Q&A with H.M. Shander *CLOSED*

[LeAnn]

Happy Sunday, NABC! We have a fabulous Q&A over the next two weeks with the lovely H.M. Shander! She's the author of Run Away Charlotte, Ask Me Again, Duly Noted, and That Summer! Leave your questions for her below! <3

[Latifa]

As someone who is brand new to your book, which should I read first?

[H.M.]

Latifa wrote: "As someone who is brand new to your book, which should I read first?"

Hi Latifa,

Sure, start off with a tough question first!

And as I see now... the rest of the answer did not post. Oops, so sorry. That's what I get for trying to answer on my phone.

Anyways, Some readers prefer not start a set/series until it's complete. If this is you, then I'd recommend Run Away Charlotte and Ask Me Again, as they feature the same characters, and the story is complete. Each can be read as a standalone, but it's better if you start with Run Away.

If you are okay with series/sets not being fully, then Duly Noted is for you. :) I am working on a novella spin off from it and a sequel is half written - however - Duly Noted can be read on it's own. It has brand new characters, one of whom is dealing with PTSD and a slight addiction to prescription drugs. And the make lead - Nate - is certifiably swoon-worthy! :)

[Kate]

Hi! I was wondering when you knew you wanted to be a writer? And how did you choose this genre?

[Nicole]

Who are some of your favorite authors?

[H.M.]

Kate- I've been writing since I was 14 - many, many years ago. I have always enjoyed writing and still have my original stories (written on loose leaf and tied together with yarn, with covers decorated with cut up sears catalogues) tucked away.

I love the romance genre because I love a happy ending - there is always hope and faith in everyone's life, sometimes it's just harder to see it.

[H.M.]

Nicole - I have many favourite authors, from many different genres but I'll limit this to romance. I read some sci-fi as well.

The mainstream authors I adore include Bella Andre, Nora Roberts, Stephenie Meyer, JK Rowling, and Jodi Picoult to name a few. I also used to be part of the Harlequin shipment of the month and read hundreds of Harlequins.

Lesser well known authors whose books I need the moment they get released include Shelly Davis, Riley Edgewood, Dylan Quinn and Jennifer Blackwood. I know there are many others I'm forgetting as I'm a huge supporter of indie authors.

[Jennifer]

I love this story!


H.M. wrote: "Kate- I've been writing since I was 14 - many, many years ago. I have always enjoyed writing and still have my original stories (written on loose leaf and tied together with yarn, with covers decor..."

[Jennifer]

When you started writing at 14, what inspired you then to pick up a pencil and start writing?

[H.M.]

Jennifer wrote: "When you started writing at 14, what inspired you then to pick up a pencil and start writing?"
I think in all honesty, it was just to see if I could do it. Without the restrictions of English class, I was free to make the story about anything I wanted, and could make the characters do and be anything I dreamed off.

I'd read so many of my mom's Harlequins but all the characters were older (like thirties) so as much as I loved reading them, I couldn't relate to them, so I made my own teenage heroes. Guys from science class that could sweep me off my feet, dazzling me in their astronomy knowledge. I did not know of YA books back then - as I was never introduced to them. I was stuck with mom/grandma's romance books.

To sum up, I guess I started writing to write about the kind of fantasy man I'd want and the heroine I'd want to be. ;)

[H.M.]

Latifa wrote: "As someone who is brand new to your book, which should I read first?"
Hi Latifa - sorry the rest of my answer didn't post. Damn iPhones. I've answered your question above. A million apologies for the cut off answer.

[Cassie]

What is your "must-have" when you are writing?

[Alie | Bookscape Away]

What is a favorite hobby of yours when you're not writing?

[H.M.]

Cassie wrote: "What is your "must-have" when you are writing?"
An absolute "must-have" would be a working computer! My last laptop liked to randomly give me the 'blue screen of death' and it was nerve wracking. Once that problem was solved (ie a new laptop) it was full steam ahead.

When I write, I must have a hot drink. Doesn't matter if it's a coffee or a tea, but I need to have one on the ready. It may not get drank while hot, but at least it's there, looking pretty, waiting for me. ;)

Also, music playing in the background. Sometimes I need classical (movie soundtrack themes are awesome) or the 'sounds' like rain on a tin roof, or forest sounds. Just something to tickle my brain with.

[H.M.]

Alie wrote: "What is a favorite hobby of yours when you're not writing?"

Great question!

When I'm not writing, I work at my kid's school library - so I'm constantly surrounded by many books. Naturally I read a lot of them.
Does spending time with my family count as a hobby? I am a family gal, and love being with my kids. Life is too fast and the kids grow up even faster. We like to walk to the nearby park and play on the equipment, trying to out swing each other (my 12 year old wins every time). We also play a lot of Pokemon Go - so we're out catching those darn critters.
Weekends are friends and game nights, and we regularly play board games. My favourites include Ticket to Ride, Catan, Killer Bunnies, Takenoko, and Cards of Insanity- which we don't play when the children are up. ;)