Ask the Author: Shelly Jones
Answered Questions (9)
Shelly Jones
It's definitely a growing hobby. Approximately 400 million people globally play board games regularly. The analog gaming industry (as opposed to video games) is a $20 billion industry and analysts think that will likely grow (maybe even double based on some projections) in the next decade. I think this is partly because there's a lot of different ways games can be used (family game night, date night, in education, in therapy, etc.). That's one of the main reasons I like board games: there's something for everyone!
Shelly Jones
Having an excuse to research weird and wonderful things. I love going down rabbit holes and finding bizarre answers to questions that were just passing through my brain on a whim. It does, however, mean my internet search history is probably on several watch lists...but it's all for the good of my fiction!
Shelly Jones
Oooh, this is a great question. My gut says board game, but it might depend on the situation (e.g. do I have others to play with; specific game I'm playing; required mental load). Board games are my preferred choice usually, but I also love a good video game (e.g. lots of hours on Stardew Valley and a game called Chonkers, where you are feeding and collecting cats). I grew up learning how to play euchre and poker and love a good card game, always marveling at how much you can do with a simple deck of cards. And honestly, I hate to admit it but the games on my phone (puzzly quick games I can play for a few minutes here and there, or while disassociating before bed) probably get more love/time than I care to admit.
Shelly Jones
Oooh, this is a great question. I'm going to assume that there's a table (or log) on this island and I don't have to worry about getting sand on the pieces or board. My top three games would be Castles of Burgundy, Cascadia, and Isle of Cats. I love a puzzle-y, point-salad (lots of ways to score) kind of game.
Shelly Jones
Updating this for the ARC for Murder, She Rolled at Booksprout: https://booksprout.co/reviewer/review...
Shelly Jones
Don't compare yourself to anyone. No one is you. You have your own unique voice and point of view. Support other authors, bolster each other up. Find a community that embraces you for you and give that same energy back to others. Know that writing is a slog and don't tear yourself down when it is. Keep at it and tell the story you want to tell.
Shelly Jones
I'm currently working on Book 3 in the Wren Winters mystery series in which Wren and her friends go to a big gaming convention in a nearby city. Having gone to Gen Con, PAX, and a few other gaming conventions, I knew I wanted to highlight all the fun (and perils!) that a big event can involve (like the time I had a panic attack waiting in line to buy a t-shirt...or the way even micro-celebrities are hunted down by fans, unable to find any peace and quiet). In particular, I knew I wanted to feature cosplay as a big part of this book as it is certainly a large part of nerd culture and conventions.
Shelly Jones
I've been on an Agatha Christie reading spree this summer. I am a sucker for small town intrigue, closed room murders, and the oh so persnickety but clever Poirot.
Shelly Jones
I find that taking a walk (especially in the woods) really helps clear my head. In general, movement away from the pressure of the keyboard helps me push through writer's block. Pro tip: keep a small journal or post-its and a pen in your pocket while walking. You never know when and where an idea might strike! (Yes: phone works too...I'm just old and usually go for paper first.)
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