Author Chat with Shannon Redmon on her New Release, Secrets Left Behind
Our guest author this month is one of my new favorite writers, and I just had the pleasure of meeting her at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writer’s Conference. She is a fellow romantic suspense author, and her latest book, Secrets Left Behind, released a few weeks ago. Please join me in welcoming Shannon Redmon to the blog.
Q: When did you first realize that you wanted to be a writer?
Shannon: I’ve always written in some form or fashion, whether it was journaling, writing middle school break-up letters for my friends, or half-finished love stories. However, in 2015, my sweet husband said to me, “Why don’t you finish one first then see where it goes?” So, I did. In 2016, I went to my first writer’s conference with my first completed novel and met my agent. I’ve been hooked ever since.
Q: What inspired the idea for this story?
Shannon: My cousin works as a post office driver, and she told me some stories about the interesting characters along her route. Of course, my suspense brain took those stories, threw in a dead body or two and the rest is history.
Q: Your back cover copy grabbed my interest when it talked about someone (presumably the villain) trying to keep the truth hidden. It reminded me of the Scripture that talks about the truth setting us free. Without spoilers, can you share how pursuing the truth helps shape your story?
Shannon: Jake and Skye have known each other for years, and after her husband is killed, they end up partnering together to find the truth about his murder. Skye craves the truth. She wants to know what happened.
We all crave truth.
Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6 NKJV). My hope is that the stories I write, convey God’s truth to my readers. That somehow through each scene, they might come to know the one who is the light in our darkness, the hope when all seems lost and the Savior who redeems our souls.
Q: What message do you hope readers will take away from Secrets Left Behind?
Shannon: I’ve struggled with finding God’s purpose in my life and hope Secrets Left Behind helps readers know that whatever they are going through, he has a purpose and plan for our lives.
I was over forty when I started writing, but before, there was a dark time in my life wondering what my purpose was on earth. I took tests, read books, and did Bible studies. All of those were great tools, but what helped me the most is that I had Jesus.
He was right beside me, always gently encouraging me to keep moving forward, to keep working out my faith in Him. He gave me peace, purpose, and a pen. I still write letters to Him during my morning quiet time and finally realized the purpose of my life isn’t the most important part. Knowing him and doing his will each day is really all that matters.
Q: What is something you enjoy, aside from writing, that you think makes you a better writer?
Shannon: I love to draw. You can see some of my artwork on my website, shannonredmon.com.
Q: How could you encourage other writers (or creatives in general) to fuel their passion?
Shannon: Sometimes in writing, the best thing to do is take a break and let our brain rest. I find drawing helps release new ideas for my stories, especially when I’ve written myself into a corner and can’t figure how to get out.
Q: How can readers connect with you?
Shannon: I love connecting with readers, and there are so many ways to reach me! I’ve provided my social media links and also, if readers go to my website, they can sign up for The Jail Cell. We have monthly book giveaways and lots of information about books and writing.
Website: www.shannonredmon.com
BB: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/shannon-redmon
GR: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20097953.Shannon_Redmon
YT: https://bit.ly/SMRYouTubeChannel
IG: https://www.instagram.com/shannon.redmon/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/shannon.redmon
LI: https://linkedin.com/in/shannonredmon/
Q: Can you share about what next project you have in the works?
Shannon: I’m finishing up book three for Love Inspired Suspense and then will start book four.
Book Three: Former Army Lieutenant Aggie Newton’s twin sister is abducted and her six-year-old niece is the only witness to the crime. The little girl can’t remember much except for one detail—the kidnappers took her mother by mistake. Aggie’s the real target.
Detective Bronson Young investigates, but his past feelings for Aggie create problems when he ties her sister’s case to classified military information regarding his brother’s death in combat.
Bronson is determined to uncover the answers needed to find Aggie’s sister and identify his brother’s murderer. But as the threats on Aggie’s life increase, Bronson vows to protect the only woman he’s ever loved, even if he never discovers the truth about his brother.
About the Author
Shannon Redmon remembers the first grown-up book she read from the neighborhood bookmobile—a Victoria Holt novel with romance, intrigue, dashing gentlemen and ballroom parties.
She hopes her stories encourage faith, hope, and love the same way for her readers. Her debut novel Cave of Secrets was released by Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense line in October 2020 and Book 2, Secrets Left Behind, will be released May 2022. Her other published works have appeared in Spark magazine, Splickety magazine, several blogs and compilation books. Shannon lives in western North Carolina with her husband, two sons and foo-foo dog named Sophie.
About Secrets Left Behind
The more clues they uncover,
the more deadly the investigation becomes.
After surviving several attempts on her life, Skye Anderson knows Detective Jake Reed’s suspicions of foul play about the accident that killed her husband must be true. Someone will stop at nothing to keep the truth hidden—and all signs point to a drug ring Skye’s late husband was investigating. Can Jake keep Skye alive and identify the killers pursuing her?
Get Your Copy.
How to Win a Copy of Secrets Left Behind
Shannon has graciously offered to give away a signed copy of Secrets Left Behind (US addresses only). To enter the drawing, simply subscribe to her newsletter, located on her website. Go to ShannonRedmon.com and fill in the short form to “Join the Jail Cell,” the name of her newsletter. You’ll receive a free flash fiction story just for signing up.
