her part diligently, though only her friend Prince Finnian knows of her hope for freedom.

Emrys’ twin brother Raph, long thought dead, is rescued from the barren deserts by an ancient magical race. Though his newfound family has trained him to fight for their cause, he still yearns for the sister who was taken from him.

With the estranged siblings on opposite sides of the war, betrayal and shattered loyalties aren’t far behind. And when the mysterious Guardian of Souls comes calling for Emrys, she’ll realize the answers about her magic and soul—and all that she ever knew—might be more complicated than she thought.

Where’s your favourite place to write?

If I had a dream place to write, it would be in a cottage over looking a loch in the heart of Scotland. But instead I like to write in my cosy bookish themed office. It’s a bonus when it’s reading outside and I light my candles. So all I need to do is settle down with a steaming cup of tea and dive into my worlds.

How do you approach starting a new book?

I start with an idea or a concept first. It may just be one or two sentences in my head, the hook of the book. I don’t usually flesh out the details of the story as I’m a pantser, so I let my words take me on a journey with my characters. I love doing it this way, as I’m experiencing everything with them. All the heartbreak, laughter, love. And it’s exciting because it’s just like real life, I genuinely don’t know what’s going to happen next.

What’s your favourite genre to read?

Definitely fantasy with romance!

Have you always wanted to write?

Yes, ever since I was a little girl. I was always reading and making up stories, it was a second language to me.

What do you do when you have writer’s block?

I take a break and immerse myself into life. Whether that’s cleaning, playing with my children, or hanging out with friends. I step away from writing and I don’t put pressure on myself, because I know that it will come to me in the moments I least expect it. That ‘eureka’ moment, then I’m scrabbling across the room to grab a pen or jump onto my laptop. I also like to walk outside. I’m lucky enough to live in a village right next to the sea. I find the beach and the sea very therapeutic and often an inspiration for stories as the sea holds so much emotion and I like to wonder what stories the sea has seen.

Tell us about a scene that you loved but had to edit out of your book

It was the first ever scene I had written for Our Broken Mirrored Soul. It opened with vivid, colourful description on Emrys’ campsite and the women dancing with billowing skies and tapping tambourines around a roaring fire. However, I felt it didn’t capture the reader quick enough. It was too slow of a beginning. Writing a new story is hard because you want to hook the reader straight away, but they have no idea what’s going on and they are entering your world blind. It’s up to the author to guide them around but also keep them interested enough so that they don’t want to leave.

Do you like reading the same books you write?

Sometimes, mainly because I feel a huge sense of achievement and a moment of ‘oh my gosh, I wrote this, these words came from my brain.’

Do write under a pen name? If so, tell us about how you chose it

No, but I may do in the future for other books.

How do you choose your book’s title(s)?

Writing 90,000 words, sure! Thinking of a couple of words for a title? That’s difficult. I write a few ideas down and go with the one that my gut tells me is the best.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to write their first book?

Write, write, write. Practice makes perfect. Don’t worry about your first draft being a masterpiece, that will come with time and a whole load of edits. Pour your ideas onto a blank page first and then piece together the puzzle. Learn about the craft of writing and how to develop and hone your skills as a writer. Doing this will allow you to figure out your style. And most importantly, write what love.

Do you do research for your books? If so, what kind of research?

I write fantasy so research isn’t as necessary for me, but I still research the correct names for weapons, plants, or other real life items that may appear in my story. Doing your research is important as readers will pick up on this.

How do you fit writing into your everyday life?

Being an indie author, you have to spin many plates. You have to make sure you are on top of marketing, engaging with readers, making promotional materials. I set myself little goals, such as writing 1000 words a day. It may not seem a lot but it’s an achievement in my eyes. And if I miss a day, I try not to be too hard on myself.

How do you approach ‘world building’?

I try to paint the picture of my world and what it looks like in my mind. And by build a picture, I mean literally. I visualise every detail as if I am painting it with a brush. I also think to myself, ‘how can I make this forest more magical and wonderful than a real life forest?’ And I let my imagination run wild. That’s the beauty of being a writer, you are in control of creating anything and everything you want.

How do you handle criticism?

This is tough. I’m quite a sensitive person. I tell myself that writing is an art and art is subjective. What one person may hate about my story, another may love. A bad rating doesn’t mean I am a bad writer, it just means I’m not a writer for that person, and that’s okay. I knew before publishing my book to expect that not everyone is going to give it a 5 star review. Being realistic with your expectations is a great way to handle criticism. I try to allow myself to feel the sting, then move on.

Describe your perfect character to me

A character who is formidable, strong, funny but also sensitive and human. I like characters who make mistakes and have flaws, as long as their actions come from a good place within them.

Tell me about your current work

I’m currently working on book two in my Speculus Soul series, which carries on straight after the ending of book one. Book two is going to follow Raph, Emrys and Willow as they take on a new adventure to find the witches in the North.

Tell me about your main character

Emrys is born with rare magic which allows her to rip the truth from a person by appearing as their heart‘s desire. Though she learns that her magic was something she inherited from her previous life.

Would you want your book made into a film?

Oh definitely! If not a film, I think it would be amazing to see it made into a TV series on HBO.

How many books do you own?

Lots! I have my favourites on display and lots they are boxed away in the loft.

Be sure to follow Shauna on social media to keep up to date with more news and information on her debut book release.

Website

Twitter

Author Q&A with Shauna McKee