Q&A with Shauna Adams – Author Interview

Get ready to step into the creative world of Shauna Adams, an author whose storytelling is as bold and heartfelt as the characters she creates. In this exclusive Q&A, Shauna opens up about her journey into writing, the moments that shaped her voice as an author, and the inspiration behind her latest work. Whether you’re a fellow writer, an avid reader, or just love a good origin story, this interview offers an authentic and empowering look behind the scenes.

From navigating the highs and lows of publishing to sharing her go-to writing rituals, Shauna delivers thoughtful insight with a refreshing mix of honesty and humour. This conversation isn’t just about books, it’s about passion, perseverance, and the power of storytelling to connect us all. Settle in and enjoy a revealing chat with one of the most exciting voices in contemporary fiction.

About The Author

Tell us more about you.

I’m 39, married with 2 kids (18-year-old daughter and 15-year-old son), and I also have 3 cats. I’m a huge ice hockey fan and have season tickets for the Belfast Giants. During COVID, I signed up for a Psychology degree through the Open University, and I am 1 module away from completing (I left school with only GCSEs)

What are the three items you’d take on a deserted island?

• Fully loaded Kindle 
• Sunscreen 
• A vat of coffee

Who is your biggest role model?

As cliché as it may be, but it would be my mum. She worked three jobs to keep a roof over our heads, and it instilled a pure work ethic within me growing up. Don’t get me wrong, we fought like cats and dogs growing up, but once I had my own kids, I found a true respect for everything she had done for me over the years, and now she’s my best friend.

What is your favourite book and who is your favourite author?

Until last year, I would have said The Lucifer Code by Michael Cordy. I had always been a psychological thriller reader, but when I hit romance, I hit it hard. I’m not sure I could pick just one book, but as far as my favourite series, I’m obsessed with Jonathan Hawker’s Once and Forever Kings series. In terms of authors, I have met so many amazing people through my journey, and Jonathan is one of my favourites, along with Jasmine Wallace, Georgia C Leigh, and CJ Riggs.

Do you prefer e-books, physical books or audiobook?

It’s funny; I would always have said I was a physical book kind of girl, but I picked up Kindle Unlimited last summer, and now I’m completely in love with eBooks. I still buy my trophies of books and authors that I adore. Audiobooks are a newfound love for me. I always swore they weren’t for me, and recently I realised why they hadn’t worked for me in the past. I am a submersive reader in that I imagine myself as the female character, and their voice is mine. So when I attempt to listen to an MF audiobook, it doesn’t work for me, but give me an MM audiobook and I’ll disappear for hours.

Is writing your full-time profession or a hobby?

Writing for me is currently a hobby. I would love to do it full-time one day, but for now I’ll have to continue in my day job – those bills won’t pay themselves. I’m a civil servant, and no, that isn’t covert speak for cop-it’s a Northern Ireland thing haha

What social media platform do you like and use the most?

I’m not sure I like any of them more than another, but I tend to use TikTok more. 

Your Writing Process

How do you go about starting a new novel?

I would love to be one of those writers who can just jump and write. I have the storylines in my head; it’s mostly the character profiles and the plots. They don’t always pan out the way I imagine them. Sometimes, the characters, as they develop, don’t like the script I write for them.

Where do you like to write?

My most comfortable place to write is curled up on the sofa with my laptop. However, I did write quite a bit of the first draft of ‘Seen’ during intermission at ice hockey games.

What do you like most about writing?

I like writing the words ‘The end’. The writing process is draining, but the elation you feel when you get to the end is pure joy.

What do you find stops you from writing more?

Given that my job involves a lot of data analysis and information management, it can leave me completely drained. It’s easier to kick back and read when I’m wiped out than it is to write anything of my own.

What genres do you like to write and why?

I love romance. I don’t believe I have the imagination to be able to create other worlds, I mean I would love to be able to do that, but it’s a stretch too far for me. So I’ll stick to the contemporary romance genre as it’s easier to use the real world around me. Both the current and planned series’ are set in Northern Ireland, so I get to showcase the amazing sites here as well as the culture – at least I hope that’s what I’m doing.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to aspiring writers?

Get the words on the page – no matter what the words are, even if it’s half sentences that don’t appear to mean anything, just write them down. You never know where they can fit later. I have a notebook I carry everywhere with me; I also have multiple drafts on my digital notepad on my phone. 

Showcase Your Book!

How many books have you written and if more than one, what’s your favourite?

I currently have one published book, and I am midway through writing my second. ‘Seen’ is book one in the Lagan Series trilogy. I have to say I’m enjoying writing book 2, it’s set to be darker in terms of the themes. I also have a draft outline of a 3-book hockey series, which I’m really excited about.

How long did Scorpio Rising take you to write?

From the initial thought that inspired the book, I think it took about six months to finish the first draft. 

Lastly, what is your favourite thing about being an author?

I don’t know that I have fully accepted that I’m an author yet.  I mean, I have a story to tell and I’m telling. Readers so far seem to be enjoying it, and I guess that’s all we can really hope for. 

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