Interview with Anne Lucy-Shanley
The WRITE Prompt had a chance to speak with Anne Lucy-Shanley, self-professed “quirky hermit and cat lady” and author of Meeting the Past.
With degrees in education and psychology, Anne Lucy-Shanley is a novelist based in the American Midwest. An enthusiast of all things romance, she also dabbles in dystopian, young adult, and non-fiction writing. Her contemporary second-chance-at-love novel, Meeting the Past, spans multiple genres and showcases her unique voice.
Some of Anne’s pastimes include drinking whiskey, sniggering at dirty jokes, and coming up with captivating storylines while soaking in the tub. When not embracing the quiet life with a book and a cat on her lap, she occasionally travels with her husband of twenty years.
Anne loves connecting with her readers! Check out:
- Anne’s author site
- Anne’s Facebook page
- Anne’s Instagram
Her book Meeting the Past is available on Amazon.
TWP: Tell us a little about your journey to becoming a published author.
ANNE: Originally I planned to indie publish Meeting the Past, but just as I was about to sign a contract with an editor, Covid-19 came about. Financial instability became a very real possibility, so I decided to seek out traditional publishing. I searched for romance publishers with open submissions.
The submissions process was intense.
Submission requirements varied from press to press. Some wanted a one-page synopsis, some wanted longer. Even query letter requirements differed. I wrote several versions of each, then submitted my MS to perhaps ten romance publishers.
I liked the prestige of being traditionally published. It certainly was easier.
I had my share of rejections—that was expected. One editor said in her email that the only reason she was passing on my MS is because her house didn’t publish marriage-of-convenience stories, but she loved my book. That rejection didn’t sting!
I ended up receiving two contract offers from smaller presses. I was in the enviable position of deciding between contracts—not bad for a debut author!
TWP: Were you happy with your choice to go the traditional publishing route?
ANNE: As a newbie, the publishing process was an interesting experience. All I could do was take each step as it was presented.
I liked the prestige of being traditionally published. It certainly was easier.
I didn’t have to pay out-of-pocket for cover design, editing, proofreading, or formatting. Yes, I make less royalties than if I’d indie published, and don’t have complete control over my book. I see the pros and cons clearly. Traditional publishing worked best for my situation at the time.
Although I’m pretty confident my publisher would take on my newest book, Mayfly Hollow, I haven’t decided yet which route I’ll choose once it’s completed.
I’m not an author who can churn out ten thousand words in a single writing session; it’s just not how I operate.
Mayfly Hollow is one women’s journey of survival in the zombie apocalypse. Although it spans multiple genres, I classify it as speculative women’s fiction with a romance subplot. The focus of this book isn’t blood and gore and graphic imagery (although there is some!). A character-driven work, Mayfly Hollow explores relationships, the ties that bind, growth, and redemption.
>>>Learn how to create your own character-driven plots with these great writing exercises!
TWP: Where do you find inspiration for your novels?
ANNE: I draw from my own personal experiences as I write. I consider my voice unique—my sense of humor and personality tends to shine through. Inspiration comes in many forms, but I write what I want to read. For example, I love zombies, but I couldn’t find a story quite like Mayfly Hollow. I felt compelled to write it.
I’m not an author who can churn out ten thousand words in a single writing session; it’s just not how I operate. I usually aim for five thousand high-quality words a week. I’m pantsing Mayfly Hollow, which has presented its own challenges. I plot out a chapter in my head, having a general idea of what I want to cover. My characters take over from there.
TWP: How do you deal with writer’s block?
ANNE: Motivation is a stumbling block for me, but once I sit down to write, I usually find I can get “in the zone.” There’s no magic solution for overcoming writer’s block. When I’m particularly struggling, I do writing sprints. That technique works well.
TWP: Do you have any tips or advice to share with our readers?
ANNE: I still consider myself a newbie, but I’ve learned a lot. It’s never too early to build a social media presence. Research your genre. Start a website. Blog. Develop a newsletter. Set up a reader magnet. Swap newsletters with other authors. Get active on Goodreads and Instagram.
Enjoy This Sneak Peak of Mayfly Hollow
He cleared his throat. “You know, Kate…”
Teller’s voice was contemplative. Brow knit, she looked at him, but he didn’t meet her eyes.
“I’ve got a hunch you’re scoldin’ yourself,” he murmured, the hard planes of his face softening as vapor crept past them and settled over the brook. “You take on too much.”
“What do you mean?”
“You’re battlin’ yourself but you care far more than you’d like to admit.”
Thrown off-kilter by his too accurate assessment, Kate deflected by scoffing in disdain, “We barely know each other.”
“I ain’t blind.” Teller’s gaze narrowed. “And just ‘cause I talk with a drawl don’t mean I’m dim-witted.”
“I never said—”
“We might not have been acquainted long, but I do see you, Kate.”
Her tone was brusque when she said, “Really? Please enlighten me with your insights into my psyche, Dr. Freud.”
The noise he made in his throat threw her—it told her he knew she was full of crap, that he saw right through her façade. The realization made her stomach cartwheel. “You’re a contradiction.”
“How so?”
“You have one foot outta Mayfly Hollow, but the other is firmly shackled. No amount of yearnin’ for your freedom will ever defeat the hold Connie has over you.” Teller clicked his tongue against his teeth. “As much as you like to think you’re a loner—an outsider—you are forgin’ connections with the others here. Becomin’ part of the fabric of this place.”
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