Author Shelley Szajner is a member of the South Jersey Writers' Group
Writer of Mystical Fantasy and Adventure Stories
Story: The Feathered Messenger
Tell
us a little about yourself.
I’m so
glad that I never grew up! Life is much more fun with imagination in the
driver’s seat. I still climb trees, use a boogie board to ride the ocean waves,
and in the winter, take my sled for a glorious ride on a snow-covered
hill. I am an
artist as well as a writer, and I love to paint, draw, or create anything that inspires
me—usually fantasy, animals, or nature. I’m also an Intuitive Symbolist, which
is someone who understands the signs and symbols that appear in life,
especially in dreams. I’ve dreamt all my life and still do. With a
hot cup of Earl Grey tea in my hand, I will gladly discuss the cosmos, or the
dream that you had last night, or the meaning behind the synchronistic events
that happen in our lives via the signs and symbols coming from the Universe
that guide us every day. Hint: If you happen to notice an ant crossing your path, it's telling you to be patient about something. If you see a hawk, pay attention to messages coming your way. And it it's a skunk--run! I know that I would, but skunk Medicine isn't that bad at all. It has to do with your reputation, and if you respect yourself, you will create a powerful and honored one.
What
got you interested in writing and when did you start?
When I
read The Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings trilogy by Tolkien at
the age of 12, I loved those stories so much that I wished I had a magical
device that could teleport me into that fantastical world. The written word is
a powerful force, and from then on, I’ve wanted to write my own stories that
people love to read.
What
type of stories do you enjoy writing?
I enjoy
writing mystical fantasy, romance, or anecdotal stories, especially anything
with a metaphysical or paranormal theme to it. I also like writing children’s
books, mostly for middle grade, but also picture books. I’m an illustrator as
well.
Where do you get your inspiration for your stories?
Some
stories come to me in my dreams, while others are from my imagination. And
some stories are from true to life experiences. I may also learn about
someone’s family history and get a character for my next story. I have two
muses, and I have to credit them with inspiring me as well.
Why
did you pick this particular story for our anthology?
It was
such an incredible story about my life that I had to write it. I wanted to
share what happens when a long-held secret is revealed, along with the
surprising discoveries that eventually lead to a reunion.
What
advice can you give to our readers who are interested in writing and getting
their book published?
Employ
the three P’s: Practice, Patience, and Persistence. These three qualities are
required if you ever want to make it in the publishing world. Take workshops,
classes, or get a writing mentor. Learning the craft is essential! You cannot
get published until you have this down, and it can take a while as there is
much to learn. Read other writers in your genre as well.
Is
it important for new writers to join a writer’s group and why?
Yes indeed! Writer’s groups
are a great resource for networking and provide much needed support for
fledgling writers, which is very important when starting out. It’s also a place
to get some critiquing done of your work and learn the do’s and don’ts of the
craft of writing.
Thank you so much for sharing your time and advice with us. Dear readers, you can find Shelley at www.shelleyszajner.com.
Get your copy of Tall Tales and Short Stories from South Jersey on Amazon.com today!
