Talkshow Thursday: Welcome Back, Shannon McNear!

VIRGINIA by Shannon McNear

What was your inspiration for the story?

I took the most commonly known myth surrounding Virginia Dare—the legend of the White Doe, which came from a poem written by Sallie Southall Cotten in 1902, and put my own spin on it.

What sort of research did you do for your story, and was there an exceptionally interesting tidbit you knew you had to include?

I studied the Tuscarora people—their language, what we know of their customs and history—and the Spanish exploration of what is now the southeast United States. After focusing on the eastern Algonquian-speaking people for the last three stories, I knew I wanted to branch out and study those who were considered mysterious but definite enemies—and to include the Spanish element. But the tidbit that seemed hardest to work in—but that I HAD to use—was the Tuscarora’s use of “Indian hemp”—what we know as common milkweed—in fiber arts, both as cording and eventually textiles. It’s actually where the original name of the tribe, the Skaru:re (sgah-ROOO-rah) comes from.

Tell us about your road to publication.

I’ve been writing stories since I could first string sentences together in third grade. Eventually started my first novel at age 15—then rewrote that one about 20 times in as many years. I submitted it to various editors and even made honorable mention in a contest once (this was back in the day when you had to mail the entire typed-out manuscript and then wait months, even years, for a reply). Eventually I took a few years off from writing fiction while my older kids were small. When my youngest son was a baby, a friend asked me to accompany her teen daughter to a writing conference for homeschoolers, put on by Stephen Bly and Nancy Rue. Steve’s approach to story and writing intrigued me, and after several months of reading his work (he wrote Christian westerns—absolutely wonderful stories!), I started feeling the nudge to pick up my own again. I had to pray hard over that, since I had a houseful by this time and was expecting again! But the Lord made it clear I was to take that step of faith. So that was about 2003. I attended my first writer’s conference (Writing for the Soul in Asheville NC) and started applying myself to really learning the writing craft. I finished six more novels before the Lord popped open the door to publication through a dear friend of mine—Elizabeth Goddard, who at the time wrote for Barbour in their Heartsong Presents line, and who encouraged me to respond to a call for submissions for “pioneer Christmas” stories. That led to my first novella contract in 2012. So I tell people that from the time I started my first novel, the Lord made me wait 30 years to be published. 😁 A long road but the waiting on Him was absolutely worth it!

If your book is part of a series: Did you set out to write a series? Why did you decide to write a

Pixabay/Georgia Evans

series?

Originally I thought I had two, maybe three stories in the series, max. My editor at Barbour had invited me to consider the concept of the Lost Colony … and these were the characters who introduced themselves to me as I was researching and brainstorming. 😊

Why do you write in your particular genre?

I love breathing new life into history and making it fresh and relevant for the modern reader. To show how human struggles of the past relate to our lives now, and to current events.

How does/did your job prepare you for being a novelist?

I love this question—because the hardest job I’ve ever loved (to borrow that old Army slogan) is being a mother—and particularly a mother of many. I’ve given birth nine times (six of those at home), learned human nature in a uniquely hands-on way, and in all of it my children have taught me more about the Lord and His love, mercy, and grace than I feel I’ll ever teach them.

What are common traps for aspiring writers?

To get so caught up in perfecting a sentence that you miss the overall picture in the story. It took me forever to learn the infamous GMC—Goals, Motivation, and Conflict, and how they drive the story. Also, in this day of quick and easy self-publishing, to publish before the story—or writing—are really ready. Take the time to learn your craft! Don’t be afraid to seek hard feedback! (Entering contests can be a great place to find some.)

What writers or books have influenced you? What was your favorite childhood book and why?

I combined these two into one because they have similar answers for me. Early on, I loved the Little House books and Misty of Chincoteague—those two tie for favorites. Both imprinted me with a love for historical fiction (especially Little House—oh, and it had to be the books!). Later came Tolkien and Lewis—especially the latter. I love his Space Trilogy, and devoured his nonfiction works. (I remember reading Mere Christianity in high school … such a nerd.) I also loved Mary Stewart and Georgette Heyer, and many others that my mom had collected. Oh, and Alexandre Dumas, The Three Musketeers.

What books are on your nightstand right now?

I’m working my way through Watership Down, an old favorite I haven’t revisited in many years, and Lightning Strike, a mainstream crime drama by William Kent Krueger. He’s a newish author to me. In Christian fiction, next up is Darkness Calls the Tiger by Janyre Tromp and The Rose and the Thistle by Laura Frantz.

About Virginia

The White Doe of the Outer Banks Grows into Womanhood

Return to the “what if” questions surrounding the Lost Colony and explore the possible fate of Virginia Dare--the first English child born in the New World. What happened to her after her grandfather John White returned to England and the colony he established disappeared into the mists of time? Legends abound, but she was indeed a real girl who, if she survived to adulthood, must have also become part of the legacy that is the people of the Outer Banks.

In the spring of 1602 by English reckoning, "Ginny," as she is called by family and friends, is fourteen and firmly considered a grown woman by the standards of the People. For her entire life she has watched the beautiful give-and-take of the Kurawoten and other native peoples with the English who came from across the ocean. She's enjoyed being the darling of both English and Kurawoten alike--but a stirring deep inside her will not be put to rest.

One careless decision lands her and fellow “first baby” Henry Harvie, along with their Kurawoten friend Redbud, in enemy hands. Carried away into Mangoac territory, out of the reach of Manteo and the others, she must learn who she truly is—not only the daughter of Elinor and Ananias Dare but also a child of the One True God, who gives her courage to go wherever the path of her life might lead.

Connect with Shannon:
Website: http://shannonmcnear.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ShannonMcNearAuthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shenandoahdawn/
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/shenandoahdawn/
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6880909.Shannon_McNear
Bookbub: http://www.bookbub.com/profile/shannon-mcnear
X / Twitter: http://twitter.com/shenandoah_dawn
Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B00BK9VRZ2