Welcome to Author Shannon Delany!
Shannon Delany has written stories since she was a child. She began writing in earnest when her grandmother fell unexpectedly ill during a family vacation. In 2008 her greatly abbreviated version of 13 to Life (written in just five weeks) won the grand prize in the first-ever cell phone novel contest in the western world through Textnovel.com .
Shannon was thrilled when St. Martin’s Press offered her a contract for a series about her 13 to Life characters. She expanded on the cell phone novel version, adding the subplots and characters she didn’t have time to during the contest. As paranormal as werewolves seem, the grief Shannon used to build Jess’s character is something she personally experienced with the loss of her own mother. Focusing on Jess and Pietr’s story of loss, love and dramatic and dangerous changes, Shannon came to better grips with her own struggle. The resulting novel has earned her blurbs from authors she respects most.
The first novel in Shannon’s YA paranormal series, 13 to Life, was released on June 22, 2010.
Previously a teacher and now a farmer raising heritage livestock, Shannon lives and writes in Upstate New York and enjoys traveling to talk to people about most anything.
Interview:
If you could travel in a Time Machine would you go back to the past or into the future?
Into the past (and take some heavy antibiotics and Purell ;).
If you could invite any 5 people to dinner who would you choose?
In real life? My beta readers. They rock. I'd totally cook for them. A fictional five? Pietr, Max, Cat, Alexi and a character you won't meet until Bargains and Betrayals--Nadezhda.
If you were stranded on a desert island what 3 things would you want with you?
A good book, a sturdy shelter and Max (hey, he's entertaining ;).
What is one book everyone should read?
I'm sure I'll get myself in trouble on this one, but if it can only be one, I'd suggest reading the Bible as a commentary on human behavior, traditions, psychology and the establishment of commonally accepted morality and law.
What is the last book you read?
The Lovely Bones
What is the last movie you saw?
Gamer
If you could have any superpower what would you choose?
To freeze time around me--hey, I have deadlines to meet (and a fierce curiosity about observing people).
When you were 12 years old what did you want to be when you grew up?
At twelve I think I was between being a police officer or a writer.
What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?
It depends on the company...Turkey Hill does a great chocolate peanut butter combo. I have a weakness for that flavor combo but the ratio has to be just right...
If you could meet one person who has died who would you choose?
Mark Twain. We're supposedly related and he was a clever, clever man.
Which fictional character would you most like to meet?
It's a toss-up (and varies by my mood) but today? Either Captain Jack Sparrow or Westley, the Man in Black from The Princess Bride. If I'm brooding--Wolverine.
What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast?
Biscuits and gravy--my mother was a Southerner and Southern food says "home" to me.
How many books do you read a week/month?
Not as many as I'd like to--I'm very busy writing.
What's your favorite music genre? Favorite artist? Song?
I guess I'm a rock girl (mostly). I have a weakness for Bon Jovi. "It's My Life."
Is there anything you need in order to write? (ie Chocolate, quiet, music)
Coffee helps. :)
Night owl, or early bird?
It depends on when the story or characters grab me.
One food you would never eat?
I pride myself on being brave and willing to try new things, but I'd rather never find myself in a situation in which I was expected to drink coffee made from the bean *coughs* pre-processed by the body of a civet. Ew.
If you could be a paranormal creature , what would you choose to be?
Werewolf.
You have won one million dollars what is the first thing that you would buy?
Unfortunately world peace carries a much higher price tag... I think I'd adopt a child or two and make some decent donations to charitable organizations.
What do you do in your free time?
Free time? I imagine things for future stories.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Corresponding with a friend when I should be doing cleaning. Not much of a secret if you spot the wild herd of dust bunnies...
What TV show/movie/book do you watch/read that you'd be embarrassed to admit?
I always feel I should be embarassed to say Survivor, but I love the show--people are crazy!
Giveaway:
One copy of the book 13 to Life + a LIMITED EDITION signed chapter book of the SECOND book in this series, Secrets and Shadows, which is due out February 15, 2011 - The Chapbook contains the prologue and first chapter.
13 to Life
By Shannon Delany
Published by St. Martin's Griffin
Website:
http://www.shannondelany.com/
Book Summary:
Everything about Jessie Gillmansen’s life changed when her mother died. Now even her hometown of Junction is changing. Mysterious dark things are happening. All Jessie wants is to avoid more change. But showing a hot new guy around Junction High, she’s about to discover a whole new type of change. Pietr Rusakova is more than good looks and a fascinating accent—he’s a guy with a dangerous secret. And his very existence is sure to bring big trouble to Jessie’s small town. It seems change is the one thing Jessie can’t avoid…
Secrets and Shadows
By Shannon Delany
Published by St. Martin's Griffin
Website:
http://www.shannondelany.com/
Release Date: February 15, 2011
Book Summary:
The supernatural stakes are higher than ever now that more than just werewolves prowl the town of Junction--friendships will be formed, choices will be made and allies may become enemies...
Nothing's simple when you run with werewolves. Jess Gillmansen thinks she's seen it all but her eyes are about to be opened to even more danger and a reality far more paranormal than she's suspected.
Giveaway Details:
US only
Ends 12/16
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