Guest Author Interview: Shannon Delany

Please welcome today's guest author Shannon Delany!  Shannon is the author of 13 to Life and the upcoming sequel Secrets and Shadows.

EJ:  When did you begin writing?

Shannon:  I started writing in 4th grade because of an awesome teacher who believed everyone had a story to tell (which I believe, too). We did little books and it helped inspire me. Then, when my grandmother fell unexpectedly ill during a family vacation (I was a preteen) I turned to writing to keep me entertained. Later I realized writing had also given me a way to creatively express my fear about the situation.

EJ:  What brought you to the paranormal genre?

Shannon:   I've had a lot of weird situations happen in my life and I come from a very traditional group of people who have beliefs that don't always mesh with the mainstream. I read a lot of things related to the studies J.B. Rhine and others did with parapsychology (and couldn't read enough of Hans Holzer's stories as a ghost hunter--way before it was "cool"). My science fair projects as a kid involved testing younger students for psychic powers. So, I guess, writing in the paranormal genre is sort of "my normal." ;-)

EJ:  If you could be any paranormal or have any one supernatural talent, what would it be? Why?
 
Shannon:   Hmm. There are several paranormal powers that crop up during the 13 to Life series and some of them are handier than others. But I think I'd want the very supernatural ability to temporarily stop time. It would help me a bunch with meeting writing deadlines (and give me time to think up more clever quips in real life).

EJ:  Tell us why readers will enjoy your new release.

Shannon:  I hope readers enjoy 13 to Life (and the upcoming sequel, Secrets and Shadows) for a multitude of reasons. First: these aren't your average characters. The mythology behind them is unique and came from real (though odd) research and Cold War info. They also have a unique chronology (readers of 13 to Life should have picked up on this already and know what I mean, but if they missed it, they'll see it even more clearly in Secrets and Shadows). And they are far from stupid-they may make choices that will make you scream, but you'll realize why they did (and recognize people in your own life who might make similar choices due to having "good intentions).

EJ:  If your book(s) were being made into a movie, who would you cast for the leading roles? Why?
 
Shannon:   Oh. Every time I see a movie I change my mind about who I'd like to see cast. Luckily authors have almost no say in this, so I can name whomever and never have to be worry about being taken too seriously. ;-) The ones I go back and forth with most are Jessie and Pietr. Jessie could be played by almost any decent-looking (but not outrageously gorgeous) girl with brown hair. Pietr is more specific. He's pretty tall with a lean build, strong jaw and cheekbones, slightly slanted eyes and dark hair with red highlights (based in mythology). He needs to look a little angular and foreign whereas Jessie needs to be the girl-next-door. One character I can definitely name an actress for is Amy (one of Jessie's BFFs). I saw a movie recently with Skyler Samuels and I think she could totally play that role. If you want to see my previous cast list (and make your own!), it's on StoryCasting.com here.

13 to Life (13 to Life, book 1) by Shannon Delany.

Something strange is stalking the small town of Junction…

When junior Jess Gillmansen gets called out of class by Guidance, she can only presume it’s for one of two reasons. Either they’ve finally figured out who wrote the scathing anti-jock editorial in the school newspaper or they’re hosting yet another intervention for her about her mom. Although far from expecting it, she’s relieved to discover Guidance just wants her to show a new student around—but he comes with issues of his own including a police escort.

The newest member of Junction High, Pietr Rusakova has secrets to hide--secrets that will bring big trouble to the small town of Junction—secrets including dramatic changes he’s undergoing that will surely end his life early.


Thank you Shannon for joining us here today at From the Shadows!

To learn more about Shannon Delany and her books, please visit her website.