Writing in a fantasy atmosphere with engaging characters, star-crossed romances and out-of-this-world situations, this hard-working mother of five says her professional career built itself, simply from her imagination and her passion.
Maggie Shayne lived in Syracuse for 13 years before coming to Chenango County. Throughout her schooling, she was drawn to reading and writing and says it was so important to her, she can remember the first word she ever learned to write.
After moving to the Otselic Valley, she waited tables and did other side jobs, but nothing she wanted to make her career. Late one night sitting with her colicky daughter, Shayne got the inspiration that deep down she knew she had always had.
She was trying to read when her daughter’s fussiness took hold and Maggie sat, rocked and daydreamed, thinking of characters, scenery and circumstances in the genre which, years later, would make her an international best-selling author.
Her daydreams turned into a profession, as she began to write full-length novels. Her passion for the English language and rich characterizations soon transformed into a full-time career. She says everywhere she looks, she is inspired by different aspects of life.
“When you’re a writer, the ideas are in your head. You don’t go out looking to be inspired. You are already inspired; that’s how writers work,” Shayne said. “The best part of it was that I was able to stay home and raise my children and do something I truly enjoyed, right out of my house.”
After completing four to five novels, Maggie was on her way to being published. She joined Romance Writers of America where she got the chance to network with other writers, have her work critiqued and learn the ins and outs of becoming a professional author. If you are serious about becoming a romance novelist, Shayne says this is the best organization to join. Her first novel was called “Reckless Angel,” published by Silhouette books.
Shayne says her initial plan was to stay home and raise her five children and work on her writing until her youngest daughter went to kindergarten.
“Just a week before Lisa was off to school, I got my first book published. From there it just took off,” Shayne said.
Now with over 40 books published, Shayne says she is writing bigger novels and they tend to take a little longer. She says she completes about two a year and enjoys it now the same way she always has. Shayne writes romantic suspense, women’s fiction, category romance and paranormal fiction.
Shayne has won numerous awards including two Romantic Times Bookclub career achievement awards, the National Readers Choice Award and most recently after 13 nominations throughout the years, Shayne won the 2005 RITA winner for her book “Night’s Edge.” Her newest novel “Dangerous Lover” will be available in December.
Shayne has also written for daytime drama including “Guiding Light” and “As the World Turns.” She says she intends to take more personal time to travel and enjoy life. She enjoys reading tarot cards, running, comedy and collecting various crystals and gems. She has two dogs, Wrinkles and Sally, and a cat named Glory who, she says, she loves to spend time with.
To order books or to find out more about Maggie Shayne, visit www.maggieshayne.com.