Kindly introduce yourself.
Hello, I'm Jill Shannon, author of the Midnight Oasis series and the Celtic Demons series. I've been writing romance novels for six years, but have been reading them since I was thirteen. In my books you will read about heroes, heroines, villains and happy endings.
When did you start writing and why?
I started writing in 2015, and I started because the romance books I was reading were all starting to sound the same. So I sat down and wrote what I wanted to read.
Why did you write the series and not an individual novels?
All of my books are stand alone books. However, it is recommended you read all of them in the series. I chose to write the series, because there were other characters that needed their stories written, but needed to be center stage.
Did your family support you in writing?
Yes, my family supports my writing. I don't think they expected me to write six novels though.
What makes you smile the most?
Spending time with my family, watching my grandchildren be kids, a good comedy, a beautiful sunset, the list can go on... However, if I'm being really honest- this will sound sooo bad, but I cannot help myself from smiling when I see someone fall. (I always check first to make sure they are okay) But there are times I laugh uncontrollably. Lol!
When are you releasing your next novel?
I don't have a set date for my next release, but I am researching the plot I'd like to write.
Which’s your favourite genre and who’s your inspiration?
I enjoy just about any kind of romance. As far as inspiration, I enjoyed reading Johanna Lindsey and Lynsay Sands growing up, but my all time favorite author is Sherrlyn Kenyon.
What are the challenges you face while writing a book?
The biggest challenge I have when I'm writing is finding the time to sit down and put my thoughts on paper.
What are the advices you would like to give to the aspiring writers?
My advice would be, don't let anyone discourage you from writing your story, you never know when what you write might help someone. Try to gather a following before your book comes out, this way it will receive the notice books need these days. Finally, be financially secure. Because unless you write like E.L. James, James Patterson or just about any celebrity these days the payoff is not enough to survive on.
Do you genuinely read the reviews? Does negative reviews and comments affects you?
Yes, I read my reviews. I enjoy hearing what the reader liked and didn't like. I would be lying if I didn't say bad reviews didn't have an effect on my feelings. Yet, I take them in stride, I'm not going to be able to please everyone. But it does raise my blood pressure when someone leaves a bad review for a book they should have never picked up to read in the first place. They know before they even read it they aren't going to like it, but they read it anyway and then rip the author apart for exactly what was supposed to be in the book. I think that's just wrong.
Thank you!
