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Shane Bolks writes in two directions
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Shane Bolks writes hip contemporary romances under her own name and lush historical romances as Shana Galen.
Shane, please tell us about your latest published book.
My last published book was the Rita-nominated Blackthorne’s Bride, written as Shana Galen. It came out in 2007 and is probably my best book to date. I’m currently with a new agent and looking for a new publisher.
You write two completely different subgenres of romance. Why did you decide to write them under different names?
My publisher asked me to write them under different names. First of all, Shane Bolks is not a very romantic-sounding name. Readers will find that most authors of historical romances write under pseudonyms. Plus, it was a way to differentiate my work. My chick lit books are written as Shane Bolks and the historicals are written as Shana Galen. Finally, from a sales and marketing perspective, stores like Barnes & Noble order based on the sales of your last book. They don’t care if Shana Galen and Shane Bolks are the same person, they order based on the name. So by using two different names, I protect myself if the books written under one name don’t sell as well.
Do you consider yourself a born storyteller?
Yes. I have always had stories in my head and a natural ability to write well. Writing my first book came easily to me, though I did have to learn more about craft before I sold it, especially point of view and pacing.
What book are you reading now?
I teach middle school, so I’ve been reading some YA books lately. I’m reading the third in a series by Scott Westerfeld called Specials.
Have you noticed any particular theme in your work—something that carries over from book to book?
I’ve noticed that my heroines tend to have rocky, tension-filled relationships with their mothers. No comment on where the inspiration for that might come from! I’ve also noticed that I like to write fish-out-of-water stories. There’s something about throwing a character into a situation he or she is unprepared for that really makes a story pop for me.
What is your favorite part of being a writer?
I like the freedom of creating a story and characters the way I want them.
In your book swhat came first—characters or plot?
I guess plot. I think of a situation like, what if two couples eloped and then the priest accidentally married the wrong couples (Blackthorne’s Bride)? Once I have the idea, the characters take shape.
What do you like to do outside of writing?
I like to sing. I sing with a contemporary worship band at my church. I also enjoy reading and running on the nature trail by my house.
Do you have any advice for other writers?
Don’t give up! I have wanted to give up so many times, but if you are persistent and keep writing, you will publish.
Do you have a message for your readers?
I hope to have a new series out soon!
Shane Bolks: http://www.shanebolks.com
Northwest Houston RWA: http://www.nwhrwa.com
West Houston RWA: http://www.whrwa.com
Houston Bay Area RWA: http://www.hbarwa.com
Romance Writers of America: http://www.rwanational.org
Read about more wonderful romance novelists at
http://www.examiner.com/x-5288-Salt-Lake-City-Romance-Novels-Examiner
http://www.examiner.com/x-2533-Romance-Novel-Examiner
http://www.examiner.com/x-4981-Romance-Novel-Examiner
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