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Belles Middle Grade Library

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Shan L. Spyker

Goodreads Author

Website

https://www.shanspykerauthor.com

Genre

Children's, Fantasy, Fiction

Member Since

August 2012

URL

https://www.goodreads.com/shanlspy

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Shan Spyker makes art, screens t’s + writes things

Her passion for writing was first ignited when she discovered the world of publishing through her love of music, when at age 14 she created her first zine. She's been 'zine-making ever since and into current times producing several online collaborative creative writing, music, art, and photography publications throughout the years.

She grew up along the shores of Lake Erie in NE Ohio earning a BA in studio art, and later, a secondary degree in IT with a concentration in web design and development. Following college, she worked for several non-profit organizations, serving as both publication editor and author/writer for fundraising campaign literature. Today she owns and operates her own inde ...more

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Popular Answered Questions

How do you get inspired to write?

Shan L. Spyker When writing The Way of the River, at bedtime I would lie down, pick a character or characters and a scene, then close my eyes and let them walk aroun…moreWhen writing The Way of the River, at bedtime I would lie down, pick a character or characters and a scene, then close my eyes and let them walk around and interact in it. I would drift off and let my mind wander, and things would start to happen. I would see scenes vividly, or hear them talk to one another, and would try to remember that for the next morning when I would sit down and use that as inspiration to write the next chapter. I am also a hiker, and my observations of the river, the forests I walked in, and the nature around me also inspired me greatly!(less)

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Where did you get the idea for your most recent book?

Shan L. Spyker The idea actually began as a series of short bedtime stories that my father and I would tell back and forth when I was four years old. It began as a s…moreThe idea actually began as a series of short bedtime stories that my father and I would tell back and forth when I was four years old. It began as a simple adventure, two siblings who venture into the vast forest at the edge of their property and discover an abandoned wolfhound they discover they can communicate empathically with. My father is a musician and had written a theme for the story, which went on to evolve into a full musical suite. This kept the story alive as my sister and I grew up, and when we had children of our own they learned about "The Tales of Henry" (as it was then known). When they got a little older, my children asked me if it was an actual book. When I told them it was not, they asked a simple question: why not?

In addition to being a writer, I am also a graphic designer, and book design is one of my other passions. So, when my kids asked this this of me, I paused a moment trying to figure out why it wasn't. Immediately after, it became my mission to have The Tales of Henry become a physical book that they could hold. That is the origin of the initial spark, and the story, which grew and evolved over the past three generations of our family, to become the middle grade novel that is now known as The Way of the River.(less)

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Shan L. Spyker’s books

Average rating: 4.27 · 15 ratings · 7 reviews · 1 distinct work

The Way of the River (Kellandale Wood (Book One)

4.27 avg rating — 15 ratings — published 2021 — 3 editions

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* Note: these are all the books on Goodreads for this author. To add more, click here.

48 posts
Shan L. Spyker's Blog

Kellandale Wood Book Two

Title Reveal

Those who have signed up for the shanspykerauthor.com blog (or digital zine as I would much more prefer to call it!), as well as those who follow my accounts on Instagram or Facebook may have seen a teaser to find the title of book two.

Now that the word has gotten out a little bit, it’s time to share it for those who follow here, or else who just happen to stumble upon this post. But I

Shan is Currently Reading

Shan is currently reading

Patina (Track, #2)

by Jason Reynolds

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May 25, 2021 05:12PM

Shan is currently reading

Rock 'n Fire: A Novel

by Mark Stallard (Goodreads Author)

bookshelves: currently-reading

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May 25, 2021 05:13PM

Shan is currently reading

Egyptian Brogue

by Paul Kennelly

bookshelves: currently-reading

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Jul 23, 2021 05:47PM

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Shan’s Recent Updates

Shan L. Spyker wrote a new blog post May 2023 Update - Kellandale Wood Book Two Progress, New Features, and More Upcoming Author EventI will be returning to The Learned Owl in Hudson, Ohio, stay tuned for details! The last event was great fun, and my sister and b Read more of this blog post »
Apr 12, 2024 06:20AM · 1 like · like