Author Interview: Shannon A. Thompson

Shannon A. Thompson wrote Minutes Before Sunset (The Timely Death Trilogy #1) *my review* and asked me if I would review it, and naturally I said of course. She asked if I would want to have an author interview and I thought it would be fun, so we continued corresponding and came up with questions. Enjoy the interview!

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1. Tell us about yourself…

I’m a 22-year-old author with a lot of passion to share with the world. I was first published at 16, and I write in many genres. My next novel is expected to release this March, but my ultimate goal is to inspire others to follow their dreams. I also love coffee and cats.

2. When did you decide you wanted to be an author?

When I was very young, I suffered from night terrors and nightmares. I – quite frankly – could not separate my dreams from reality. That was when my mother taught me to turn them into stories in order to cope. Unfortunately, she passed away very suddenly when I was eleven, and I knew I wanted to spend my life doing what I love. I immediately pursued my goal of becoming a published author, and I haven’t stopped writing since.

3. What went through your mind when you realized your book was being published?

Honestly, excitement followed by dread. The hardest part for me as a writer happens when I finish a novel and/or get the published product in my hands – it’s the ending of an exciting journey that I have spent years on – but those emotions are quickly replaced with enthusiasm when I return to my desk and begin a new novel. 

4. If your novel was made into a movie, who could you see playing the main characters?

 

If any of my novels were turned into movies, I would hope the director would consider an open-casting call. I want to be able to give opportunities to new actors and actresses pursuing their dreams, while also finding new people to fit into the roles. 

5. What are your favorite things to do when you aren’t reading or writing?

I drink a lot of coffee, and I spend too much time playing (cuddling) with my cat, Bogart. Correction: I don’t think someone can spend too much time with their family (and, yes, pets are family.) Other than that, I love traveling whenever I can, and I also like movies and murder mysteries.

6. Are the experiences in the book some you’ve had yourself?

The Timely Death Trilogy is actually based off of a series of dreams that I had when I was in high school. A boy visited me in my sleep, and you can read more about it (as well as an actual journal excerpt) here: http://shannonathompson.com/2013/11/15/my-dream-goodreads-extras/ 

7. What book are you reading now?

My current read is “the impossible knife of memory” by Laurie Halse Anderson. It’s amazing, but I’m also a huge fan of Anderson’s.   Goodreads for The Impossible Knife of Memory

8. How did you come up with the title?

The Timely Death Trilogy came down to two things: time and subject. Each novel has a level of explanation within the world light vs. dark (dark being the good guys, light being the bad.) 

For instance, Minutes Before Sunset (book 1) is focused on being in the Dark, and the shades turn at night, so the title is about the moment before entering the Dark, the minute of contemplation. Seconds Before Sunrise (book 1) is focused on being human. Since the shades are human during the day, this title happened because sunrise is the last moment before they turn. Death Before Daylight will be the ending, and it is focused on the Light, but that’s a mystery for now :] 

9. Are there any authors who have caught your interest?

Many! I love reading, so my calendar is filled with upcoming releases, although City of Heavenly Fire is probably my number one. 

*Aubrey Joy fangirling because of the love of City of Heavenly Fire*

10. Sneak peek of what you’re writing now?

Well, I’m technically done writing it, but Seconds Before Sunrise releases March 27, 2014. I am working on the edits of Death Before Daylight, and I’m also sneaking in new projects along the way. There just might be a new, science-fiction novel lingering in the near future. 

Thank you so much for letting me review your novel Minutes before Sunset (The Timely Death Trilogy #1) it was an amazing read and I cannot wait for March 27 to get the next in the series! Thanks for the interview as well!