This Week’s Feature Author Interview with
Shannon Butler
Hi Shannon Butler, welcome to the Indie Publishing Group website. Introduce yourself to us. Tell everyone who you are, where you’re from, what do you enjoy doing, hobbies and interests.
Hi! My name is Shannon Butler. I’m from a small town in Massachusetts, where I’ve lived for most of my life. I’m an author from Polyethnic Publishing, but that’s not all I do! I’m also an editor and a graphic designer for the company, as well as a polished video gamer. I’m an amateur pianist and guitarist, and I love books! Literature, historical, young adult fiction, give me anything and I’ll read it. I’m also in love with tattoos, and giraffes.
When did you start writing and why?
In fourth grade, we had to write in a journal every day. We could write anything, and I started a story about a girl who finds a unicorn, and becomes great friends with him. My teacher liked it, and I really got into the idea of creating a story from nothing but an idea, and I’ve never stopped loving it.
Which is your favorite book you have written and what gave you the idea for it?
My first book is called Memories From Beyond the Inferno. It started when I thought about memories, and how much they affect who we are as people. And then from there I decided to write a book about people who had no memories of recent events, except for one person, the main character. The main character is the only one who remembers the apocalypse, but the twist is that she doesn’t remember the rest of her life. She is a person born of war and violence, and she has to fight to find out who she was while trying to help her new friends find out how the world ended.
How did you come up with the title for your book?
Well, I knew memories was such a big part of the story, and so was the end of the world. The story is almost like a personal hell, but more about starting over, so it really is about what happens after, beyond the inferno.
Who helped you with the cover? Or did your design it yourself? What was your inspiration for your cover design?
I got my cover from Duong Covers. I told her what the story was about, and gave her some ideas on how to get the idea across. I went on Pinterest and looked through various pictures about the end of the world, and decided on which parts of the story to show in the cover, and that’s how we came up with the cover!
What are some of the themes of your story?
The themes in Memories From Beyond the Inferno are determination and finding out who you really are. The main characters are going to find answers, no matter the cost.
What’s your process when you sit down and decide to start writing a book? What is your process and do you have a system?
When I sit down to write, I make sure I have a playlist of good music, which is usually a combination of movie scores and the band Owl City. Something that can play in the background and move me without distraction. I write by the seat of my pants for the most part. I almost never know where it’s going until I get there, and I like it that way!
Who are some of your favorite characters and why?
Some of my favorite book characters are Luna from the Harry Potter series, Alanna the Lioness and Daine Sarrasri from various books by Tamora Pierce, and Felicity from the Gemma Doyle series by Libba Bray. All of these characters are strong in different ways, and they are women I strive to be like.
Who are some of your favorite authors?
J.K. Rowling, Tamora Pierce, Wm. Paul Young, and Libba Bray
Have you got anything you’re working on now?
Right now I’m in between projects, but I just finished my second novel for Polyethnic Publishing, called Saving Hamlet, and I also just submitted to a contest to write with James Patterson.
If you could have any super powers what would they be?
I think it’s a tie between being able to fly, or being able to travel in time.
If you could travel to any location in the world where would you go?
Ireland! It’s a beautiful place, and I’ve always wanted to travel there.
Where do you hope to be in 5 years’ time?
I hope to be at least a moderately well-known author, and I would love to say I’m a part of a successful publishing house in Polyethnic Publishing!
Thanks so much for taking the time to do an author interview. Take a minute and check Shannon Butler out on the links below.
Shannon Butler Goodreads Author Page
One Response
Wow you have a lot of varied interests. I don’t think I’ve ever seen tattoos and giraffes mentioned together, I guess a tattoo of a giraffe would be perfect for you.