Shannon Freeman's Blog

Don't miss my guest post on Diversity in YA entitled "Another Story to Tell" by Shannon Freeman. You can use http://diversityinya.tumblr.com/post/...
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Thanks!
Shannon

The balance of the Port City High Series will be released very soon. I was given a November 15th date as to when I could actually hold all four books in my hands. Waiting for new books is like waiting for the arrival of a new baby (which I am currently doing at this time too!). It's exciting and scary all at the same time. I want PCH fans to love them as much as they have loved the first four. I want them to embrace the conclusion with tears, laughter, and a sense of completion of a series well done. My only hope is that you, the fans of PCH, are pleased. Please send feedback. I love hearing from you :)

Hi everyone!

I am over here enjoying a little rainy day writing. I wanted to share a quick tip that I thought might be useful for writers who are thinking of starting a new manuscript. Hope it helps!

Characters enter a book at a specific time in their lives; however, they have had many experiences that made them who they are when we meet them. Know everything about your characters: past, present, and future. It is even important to know their parents and the lives that they led. It plays an impact on how that character reacts to the events in your story. With that being said, I even enjoy planning the rest of their lives and how the story will have an impact on who they become.

Now I'm not saying that all of this information will make it into your manuscript, but I am saying that this information will play a huge part in how you develop your characters.

Have a definite character chart including: age, race, friends, gender, where they are from, etc. You will be surprised at how the stories just start to unfold.

Happy rainy day writing all!
Shannon

Tip of the day: Many people have inquired as to my process when writing books. The first step is to outline the novel. This makes it easier to keep up with your thoughts and jump back into the story on a daily bases. You have to know your beginning, middle, and end, but outlining will keep the story moving at the perfect pace. Hope this is helpful :)

I am so excited that I have a new series coming out. If you liked Port City High and are ready for more fresh fiction, stay tuned. My new series, Summit Middle School (SMS), is underway. This set is actually realistic fiction for middle school students. I'm writing diligently and can't wait to share it with the world. Thanks for all of your support!

I just received a copy of my first magazine article in Southeast Texas Family. What an awesome experience! I love books, but being in a magazine is new to me. Time to celebrate :)

The greatest gift of writing is for my students to send me their book ideas or outlines. It's an awesome thing to inspire and ignite a young mind through your own writing. I have always loved books and now that love has become contagious. #nogreaterfeeling

Okay, I love writing and I love speaking to a groups of students capturing their attention through Port City High. However, there is a certain vulnerability that comes with reading your books to your own students. Those who view you as simply as, their English teacher and not 'an author'. I felt as though I was a critique...my own critique reading and analyzing my story through their eyes. It's like watching yourself on TV...no bueno. Tomorrow, I will be mentally prepared.

Hi all! I appreciate your reading and following the Port City High series. It is my baby. I love the characters and miss them tremendously since completing the eight-book series. There is more to come and boy does it get juicy. I love your feedback. It makes me better at my craft. So keep the comments coming :)

Blessings!
Shannon