Ask the Author: Shelly Sanders

“I’m answering questions about The Night Sparrow, a Canadian Bestseller that will be published July 1 in the USA, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK. ” Shelly Sanders

Answered Questions (8)

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Who is your favorite fictional couple, and why?

Shelly Sanders The first time I read "Anna Karenina" (too many years ago), I was drawn to Anna and Count Alexei Vronsky's scandalous affair. Anna's struggle with her conscience intrigued and amused me, and I was struck by her loyalty to her kind husband, and her conflicting sexual desire for Vronsky. I think the way Anna's thoughts are portrayed, through her stream-of-consciousness, is one of the most important reasons she continues to resonate with me. This is my favorite writing style, and it allows me to feel close to her, as I am inside her head throughout the novel. Though I don't have the same intimacy with Vronsky, I admire his devotion to Anna, and also think their developing relationship is authentically rendered. Once they are officially 'together', Anna and Vronsky find that life is not as good as they'd expected. Not only are they shunned by society, but Vronsky soon grows bored and Anna becomes increasingly jealous; it's a story that continues to be told today. Anna and Vronsky's relationship is unforgettable because the characters are so eloquent and flawed. And there is no happy ending, because it would not be possible in this time or place. It is shockingly real.

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Shelly, first of all thank you for the win of a book! It is the third in your series however. Should I first read the other 2 or can the third in the series stand alone? Thanks.

Shelly Sanders Hi Charlotte,
I'm happy you won RACHEL'S HOPE! It is the final book in the trilogy and it would probably be a good idea to read the first two books prior to Rachel's Hope. However, you can read it as a stand-alone book also, though you will get more out of it if you read the first two books. I'll be sending it off tomorrow and hope you enjoy it.
Shelly

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How do you deal with writer’s block?

Shelly Sanders I honestly don't get writer's block. In fact, I have three ideas for manuscripts now and wake up every day ready to write. I guess this means I'm in the right profession.

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What’s the best thing about being a writer?

Shelly Sanders Being able to be creative every day is the best part of writing.

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What’s your advice for aspiring writers?

Shelly Sanders Read good literature in and outside of your genre. Get the words down and be prepared to spend more time editing than writing.

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What are you currently working on?

Shelly Sanders I've returned to a women's literary fiction novel--The Shark's Wife--which I had to put aside when the books in my trilogy were accepted for publication.

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