This week we’re introducing one of our older – though not necessarily wiser or more mature! – writers at Ouroborus Books. Shayla Morgansen is the author of The Elm Stone Saga, as well as a number of more serious works of non-fiction and an even larger number of decidedly less serious fanfiction. She divides her time rather erratically between writing, watching old science fiction, and studying for her PhD. A former teacher, she now works as a freelance editor and a lecturer in Editing and Publishing Studies. To give Shayla a break from work, study and Netflix, we sat down to ask the hard questions.
Favourites
Favourite book/s: Ugh, starting with the hardest one! Harry Potter, The Book Thief, Daughter of Smoke and Bone, Fangirl, Carry On, and The Book With No Pictures. I refuse to narrow down the list any further
Favourite television series: Stargate SG1, X-Files, Supernatural, Fringe, Battlestar Galactica, Dexter, Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency, The 100… Do I have to stop listing?
Favourite film/s: The Matrix. At least that one’s easy
Favourite colour: Pink!
Favourite Sesame Street character: Ernie
Favourite subject in school: Drama. I’m a tad theatrical, a tad wordsy
Favourite special place: My grandparents’ garden
Dislikes
Food you can’t stand: Mushrooms
Something you’d never be caught dead wearing: Real fur (eww! Dead stuff!)
Fears: Spiders
Quirky questions
An age you are not: 21
Least favourite Avenger: Ironman. Sorry not sorry
Least favourite Disney princess: Cinderella
Third favourite fictional character: Dr Daniel Jackson
A Ben & Jerry’s ice cream flavour named after you would be a combination of: Fairyfloss and raspberry – super sweet but with a surprising tang
A job you definitely wouldn’t have been suited for: Accountant
The most attractive punctuation mark is: The question mark. I like the curves when I write it
Writing related
What inspired you to write your current work: Harry Potter ran out so I wrote what I wanted to read
What genres do you read and write: I write YA fantasy, a bit of non-fiction as required by my study, and fanfiction for The X-Files and Dexter. My creative work usually has a focus on intense platonic relationships fraught with questions of morality and truth. I read widely, as long as it’s fiction, and as long as the story features spaceships, magic powers or law enforcement
When did you start publishing with Ouroborus: In 2014
What do you hope people associate you with: I hope I’m viewed as fun and considerate, but also professional and knowledgeable. As a writer, I hope people associate me with quality
Current work-in-progress: My thesis
What can readers expect from you in future: At least two more Elm Stone books (with magic), a paranormal crime series (with FBI), a science fiction series (with spaceships) and my X-Files fanfiction to eventually get finished
Which of your own characters do you relate to most, and which is your favourite to write: Aristea, and Declan
Either or
Hardcover, eBook or paperback? Paperback
Chocolate or chips? I have to choose?
DC or Marvel? Marvel every single day.
Blue ink or black? Blue!
Spotless work space or is there a desk under all that? I think there’s a desk. Ask any past student, they may have seen it once, or else offered to clean it for me in exchange for classroom points
You can find out more about Shayla Morgansen by following her on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or by visiting her website, and The Elm Stone Saga can be purchased from the Ouroborus Books online store.
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