Fantasy author J. M. Shaw chats with me about her new adventure novel, Forsaken Souls.
Bio:
J. M. Shaw lives in Airdrie, Alberta, with her husband and two young children. She and her family embarked upon a journey of understanding, acceptance, and lifelong learning when they discovered their shared diagnosis of autism and ADHD. Writing is her passion, and with experiences and interests in healthcare, psychology, martial arts, and personal training, she pours her unique insights and knowledge into all her creative fictions.
Welcome, J. M. What inspired you to write this book?
This is the fourth novel in my series, continuing my protagonist’s journey to discover who he is and where he belongs—being too magical for the human world and too human for the magical realm—while mastering his arcane abilities to survive. I grew up reading lots of fantasy adventures, and I’m a big fan of J. R. R. Tolkien, Brandon Sanderson, and George R. R. Martin. However, it was my fascination with the Arthurian Merlin tales that truly inspired my series, particularly my imagining of how Merlin became a great sorcerer.
Excerpt from Forsaken Souls:
Our true selves are revealed when situations demand that we become something more—not only by the choices we make but also by the admiration of those we inspire. A great leader rarely recognizes their significance because they do not see themselves as such.
What exciting project are you working on next?
I am working on the fifth novel in my Callum Walker Series, along with a few other exciting projects.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I was a lonely twelve-year-old, introverted and painfully shy. I desperately needed an outlet to express my thoughts and feelings, and, as fate would have it, my mother bought me a typewriter (yes, I’m that old). The first thing I wrote was a single-page description of a horse running through a field. The moment I realized I could paint a picture with words was the moment I became a writer.
Do you write full-time? If so, what’s your workday like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?
I do most of my writing while my kids are in school and my husband is at work. After breakfast, chores, and errands, I grab a coffee and my computer, then find a cozy corner where I can create in peace. On average, I write three to six hours a day—more if I’m editing. I can easily become lost in my creative process, so an alarm clock is also necessary. Writing is not just my passion; it is an integral part of who I am, and I cannot imagine doing anything else.
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I’m not sure if this is a common ability among all authors, but when I’m writing, I see my story unfolding like a movie in my mind—each scene vividly portrayed. When I get stuck or need inspiration, I slip on my headphones, go for a walk, and let my mind play through whatever creative video my imagination desires, as if I’m just a spectator along for the ride.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
At one point, I wanted to be a teacher—not because I aspired to educate others, but because I wanted to know the answers to all the questions. When the first Jurassic Park movie was released, I thought it would be cool to become a paleontologist, but my interest waned after a few months. Writing was the only constant interest—shifting from a hobby into a passion as I grew—and I dreamed of becoming a published author several times throughout my youth. In 2021, I turned my creative pursuit into a profession by publishing my first novel.
Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
Beyond my Callum Walker Series, I fully intend to explore other genres. In fact, I am developing the outline for both a dystopian trilogy and a sci-fi adventure. Feel free to follow me if you would like to learn more about them or any other future projects.
Links:
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