Today I would like to introduce you to TL Shively, our featured author for February. You can follow her on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Another great author I met through the World Indie Warriors members group, I hope you will make her feel welcome!
Since she was young TL Shively has always loved reading anything that would take her out of reality and into a whole new world. She took that love from her reading and put into her own stories. In her Sanctuary Guardian series, she brings a whole new world to her readers for them to get lost in. An award-winning, best-selling author who loves writing fantasy with a twist.
A mother and wife who gets inspiration from family, friends and even a random picture that looked so innocent. She not only loves fantasy in her reading and writing but also in her gaming, crafting and entertainment. Although she will find herself watching an episode of Bones every now and then, thanks to her husband.
She brought her love of Greek mythology into her stories as well but with that twist she loves so much. She brings intrigue into her stories as well as the action and adventure you would expect from a fantasy story with teenagers.
Getting to Know You
What motivated you to become an indie author?
After finishing my very first book I sent my it to many different publishers and got many rejections before it was accepted by a small publisher. I was ecstatic. I got my first book published and then over a year later got my second book published.
I had many problems with the publisher and I won’t go into them all but needless to say communication was a key problem. I believe the publisher bit off more than she could chew, she helped her mom self-publish so thought she could do it for others and make money doing it. The best thing I can say about the publisher was that she took me to my first actual book signing (yes, I was an author who had never been to one) where I met other indie authors who would answer the questions my publisher wouldn’t, and gave me a hand in learning how to go about being an indie author. I found I liked the control over my books. If there was a delay in publishing it was own fault and I could see my profits.
When you’re not writing, how do you spend your time?
I work anywhere from 45-50 hours a week at a job where I am a combination of sales and office administrator during the day. If I’m not writing at night, I like to play with resin or some other crafts and I love gaming. Fantasy of course.
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
I love being able to put the stories in my head down on paper and sharing them with others. I love coming up with stories.
The Writing Process
What is your writing process?
Not really sure I have a process; I take a lot of notes and write as much as I can. I do try to outline my story but most of the time it is when the urge strikes and ideas come at odd times.
How do you get inspired to write?
I am always thinking of stories but if I ever need inspiration, I tend to look at fantasy pictures online. You can even get a full story from one picture.
What’s your advice for aspiring writers?
The biggest thing is not to give up. Also, listen to other authors but also realize that what worked for them might not work for you. Just because you are given advice doesn’t mean you have to do it, decide what works for you and do that.
Reading
What are your five favorite books, and why?
- The Monster at the end of this Book, the first book I ever remember reading and my all-time favorite.
- Charlotte’s Web, I loved the story of unconditional friendship.
- Salem’s Lot, I read this story in fifth grade and did a book report on it. I remember the teacher not believing I actually read the book and quizzed me, he found out I did read it.
- Eragon, I loved the world and the connection between Saphira and Eragon.
- Harry Potter, do I really need to explain this one? Lol. I loved the world of Harry Potter, the characters and their connections. How even the underdog could come out on top.
How do you discover the books you read?
I like fantasy books but the description has to be one that pulls me in. Covers are nice but if the story doesn’t sound interesting then I won’t get much further.
What books are on your reading list this year?
I have started Omega Rising by Douglas Pierce that I need to finish, I have two books by Amy Hale, Flames Among the Frost and Betrayal Among the Frost, as well as one by McKayla Jade, Warrior’s secret.
The Secret Sanctuary
Descendants of gods. Fated Guardians. High school students.
Reeling from the revelation of ancestral links they never knew existed, Telara and her friends must learn to harness their newly emerging powers bestowed from the gods.
Guided by an abrasive alpha, the gang must also learn control if they hope to protect innocent lives from the Shadow Master. This malevolent enemy longs to enslave the world and drain it of its magic.
No Guardian has ever faced the Shadow Master and lived. But that evil relic has never faced Telara and her friends. Call forth Mount Olympus, there’s a new band of Demi-gods in town. And they refuse to be swallowed by shadows like those who came before them.
From award winning author T.L. Shively comes a gripping YA fantasy that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page!
TL Shively
What inspired you to write The Secret Sanctuary?
The seven characters in The Secret Sanctuary are actually characters I created before I was a teenager, I honestly can’t remember exactly when. But these seven characters have been with me since then, in different stories in my head. When I finally decided to sit down and write my book they were the characters I had chosen. Hercules The Legendary Journey was real popular and one of my favorite shows, so I wanted my book to have a Greek mythology aspect to it. It took me almost ten years to finish the story and it has changed much since the first word was written.
Is there going to be a follow up to The Secret Sanctuary?
Yes, so far I have three books written in the series and one prequel.