Book Stop Corner

Good Day my fellow readers,
Hope you all are having a lovely winter day. I'm back with the author interview session and today we have a very special author-cum-teacher, Shannon Grogan, who penned her very first YA novel, From Where I Watch You. So let's welcome Shannon to my blog with a big warm hug **HUGS**
So folks stay tuned while I delve deeper into Shannon's life as an author.

Read the review of From Where I Watch You




Me: Hello and welcome to my blog, Shannon. Congratulations on your new book, From Where I Watch You. How will you express your feelings about this book that has already won the hearts of so many readers?

Shannon: Hi Aditi! Thank you for so much for reading the book, reviewing it, and hosting me!
This was the second novel I ever wrote and I loved every minute of writing it because it encompassed many things that I love: the hopeful, loving side of family, Seattle, Autumn, baking, among a few, and creepy things (because I like reading creepy books). And I really wanted to tell the story of a girl who knew what she wanted to do when she grew up, she knew where she wanted to go to school and what she wanted to do after. I also wanted to send a message as well, that if something happens to you, tell. Find someone you can trust and tell them, no matter the degree to which you think you were hurt, if something wrong happened to you, don’t keep it a secret. For those that have read it, they’ll know what I’m talking about.


Me: What inspired you to write this young adult story?

Shannon: Some of what I mentioned above, and also this story started in a weird place. I was inspired by a Campbells soup radio commercial! After hearing it I pulled over, jotted down notes, and by the time I drove away I had my main character’s mom all planned out! I sort of built the story from there, starting with a main character who needed to escape this crazy mom!


Me: How did you research for this book which involves baking and stalking? And do you love baking?

Shannon: I’ve been a life-long reader of creepy, suspenseful books, and fan of horror movies, so I like to think I know what would make a good suspense story. As for the baking, I have always baked. But I definitely played around with piping cookies for this one, and I took notes! I also watched some of the Halloween baking competitions on Food Network, because when I was writing it, there weren’t all the baking competition shows on TV that they have now. It was helpful to watch and focus on the stress level of the participants, working under a time limit.


Me: Tell us one trait of Kara that intrigues you the most.

Shannon: She’s hopeful, when she has every reason to not be. Her hope pushes her forward, and drives her to escape and try for a better future.


Me: How will you describe your journey so far as an author?

Shannon: I am so grateful to have this dream come true, of having a book published, but I would say the road has been very unpredictable; smooth where I didn’t expect it to be, and jarring and bumpy where I thought it might be easier. But like everything else worth having, the hard work has been worth it and I wouldn’t trade the journey!


Me: Was it always your one true dream to be an author?

Shannon: Yes! It’s always been a dream! Of course when I was little I had many dreams, like being an actress, a singer, an architect, a figure skater, and tons of other things, but always teacher, author and illustrator—those haven’t changed.


Me: What other passions do you have apart from writing?

Shannon: I think books in general, and teaching. I teach 2nd grade, so 7-8 year-olds, and I think it’s the best job on earth, next to making books! I love to teach them about books and authors they haven’t heard of, and of course, my favorite thing to teach them is writing! My students are fantastic little writers! Apart from that probably art. I've always been an artist, I went to college for it before teaching, and I hope someday to create picture books as well as novels.


Me: What's next up on your writing sleeves? Please tell us briefly about it.

Shannon: Well I can’t say much because I am working on getting it submission-ready, but it is another YA suspense, set on the Washington (state) coast.


Me: Thanks Shannon for joining me today on this interview session. I wish you luck for all your future endeavors.

Shannon: Thanks again so much for hosting me, and thanks to anyone who has read the book, or has the book. If anyone wants a signed bookplate sticker, email me with your address and I’ll mail it to you! Shannon@shannongrogan.com
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Shannon's Bio:


Shannon Grogan is a second grade teacher who writes at night (and while her kids are at ballet and baseball) in a small logging town east of Seattle. She holds degrees in education, and graphic design/Illustration. When she isn’t writing, she's baking, reading, watching scary movies, and wishing she were at the beach.
Visit her here
















Connect with Shannon on: Website | Facebook | Twitter