Interview with Shannon K. Butcher
As most of you know, The Reading Cafe has featured the amazing Shannon K. Butcher this week. You have been able to read reviews on some of her books, to give you an idea on what you are missing, if you have not read them. We have also given an insight into Shannon with her Biography, as well as a detailed listing of all her novels. Now without further ado…..let us begin the interview.
Hi Shannon, we are thrilled to have you here with us today. Thank you taking the time to answer our questions. THE READING CAFÉ and its’ members are looking forward to our interview with you.
Shannon: Thanks so much for hosting me! I’m glad to be here!
TRC: We have already posted your biography, so we will skip the usual question of telling us about yourself.
TRC: Your husband, Jim Butcher, is a very successful writer. How has the duality of 2 successful authors in the same household affected the family dynamics?
Shannon: This is one of those mixed blessings. We both work from home, which means there’s always someone working in the house, and we often have deadlines at the same time, which can be stressful. Jim usually writes at night, and I usually do most of my work during the day. Our poor little dog works around the clock, keeping our toes warm no matter the time of day. He’s a real trooper!
On the other hand, since we both do the same job, we really get each other, and understand the pressure, stress, and joy that come from being an author. We also have the luxury of spending a lot of time together, and if we feel like going out on a date in the middle of the day, we can.
TRC: The Sentinel Wars series is very popular in the field of the paranormal genre. How did you come up with the idea for the series? With our Theronai Warrior heroes, Sanquinars, and the evil Synestryns.
Shannon: It’s always hard to explain where my ideas come from, but my brain is like a big pot into which I’ve thrown years of tabletop gaming, live action role playing games, bad sci-fi movies, and awesome books. Every once in a while, something cool bubbles to the top of the brain soup. The Sentinels world was like that. After I had the initial idea, it took a couple of years to really iron it out and make it cohesive.
TRC: Bound by Vengeance was a special novella released as an eSpecial in February. Was there a reason behind this special, especially with Dying Wish a month away?
Shannon: The Sentinels world is filled with smaller stories that may never make it into the books. Whenever I have the opportunity to tell a shorter story, I try to use that to squeeze in just a little bit more. The eSpecial novella was one of those awesome chances to give readers another story, so I jumped on it. As far as the timing goes, that’s really not up to me. I just write the books. 🙂
TRC: How many books do you anticipate for the Sentinel Wars series, as Dying Wish is the 6th book.
Shannon: I’m currently contracted through book 9. My hope is that I’ll get to write 15, but I could finish the series in 12 if I really had to—there would just be some characters whose stories would never be told. I don’t intend for this series to continue indefinitely—there is a definite end to the story.
TRC: Dying Wish will be released in March 2012. Jackie and Iain are the hero/heroine depicted in this storyline. Tell us a bit about Dying Wish, and the newest heroes.
Shannon: Jackie was held captive by the Synestryn for two years, tortured, starved and used for her blood. Now that she’s free, all she wants is to go back to her old life. She refuses to accept that it’s not possible. Iain must protect her while she figures out that her life has changed. He has no interest in any kind of relationship with her—his soul is dead, and he is no longer capable of being the kind of man she needs. Circumstances tie them together, and Jackie’s learns that when it comes to Iain, things are not what they seem.
TRC: The Edge series is a romance/suspense genre. Which genre do you prefer to write and why?
Shannon: I love writing both! The great thing about writing two sub-genres is that I never get bored. And I get to use skills I learn in writing one type of book on the other. I think doing this has made my paranormals more suspenseful and my suspenses more emotionally intense.
TRC: How many books do you have planned for the Edge series, and what is next?
Shannon: I’d like to write another two books in that series, and I hope to get the opportunity to do so.
TRC: Are you working on anything new? A new series? If so, is it romance, paranormal, mystery?
Shannon: I am working on something new, but it’s a big secret, and I’m not yet ready to share any details.
We look forward to finding out what your secret is. Thanks again Shannon for being with us today. We have enjoyed having you here, and we wish you good luck with Dying Wish.
To follow or find out more about Shannon, below are links to visit her.
Website: http://www.shannonkbutcher.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ShannonKButcher
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ShannonKButcher!
******GIVEAWAY*****
Shannon is graciously offering a giveaway for one of our members. We have a signed copy of the “Dying Wish” ARC (advanced reader copy) – see image on left. This is a limited uncut print prior to the official book print edition. Please note you must be a member of The Reading Café to have a chance to win. If you are not a member, please register today. The contest will close midnight March 9, 2012. Good Luck to all.
