Hi all! I’ve got a special treat for you today…
YA author Myndi Shafer is here to answer a few questions about her brand new book, The Darkening–the much anticipated sequel to Shrilugh. It’s out now!
The Darkening
As Aydan Fulbert settles into her new life in a new world, she realizes a few things. She’s healing from losing Brig. She’s coming to terms with her new home. And she’s lonely.
Rein Torvald’s return from his long absence helps alleviate her loneliness, but a darkness comes with him. Unsettling news about her father and the Sovereign has the potential to make her a fugitive all over again – from his world and hers.
Will Aydan allow her heart to be taken places she’s never been brave enough to go? Or will the threat of danger – of the Sovereign’s rage, and her father’s vengeful grudge, send her running?
Welcome Myndi!
What was the inspiration behind The Darkening?
When I first wrote this story, Shrilugh and The Darkening were all one book, told solely from Aydan’s POV.
When I changed the POV, the story really exploded, and needed to be divided into more than one book. Which is why the first book of the Saga ended rather abruptly, and why, if you read these two back-to-back, they’ll feel a bit like one piece of work.
So, really, the inspiration for The Darkening came from the same place as my inspiration for Shrilugh: an old silo on the farm where I was raised. There’s a ladder that extends up past the top of it that looks kind-of like a door, and I’ve always, always wondered where that door would lead.
When I began writing Shrilugh that was my goal – to find out what kind of world was beyond that door.
Have you always been interested in being a writer?
Goodness, no! The thought never crossed my mind until about four years ago. I started writing on a whim.
The Hubster and I were driving past the farm where I grew up, and I was staring at that silo with the ladder-door, and said to him, “I think I’m going to write a book.” He looked at me like I was crazy. But I started writing that night, and knew I’d found it – the thing that would be my thing for the rest of my life.
What do you like most about writing and being a self-published author?
The fact that I can do a job, from home, that allows me to dig down into my creative self, is THRILLING. Really, this is my dream job. I get to be with my kids, be the stay-at-home mom that I’ve always wanted to be, and still have the satisfaction of a creative outlet. The fact that this creative outlet helps to provide for my family is just a bonus. Really, I can’t even begin to tell you how blessed I feel to be able to do what I do.
Being a self-published author has been a really good fit for me. There are days where I wish I could pass the business-side of writing to someone else – all the marketing and networking and stuff like that…it just doesn’t come easy to me. But overall, it’s been a really fun ride. To see my books in the hands of readers, and to hear their enthusiasm…it’s so totally worth any and all of the effort.
What’s one thing about you that will surprise readers most?
I have the most tame, Beaver-Cleaver-type life you could imagine. I’m probably the least surprising person in the world. Well, okay, there’s this – I really enjoy folding laundry. I love seeing the tidy piles build up, and thinking about my kiddos and how they’ve grown, and the smell of clean laundry. It’s soothing.
*heavy sigh* I just re-read that and realized how lame I sound. I wish I could have had something way cooler like, “Oh, I go parachuting,” or “Big game hunting in Zimbabwe is totally my thing”. But nope. I’ve chosen to stun you all with laundry.
What is your favorite snack food and beverage of choice?
Oh my goodness, my favorite thing to snack on are these almonds that have been roasted in cocoa powder. They are AH-MAZ-ING. Crunchy and sweet and perfect.
And if I’m not drinking water, I’m drinking coffee. Very rarely do I stray from either two of those beverages.
Where can you find Myndi?
Facebook: Myndi Shafer Stories
Twitter: @MyndiShafer
Website/blog: www.myndishafer.wordpress.com
Pop on over to one of Myndi’s hang outs and say HI! Ask her about the Shrilugh Saga, The Darkening, or coffee. 🙂
I’ll be drinking fancy coffee this weekend. I’m off to spend a few days with my sister–a little road trip, and a lot of laughter.
Got a question for Myndi? What’s your beverage of choice?
Happy Weekend!
Coleen Patrick 
Great interview, Coleen. Sounds like a great book. I love the idea of wondering what’s behind that door. I started a book based on something I remember from my childhood too, and it’s been one of my more fun stories to write.
Good luck with your books, Myndi!
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Oh, good grief. I’m seriously techy challenged! ANYWAY, I’m totally with you – writing from childhood inspiration has been a TON of fun!
Thanks for the well-wishes!
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I feel super connected to my younger years and I always wonder if it’s because I write YA. Of if I write YA because I have fond memories? Chicken or the egg, I don’t know. Thanks Kate!
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Thanks so much for having me today, Coleen!! *grins*
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Your welcome! Hope you have a fantastic launch day!! 🙂
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Super sweet interview. 🙂 Congrats on #2, Myndi! I love what you said here: “But I started writing that night, and knew I’d found it – the thing that would be my thing for the rest of my life.” It really is like finding a soul mate… So glad yours is grooving right along.
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Thanks August! It really IS like finding a soul mate, you’re spot on.
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Super cool interview, Myndi and Coleen! I need to find those nuts… yum! I totally get what you mean about laundry. It’s Zen for me, too. I miss those teeny tiny shirts and pants. Now my kid wears the same size as his dad and I can never tell what belongs to whom. Frustrating!
Congrats on book #2, Myndi! It’ll be exciting to read what happens to Ayden now. Hopefully her father will get his butt kicked big time. Twice. 😉
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We’re getting to that point with our oldest boy, too! He’s just a couple sizes smaller than his dad…total craziness. But Took’s little onesies make me smile. She’s such a teeny little thing!
Thanks for the book love, lady! *hugs*
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What an interesting way to start writing. Glad you discovered your passion so quickly. Your books sound intriguing! Congratulations on your second book launch! Wish you the best!
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Thanks so much Patricia!
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You started writing on a whim, and now look at you! Fab success story, Myndi!
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Thanks, Emily!
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I don’t share your love of laundry, Myndi, but I get what you mean about writing being your “thing.” It’s mine, too. Congrats on THE DARKENING. Coleen, have a wonderful road trip/visit with your sister!
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Thanks Pat!
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Those almonds are sounding really good to me right now. You’re amazing, pulling it all together in four years. You rock! Book three is on the way, right? You are more than welcome to swing by my place and fold the laundry at any time. Just sayin’. I usually have baskets waiting for attention while I write. Well, crying kid calling for my attention. That’s my cue. Best of luck with the books!
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I’d SO come fold your laundry…but there are a few states in between that might make it tough. 🙂 Yep, third book on the way. My time-line is too loosey-goosey to make any promises just yet. 🙂
YOU HAVE TO TRY THE ALMONDS. They are in a green container, and if you totally love them, you can buy them in bulk at Sam’s or Costco.
THEY. WILL. ROCK. YOUR. WORLD.
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Better late than never they say. But then that’s kinda rude. Sorry. What can I say. It’s been crazy.
Myndi, I am so happy for you. That is one of the greatest feelings in the world when you find something you love to do and you get paid for it. And look at all the pluses! You get to stay home with the kids, fold laundry, cook, clean. Oh, and squeeze in that great writing. It’s a wonderful life. 🙂
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Congrats on the second book being out Myndi! I like those kind of books where 1 and 2 really flow into each other. Though the wait is awful. 😉 I am a huge fan of folding laundry as well. It soothes me. Most cleaning I hate but laundry is my favorite chore.
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