We chat with author Morgan Shamy about The Stricken, which offers readers a dark and beautiful world in which Clara must learn to embrace her new powers in this empowering YA fantasy book.
Hi, Morgan! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
Hey everyone! I am an ex-ballerina turned writer. I write gothic mystery for adults and fantasy for teens. I’ve had 6 books published in the last four years, a trilogy with Aethon Books, two with CamCat Books (The Dollmaker and The Stricken), and one other standalone. I have been immersed in the arts since the young age of four, where I performed various roles alongside a professional ballet company for over seven years, and have performed on prestigious stages like soloing at Carnegie Hall in New York City. Dancing has been my life, and I love to incorporate it into my stories.
When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?
I wasn’t a writer until my three-year-old son was diagnosed with Leukemia. During that time, we were living full-time in the hospital, and I needed an outlet to survive. So I started writing. The first book I ever wrote was The Stricken . . . and now, over a decade later, it is out in the world!
Quick lightning round! Tell us:
- The first book you ever remember reading: James and the Giant Peach
- The one that made you want to become an author: Harry Potter!
- The one that you can’t stop thinking about: This may be a bit self-centered, but I just finished writing a book that I hope to get in the hands of reader’s soon. I can’t get the story and world out of my head!
Your latest novel, The Stricken, is out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Original. Magical. Captivating. Dark. Timeless.
What can readers expect?
The Stricken takes you on a ride! Early reviewers can’t stop talking about how original the premise is. It has romance, action, magic, darkness, a love triangle that is so unique, fleshed-out characters, great world building, and it sticks with you long after you read it.
Where did the inspiration for The Stricken come from?
When I was young, I used to wonder if my spirit walked to another life while I slept. What was my other life like? Were dreams just flashes of my other life? As I’d ponder these things, I’d stare into the bushes of my backward and feel as if something (or someone) magical was out there watching me. These thoughts and feelings eventually merged . . . and The Stricken was born.
Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
My favorite character of the book is Nowen! He’s quirky, mysterious, tortured, and misunderstood. His presence pushes the story along, and he’s involved in a twist you will never see coming! Every scene I wrote with him made my heart melt. To me, he is this story.
What’s next for you?
As I touched on above, I just completed a new YA fantasy novel (ONCE UPON A TIME meets BLACK SWAN). It’s with my agent now and I’m crossing my fingers we can find a publisher for it soon!
Lastly, are there any releases that you’re looking forward to picking up this year?
Pretty much every CamCat book out there! I love their lineup and I love all of their books!
