Tuesday, January 07, 2014

Interview with Shauna Allen


Do you write in different genres?

Yes, I suppose I am a mix of several.  I’m technically classified under Paranormal Romance, but I consider myself more of a Contemporary Romance writer who has a dash of light paranormal, with a bit of sass and sexiness.  I have also written a Young Adult novel, which is currently being reviewed by agents and two major publishers.  (Fingers crossed.)

If yes which is your favorite genre to write?

That’s like asking me to pick my favorite child!  LOL!  I really don’t know.  I really enjoy both my romance and my YA so much, and they both allow me to express different parts of myself creatively.  And, strangely, my writing voice is completely different in both genres, so I guess I need them both.  So . . . they’re both my favorites?

How did you come up with the title for your latest book?

Wounded Wings actually came from song lyrics.  I heard something that resonated for my character about angels dancing with wounded wings in a song by Point of Grace, and it stuck.

What books/authors have influenced your life?

There are several, but I’d have to top the list with Jude Deveraux, only because of her book, A Knight in Shining Armor.  That was the first book that made me cry, and that’s when I realized that an author can truly make an emotional connection with a reader.  The same is true for my other favorites Kristan Higgins and Jill Shalvis, who have made me laugh like no others.  Any author who can make you feel something is doing their job.  And, lastly, my new favorite is Katy Evans, and her Real series.  Love, love, love those books.  They’re sexy and emotional and stay with you long after you put them down.  I can’t say enough!

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

This one is actually easy.  I work as an assistant for Christie Craig and Lori Wilde, and both of them have been tremendously supportive and encouraging of my writing, and have taught me so much.  They are both such inspirations and I wanna be them when I grow up! 

What is your current “work in progress” or upcoming projects?

I’m releasing Charlie’s Angel: A Cupid Chronicles Novella on Valentine’s Day.  I’m also working on Cupid’s Last Stand, the fourth and final Cupid Chronicles novel, to be released hopefully in mid-2014.  And, I’m contributing a sweet novella to an anthology about love’s redemption to be released around Easter.  All exciting stuff!

Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?

Do I have to pick just one?!  So unfair!  This actually fluctuates depending on my mood.  If I’m in the mood for a laugh, I pick up Kristan Higgins.  She is hands-down the queen of comedy for me, and you can count on her for a smile.  But, if I want sexy and dig-into-my-heart emotion, I’m gonna go for Katy Evans every

Do you have any advice for other writers?

I love and hate this question.  I hate it because I don’t feel like I’m in a position to “give” advice like I’ve achieved something better than anyone else.  But, I love it because if something I can say helps someone, then I’m glad to do it.  So, that said, my advice is to keep at it.  Work hard, learn hard, be humble, make friends, get in with a good critique group, and keep writing.  It’s a lot of work, but it’s so worth it.  And, never, ever, ever give up on your love.  I firmly believe if it’s a seed planted deep within you, it’s not been put there by accident.

Do you have a song or playlist (book soundtrack) that you think represents this book?

I have songs and playlists for every book and/or character because I listen to music as I write.  It’s a must.  I have three big ones for Wounded Wings.

Everything Good by Ashes Remain

Forever by Fireflight

And, most especially, what I consider Elijah, my hero’s song . . . Worn by Tenth Avenue North.  (BTW, this is a gorgeous video worth watching!  http://youtu.be/zulKcYItKIA )





Wounded Wings
Cupid Chronicles
Book III
Shauna Allen

Genre: Light Paranormal

Publisher:  Soul Mate Publishing
Date of Publication: December 18, 2013

ISBN: 13: 978-1-61935-349-7
ASIN:

Number of pages:  269
Word Count: 72K

Cover Artist: Rae Monet

Book Description:

Wounded.

Judged harshest by his own heart after the greatest of sins, Elijah Smith imposes the most brutal of punishments upon himself. He is now a fallen angel, cast down by his own hand—lost, suffering, caught between two worlds, and searching for redemption.

Scars.

Scarred emotionally and physically, Naomi Evans has always put her happiness aside to repay her debt to the one who saved her. Never quite fitting into her friendly little town after being abandoned as a child, she’s not sure love will ever find her aching heart.

Redemption.

New Destiny, Arizona will never be the same. Two strangers have rolled into town, shaking Heaven and Earth. One, a handsome loner is temporarily stranded and biding his time, quietly bestowing random acts of kindness on total strangers until he can be on his way. The second, an undercover Cupid named Michael, is determined to bring healing and true love.

His assignment? A fallen brother and his equally wounded soulmate.

Will Naomi be able to see past both their scars? Can Elijah ever forgive himself?

Is such redemption possible?

Book Trailer for Inked by an Angel, the first book in the series:  http://youtu.be/EDdKGsa_kjA

About the Author:

Shauna grew up an only child with two open and loving parents in Central Texas.  She’s married to her high school sweetheart and is the mother to three fantastic (no, that’s not a typo!) teenagers—one she’s about to send off to the Air Force. 

When she’s not writing, editing, or acting as a personal assistant to two NYT Bestselling authors, Shauna enjoys reading, movies with Gerard Butler, vacays to the beach, and hangin’ with the kiddos–even if they don’t like hangin’ with her!

Website and blog: www.shaunaallen.com

Angel Kisses Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/D_RcP




Pinterest : http://pinterest.com/shaunaallen7/

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1 comments:

Unknown said...

Thank you so much for having me, Roxanne and for the awesome interview! :)

~Shauna