Meet author Shannon McNear

Transplanted to the far north after more than two decades in the Deep South, Shannon McNear loves losing herself in local history. She’s the author of six novellas and eight full-length novels, with a RITA nominee and a 2021 SELAH winner among them. Her greatest joy, however, is in being a military and pastor’s wife, mom-of-many, mother-in-law, and grammie. When not cooking, researching, or leaking story from her fingertips, she enjoys being outdoors, hanging out with her grandbabies and basking in the beauty of the northern prairies.

Tell us about your newest book.

Loyalty’s Pursuit is book 1 of For Love and Loyalty, set against the Southern Campaign of the American Revolution, and from the British and loyalist viewpoint. August 1780. After the Battle of Camden leaves British camp follower Bess Eaton widowed, expecting a child, and stranded in enemy territory, she faces two impossible choices: a return to an England that offers her nothing…or marriage to a stranger before the army marches on without her.

Backcountry loyalist Rob MacFarlane has already buried a wife and son and has no intention of risking his heart again. But he can’t ignore the vulnerable widow in his path. What begins as an act of duty quickly becomes something far more complicated when he offers Bess protection—and a name. As war rages and the British cause begins to crumble, their fragile alliance is tested at every turn. Loyalties fracture. Faith is questioned. And the lines between enemy and neighbor blur. To survive, Rob must decide what allegiance truly costs—and Bess must choose whether she can trust not only the man she married…but the God she’s never fully known.

What inspired you to write your story?

A visit more than 20 years ago to the British encampment of the 225^th Anniversary of the Siege of Charleston—a massive living history event spread across three adjoining plantations on the Ashley River in the Lowcountry of South Carolina. A young man we met there, in character as a British officer, shared what I later learned was a popular reenactor myth, but this story was already in process by the time I learned the truth. 😊

What genre do you focus on.

Currently, historical and historical romance. Part of it is the opportunities for publication, and partly just how the Lord has seemed to lead the last few years.

Why do you write?

Because the stories demand to be written. Or, the characters just won’t shut up. 😊 I suppose that amounts to the same thing.

Who is your main character, and how did you choose that name?

Bess Eaton—a good, solid, English moniker on both accounts. Her full name was Elizabeth Sarah Whiting but everything was invariably shortened. (I’ve had an Elizabeth in a previous story, but she went by Lizzy.)

What is your work schedule like when you’re writing a book?

It has varied depending on the season of life and family needs. Right now there isn’t much actual schedule—although I could use one! (We’re in the midst of trying to sell two houses in different states, and our work there is very dependent on weather and my husband’s ministry schedule.) Ideally I’d love being able to get up earlyish and compose story on the page before the day takes off and runs away with me.

What is the hardest part of being an author?

Deadlines. The need to keep producing, even if (or when) I’m exhausted or burnt out. (This is not a complaint for the ways the Lord has opened doors for me to continue being contracted!)

What’s the best part of your author’s life?

My readers! Getting to hear how my stories have touched someone else’s life. Writing is such a solitary endeavor, but ultimately we write to be read.

What’s one thing your readers should know about you?

I’m an incurable nerd, and that will always come through in my stories. I’m so sorry. 😊

How have you changed or grown as a writer?

First, I’ve learned that being published is not the destination—it’s a signpost on a greater journey, and represents a higher level of responsibility as an author and a believer in Christ. Second, I’ve grown in my writing craft (greatly!!) since the early years. (I started my first novel at age 15, and the Lord made me wait 30 years for that first contract.)

What is your favorite pastime?

Making homemade soup (including the stock), baking sourdough breads, birdwatching, spending time with my kids and grandkids.

Do you have other books? We’d love to know.

I do—6 novellas, and 7 full-length novels, all Christian historical or historical romance, available in various formats on Amazon etc.

What are you working on now?

Loyalty’s Sacrifice, the sequel to Loyalty’s Pursuit. This will be Susanna’s story.

Website: shannonmcnear.com

Link to book: http://www.amazon.com/Loyaltys-Pursuit-Love-Loyalty-Book-ebook/dp/B0GX2WXTDQ

Social media links:

http://www.facebook.com/ShannonMcNearAuthor

https://www.instagram.com/shenandoahdawn/

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6880909.Shannon_McNear