The Writer’s Desk with Kara Swanson

Kara Swanson writes books about fairytales and fiery souls. Raised in overseas jungles as the daughter of missionaries, she quickly fell in love with stories of characters dropped into unique new worlds. Kara is the award-winning author of YA Fantasy novels including Peter Pan retelling, Dust and Shadow. Kara is the co-founder of the Author Conservatory where she has the honor of teaching young writers to craft sustainable author careers. She loves to chat about coffee, Jesus and mental health over on Instagram: @karaswansonauthor

Connect with Kara on her website, Instagram, Facebook, and sign-up for her newsletter.

More about Shadow:

Peter Pan has crash-landed back on Neverland. But this is not the island he remembers.

Desperate to rescue Claire and the fractured Lost Boys, Peter must unravel what truly tore his dreamland apart. But with each step, he is haunted by more of his own broken memories. Not even Pan himself is what he seems.

Claire Kenton is chained to a pirate ship, watching the wreckage of Neverland rocked by tempests. When she finally finds her brother, Connor is every bit as shattered as the island. Claire may have pixie dust flowing in her veins—but the light of Neverland is flickering dangerously close to going out forever.

To rescue Neverland from the inescapable shadow, the boy who never grew up and the girl who grew up too fast will have to sacrifice the only thing they have left: each other.

Purchase a copy of Shadow.

Q&A with Kara Swanson

TG: Everyone always asks for an interesting fact, we’re going to flip the question. What is one boring fact about yourself?

KS: Haha! Ummm…I don’t enjoy cooking and have yogurt for breakfast just about every morning 😊

TG: Where did you get the inspiration for Shadow?

KS: I loved the idea of delving into a well-loved fairytale and developing it more.

TG: Do you have any habits or rituals as a writer?

KS: Yes! I need to have a solid chunk of time to write, usually in the evening, and with coffee and a story inspiration song on repeat. 😊

TG: What habits would you encourage others to take up to be a more productive writer?

KS: Consistency and peer feedback

TG: What do you snack on or drink while writing?

KS: Chips or grapes!

TG: How do you overcome writer’s block?

KS: Take a break, brainstorm with a friend, etc

TG: Are you an “edit-as-you-go” writer or do you wait until the very end before you do any editing?

KS: I edit in chunks! I’ll write 5-10 chapters and then edit them

TG: What would you say is the most common mistake new writers make?

KS: Thinking they are ready for publication before they’ve gotten experience or professional feedback

TG: What is the best piece of writing advice you’re ever received?

KS: To write what you’re passionate about, but also write with intention

TG: What is coming up next for you?

KS: I just announced a new two-book deal with Enclave!

Don’t miss my conversation with Kara! Click the graphic below to watch!

Enter to win a paperback copy of Dust*:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Due to shipping costs, paperbacks can be shipped to US mailing addresses only.

Sharable Graphics! Just click, save, and share!