I was lucky enough to interview Shawna Moore about her newest release SAINTS AND SINNERS. This is being released by Whiskey Creek Press in December 2004.
How long have you been writing and did you always want to be a writer?
From an early age, people always told me I had a vivid and overactive imagination. It took over thirty years for that imagination to be put to proper use writing fiction. Ever since I started school, I’ve written short stories and skits. My first play, KRIS KRINGLE’S CHRISTMAS CAPER was penned while still in grade school. Since January of 2001, I’ve pursued writing as a full-time career and log in eight or more hours a day at the keyboard or storyboard.
How many stories have you written, and can you tell us a little bit about them?
I’ve completed nineteen manuscripts since January of 2001. Of these, nine are category-length romances, two are single-title historical romances, two are Chick Lits, three are erotica novellas, and three are single-title contemporary romances. Of these completed manuscripts, many contain an element of suspense but aren’t RS, per se.
What gave you the courage to submit your first story?
I probably pulled my first submission envelope out of the mailbox four times before the mail carrier picked it up. However, I knew my ultimate goal was to become a published author, and that couldn’t happen if those manuscripts languished under my desk or in my computer. Friends who critiqued my early work, published authors, and wonderful RWA-affiliate chapter members always provide a support network and encouragement for my writing endeavors. I’m one who has never surrendered to self-doubt. Oh, at times, I’ve foundered under its ferocious grip, but I’ve never given in.
How did you pick jazz age Manhattan for Saints and Sinners?
The Prohibition Era, the criminal underworld, and the story of the Irish immigrants have always held a fascination for me. F. Scott Fitzgerald’s, THE GREAT GATSBY, is one of the prized leather-bound volumes in my bookshelf. As well, Dorothy Parker’s cynicism and way with prose influenced me as an author. How I would have loved to join those two authors at their table at The Algonquin in years past. Not as many books are published with the era and setting, so I wanted to bring them to a readership. Upon their processing at Castle Garden and later Ellis Island, many of the Irish and Italian immigrants settled in Lower Manhattan, and the story of their struggle for survival is one I’ve studied with great interest.
Has this time frame always fascinated you? How much research did you have to do?
Yes. I would have loved to have lived in Manhattan or Chicago during the heyday of the gangsters. Dangerous but thrilling. I’m one who thrives on lots of excitement, and in those days there was never a dull moment. My college papers and notes served as references and to confirm details, but this is one era my mind will always recall. I also researched street and subway maps of Lower Manhattan pertinent during the early 1920s. During RWA National in NYC in 2003, I was able to see a bit more of the neighborhood which serves as the setting for SAINTS AND SINNERS. When I witnessed firsthand the peculiar point where two particular streets converge, I shivered.
In Saints and Sinners, how did you develop the character of Moira?
Moira lived in my mind for quite some time before she came to fictional life on paper. Her character isn’t attributable to any one, two or three actual persons, living or on the stage, but is more a composite of personalities. Don’t ever tell Moira she’s not her own woman, though. Her red hair would flame even more 🙂 A great deal of Moira’s kindheartedness is culled from my beloved late mother. Moira’s one who’ll always go the extra mile for a loved one without thinking twice.
How much of you is in Moira?
Moira is an amalgam. We’re alike in some ways–especially when it comes to our love of shoes, clothes, cosmetics and jewelry–but we’re vastly different in others. She’s an adventurer and while I am cautious. She seeks the new while I embrace the old. Moira embraces change, I often rail against it 😉 The character trait we share is our love of helping others and looking out for our friends and family members.
What was the inspiration for Reilly?
The inspiration for Reilly came from my husband and real-life hero. He’s also “flame-haired” and possesses a strong desire to see justice served. Like Reilly, he goes after what he wants. Hey, at 6’8″, my husband makes quite a statement 🙂 Also, he doesn’t like others dictating his wants, needs and desires. He’s his own man, and I believe Reilly embodies this as his character arc is achieved.
What are some of the other time frames that interest you?
The Salem Witch Trials of 1692, Civil War, Reconstruction, California Gold Rush, Comstock Lode and other silver strikes in the West, Tombstone during the silver-mining times, the Regency Period. Historicals have always been my favorite fictional reads. I find all time periods enjoyable.
What are other genres that you will be writing?
Category romance; single-title historical and contemporary romance; erotic romance; Chick Lit. I love quirky characters, lots of angst and emotional depth, wry humor, and lots of steamy sex. As you can see, I like variety and being able to incorporate either a light or a cynical tone in my stories. Of my projects, one of them is a heart-warming sweet romance that is near and dear to my writer’s heart. Whether tender or torrid, I love to write period.
Any hints to the next book?
It’s a darker contemporary erotic romance. Much more envelope-pushing than anything I’ve written to date. I’m in the process of completing the storyboard and plotting sheets for that one.
Your beautiful web page is: http://www.grant-moore.com, where else can your fans reach you.
My author page can be found at THE ROMANCE STUDIO–BLUE. I’m also a member of Whiskey Creek Press’s Torrid Authors list. To subscribe, send a blank e-mail to WCPtorridreaders-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. Every other month, and for special news releases, I publish an e-newsletter for readers and fans. For anyone interested in subscribing, please send a blank e-mail to grant-moore-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. If you wish to contact me privately, there’s a message area on my website at http://www.grant-moore.com/about.html.
Thank you for interviewing me, and I look forward to hearing from readers and fellow authors alike 🙂 Best wishes to you and the staff at COFFEE TIME ROMANCE.
Thank you for chatting with me today!
Anya
Interviewer
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