Ask the Author: Debbie Shannon
Answered Questions (6)
Debbie Shannon
I think the best way to deal with writer's block is to close your notebook or computer, get your walking shoes on and go for a long walk, preferably in nature. Go to the park, the beach, walk along the lake shore, along a country road. That tends to clear my mind. I always get ideas when I'm walking. I bring my phone and record them as I walk.
Also, Ernest Hemingway suggested this writing tip in A Moveable Feast, and I've been doing it ever since I read it. At the end of your daily writing session, stop before you've completed your thought. Stop mid-paragraph. That way, when you come to the desk the next day, you have something to work on, and you're not stuck staring at a blank page.
Also, Ernest Hemingway suggested this writing tip in A Moveable Feast, and I've been doing it ever since I read it. At the end of your daily writing session, stop before you've completed your thought. Stop mid-paragraph. That way, when you come to the desk the next day, you have something to work on, and you're not stuck staring at a blank page.
Debbie Shannon
I love telling stories. I never get tired of reading stories, creating stories and even listening to other people's stories. My friends all know to be aware that I'm always on the lookout for a good story, good character name, good scene, good hook.
Debbie Shannon
My teacher, John Dufresne, famously says the first rule of writing is to sit your butt in the chair and write...and wear Velcro pants. Second, read, read, read! You must be a good reading in order to be a good writer. Third, put your character in danger, real danger, and make he/she struggle to reach their goals. Danger+Drama=Good
Debbie Shannon
I will soon start my fourth book about a scrappy 17-year-old girl named Moon MacFayden who needs to solve a murder before the killers kill her.
Debbie Shannon
I wrote a lot when I was young. I spent twenty years acting in films and TV shows, and was so disappointed at the roles I was offered. I took a night class, creative writing 101 at Broward Community College in between filming my Travel Channel show. The teacher recommended that I apply to Florida International University. Their masters program is one of the best in the country. I applied, never thinking I'd get in (they only accept 8 people a years!) When I was accepted, I knew it was a sign that I was meant to learn the craft and tell my stories full time.
Debbie Shannon
I've always loved history and am fascinated with the Prohibition Era. I knew I wanted to write a book set then. The Fisherman was my thesis novel. I had to complete it and defend it before my thesis committee in order to get my master's degree. I researched where smugglers got their liquor and found that St. Pierre et Miquelon was a huge hub. It's a French territory in the North Atlantic just south of Newfoundland. It was settled by Basque fisherman. I though about who my main character should be. I wondered what must it be like to be the son of a fisherman, but who hates the water? Writing rule #1: put your main character someplace they don't want to be. I just love the history and tradition of the fishermen and the adventure of the rum runners at sea. I still love reading this book!
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more