Author Interview and Book Giveaway: White Roses

Shannon Taylor Vannatter received over 200 rejections before hitting publication, proving that anyone can do it, if they have the willingness to learn and the ability to write. Her writing has received several awards, including 2nd place in the RWA’s 2007 Touched by Love contest. Her first book, White Roses releases in May, 2010 and will be followed by White Doves and White Pearls in October, 2010 and January, 2011 respectively. I am pleased to present an interview I had with Shannon recently on the writing craft.


Thank you for taking the time to visit us today! I appreciate you taking the time to answer these few questions, letting us get to know you better.

1: How long did you write before you were published?
Nine long frustrating years.

2: When you held that first book in your hands, what was your first thought?
Thank you, God! Teary-eyed, I clutched it to my heart and thanked Him.

3: What do you find the hardest part about writing?

Deadlines and my first content edit. My editor is great and her comments were right on. The book will be better because of her insight. She saw all the things and more, that I missed because I was too close to the work. I’m hoping I’ll be less stressed as I get used to it all. But my first content edit was like pulling all my hair out and then trying to stick it back in and make it look good. I was so worried I’d make changes that stopped the flow of the story or jolted the reader.

4: How do you coordinate time between writing and other responsibilities?
I write while my son is in school and I try not to do anything else during those hours. I treat it like a full time job. In the summer, I usually get two days in a week, when he’s at a friend’s or a grandparent’s house and I stay up after everyone else is in bed and get in a few hours each night. I try not to write when my son is home and awake. He’s only 8, but he’ll be gone before I know it.

5: What are you working on now?
I’ve completed book 2, White Doves and turned it in. I should get the content edit on it soon. Book 3, White Pearls, is finished and my critique partners have it now. Once I get their comments, I’ll go over it one more time and turn it in by my deadline, June 1. Then I’m taking June off, as far as any new projects anyway. By July, I’ll be ready to think of my next series. I’m torn, I have a rodeo series and a trade length second time around romance. I’ll have to decide which to focus on.

6: Where can readers find out more about your books?
 http://www.shannonvannatter.com/  or http://www.heartsongpresents.com/

7: What message(s) do you want to be clear to your readers?
Love doesn’t conquer all, God does. You can find the greatest man on earth, but if the two of you don’t invite God into the center of the relationship, it will never be what it could be and it may not last.

8: Why did you chose this profession?
I got tired of trying to find clean romances to read, so I decided to write one. The more I wrote, the more my characters prayed and went to church. I didn’t know there was an inspirational market until I borrowed a Market Guide from the library. At the same time, my husband was a youth director. I thought inspirational romances would be a great witness to nonbelievers.



Thank you for being with us today. Any final words for readers?
My prayer has always been for Christians to enjoy my books and feel uplifted, and maybe even receive insight into something they struggle with. I’d like them to loan my books to their nonbeliever friends, so together we can plant seeds.

Okay readers here is your chance to check out Shannon's brand new book!
PLEASE LEAVE AN EMAIL ADDRESS! If I draw your name and there is no email, YOU WILL NOT WIN!
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Contest is only open in the U.S. and void where prohibited. Chances of winning are based on the number of entries and winner is draw from a non-biased third party- Random.org. I am not responsible for any lost or damaged items for said prize.

Thanks for coming by to enter! Contest ends on June 12th.