Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.
Hi – I’m Shannyn Schroeder (but I also write under the name Sloane Steele). I write steamy contemporary romance set in Chicago. That’s where I grew up and I now live in the ‘burbs. I’m mom to 3 awesome mostly adult kids. In addition to being an author, I’m an executive functions coach, English teacher, and curriculum writer.
When you are writing a book, which is harder? The first book in the series or the others after it?
The first is the most fun to write. I get to dive into a whole new world. I just make shit up as I go. Details aren’t important. Well…the details become important in later books. If you tell readers something about a character, you need to incorporate that into the later book. And truly, I suck at that. If I were smart, I’d create a series bible of all those details as I go, but I never do.
When writing a series how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
For me, there’s comfort in returning to the world of a series. It’s like hanging out with old friends or watching a comfort TV show. It doesn’t all have to be new and exciting, just some twists and turns.
Writing can be an emotionally draining and stressful pursuit. Any tips for aspiring writers?
Find your process. Listen to what other people do, what works for them, but don’t try to be them. Take the advice that resonates with you and dump the rest.
On a typical day, how much time do you spend writing?
Lately, not a whole hell of a lot. I’ve been sitting on a mostly finished book for a year. Granted, in that time I did launch a whole new business (unrelated to writing), so I’ve been busy.
When I’m in the thick of drafting or revising, I typically write about an hour a day during the week and maybe 2-3 each day on the weekends.
Do you have a favorite character that you have written? If so, who? And what makes them so special.
Jimmy! If you’ve seen me at a signing, you might’ve seen my “Fuckin’ Jimmy” shirt. Jimmy is the hero of the 4th book I wrote – Catch Your Breath. He’s the stereotypical big brother who’s bossy, but he always has your best interest at heart. He was my first grumpy hero (I didn’t set out to write one, but there he was – and then I realized how much I LOVE them!)
What is your definition of success?
As an author being someone’s autobuy is a dream goal. They don’t have to read what the book is about. They’re just going to one-click because they know I’ll deliver.
What are your social links?
https://www.facebook.com/shannyn.schroeder
What are your buy links? (Provide links to your Amazon/iBook’s/Koko/etc Author Home Page if you have quite a few. Also include audible links if applicable.)
https://shannynschroeder.com/index.php/books/
https://shannynschroeder.com/index.php/books/
Want tickets to Writers on the River #2024?
They are available starting November 6th at Writersontheriver.com
$75 VIP Plus – 11-12 Lunch with the Authors , 12-1 VIP hour, 1-4 General Admission time. You get a filled VIP bag and admission to the after party is included. *Limited Quantity expected to sell out first day*
$50 VIP -12-1 VIP hour, 1-4 General Admission time. You get a filled VIP bag and admission to the after party is included. *Expected to sell out first day*
$25 Early Access – 12-1 VIP house, 1-4 General Admission time. You also get a filled VIP bag but NO admission to the after party. *Expected to sell out opening day*
$10 General Admission – 1-4 General Admission time. You can purchase a bag but it is not filled with VIP swag. There is no admission to the after party included.
$35 After party – 7-11 After Party with food and cash bar. Dj with a photobooth is also included in the fun.