I decided to play a little game with myself, and I wanted to jot it down in a new blog post since it’s been a while! I always like sharing a bit of information about myself.
So here goes!
1.) What is your author name?
~My author name is actually my own birth-given name, Shakyra Dunn!
2.) What is the first book you ever published?
~That would be “The One Left Behind: Magic.” It is the first in a three-part series. It’s a YA fantasy novel that has sci-fi elements due to the theme of time travel, rebirth and growth.
3.) What is your publiversary? (The day you released your first book)
~June 13th, 2016! It was two days before my 22nd birthday.
4.) What is your favorite book you’ve written thus far?
~So far, it has to be “The Final Lesson,” the project that I’m currently working on.
5.) What book took you the longest to write?
~”The One Left Behind: Magic,” because I’ve had to essentially rewrite the entire novel from scratch over the course of three and a half years.
6.) How long did it take you?
~I kind of just answered that.
7.) What kind of music (If Any) do you listen to while you write?
~Oh, I listen to a variety, but my range goes from rock to J-pop to instrumentals from video games and anime! As I type this, I’m listening to the Final Fantasy XV soundtrack.
8.) Who is your favorite character from any of your books?
~It’s a tough call, but I have to divide it between three from my current works. It would be Nova Avery from “The One Left Behind,” Solus Brenner from “The Final Lesson,” and Leilana Erovina from “The Final Lesson.” All three of them have similar mindsets, but they execute all of their methods in such different ways and have inter-conflicting personalities. If I had to choose one above the rest though, it would be Solus.
9.) What are you currently working on?
~”The Final Lesson!” I’ve been writing it for nearly a year now (It will be a year in November, but I feel that I’ll be finished by then), and I’ve already released a novella prequel in preparation for it.
10.) Do you have anything you snack on while you write?
~I tend to go more for drinks than snacks, but if I have a snack, I’ve recently gotten hooked back on ranch-flavored chips.
11.) What is your favorite quote or line from one of your books?
~Just one? Ooh, let’s see… I’m going to cheat. Instead of a quote, I’ll use a minor scene. It’s one that I liked organizing.
“Gutless coward!” Rem exclaimed, throwing a rock at the traveling carriage as it sped off. “And you’re two hundred coins short! I hope your wheel comes off! I hope that your family doesn’t accept your funds, and that your carriage gets set on fire!”
Solus slapped the young Prince upside the head, his left hand still resting on his hip. “That is quite enough out of you, Remiel. No need to antagonize the patrons. He was just doing his job.” Rem nearly snarled back at the man.
“No, what he was doingwas being a coward just because of a bump.”
12.) Are you a self published or traditional published author?
~Self-published, but I’m going to try and switch up to Hybrid after “The Final Lesson” is done. Or maybe before. I haven’t decided yet.
13.) What is your writing inspiration? ~I take inspiration mostly from my experiences, but I also take inspiration from video games. I love playing RPG’s, and they help me shape my love of character conflict.
14.) What genre do you write?
~Fantasy! But I also write in the YA genre and plan to try out paranormal with my next non-series book!
15.) Do you have any writing rituals?
~Rituals? No, not really!
16.) Do you have a specific place you write or time?
~Neither of the above. I just try to write whenever I can and hope for the best.
17.) Do you have any advice for inspiring writers?
~Never lose hope. It’s easy to stray, especially when you’re crafting your first book, or even when you start your second or third. Writer’s block exists, and when it hits, it’s okay to step back and take a break. Take criticism. Listen to what others have already done.
18.) What are your writing goals? If any?
~My goal has always been to inspire others to create. I had a hard time accepting my love of writing as a teenager, but once the bug hit, it stuck. Never be afraid to live your dream.
19.) What authors inspire you and your writing?
~I could write a book on who inspires me, but I’ll say for one, Lemony Snicket is a strong part of the reason why I became a writer.
20.) What will be your next release?
~”The Final Lesson,” which I’m aiming to have published around October!
Speaking on my novel work, I mentioned my latest release! Well, here it is for your viewing pleasure! The e-book is only $.99, and it’s a great introduction into the upcoming novel! You can purchase it here!
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1548809373
Nook: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/first-words-shakyra-dunn/1126761572
Shakyra Dunn 