![]() Shauna, if you were a vegetable, you would surely be an onion. There are many layers to you and your personal journey displayed in your writing. I peeled away at some of those layers in our previous interviews. You also recently published a Self-Interview, where I learned even more about you. Kim Thompson also showcased you recently in her Pen to Page... Today, I'd like to focus on what's been happening in your writing world... 1. What writing accomplishment are you proudest of and why? Shauna: Hopefully, I have yet to reach my proudest writing accomplishment. However, in thinking about what I’ve written to date, I’d have to say I’m most proud of a TV commercial I wrote for the Miccosukee Indian tribe in 1983 or 1984. The reason I say this is because I discovered a year or so ago that the spot is still being aired. I was channel surfing one day and saw a familiar face. Lee Tiger, who when I wrote the spot was acting Chief, (his father was ill at the time) was speaking to me from the other side of the TV on a show called Florida Today. Naturally, I put the remote down and listened to what he had to say. After a bit, the show broke to commercial. I was thrilled to see my promo spot is still alive and well! They’ve since updated the video portion of the commercial, but the copy was unmistakably mine. To discover that one of my commercials has withstood the test of time was a proud moment indeed! 2. I greatly enjoyed your book, Hearts and Rainbows, as did my best friend when I gifted her a copy. Please tell us what inspired you to publish this timeless collection of your poetry. Shauna: I think finally being comfortable with myself is what inspired me to publish Hearts and Rainbows. The book is comprised of 80 of my original poems spanning decades, from 1974 through 2012. Before then, I’d only let select people, whom I felt I could trust, read my poetry. Putting my thoughts on paper is how I dealt with my feelings as a young adult. They are very personal and I can remember the circumstances surrounding each and every one of them. I can even still picture where I was when I felt the urgency to grab a pen and something to write on. I time-stamp all of my poems. Of course, I omitted them when I published the book, but when I first put them on paper, I note the date and time of day. That helps me to see myself and the emotional state I’m in at the time. I decided to share my emotions with whoever is willing to read them in the hopes that they may inspire or provide comfort. In fact, a friend of a friend bought my book. She emailed me to tell me that she refers to it often when life gets to be a bit much. She told me she finds great comfort in my poetry. How awesome is that? 3. Tell us the message behind, and your plans for, the story some of us are reading along with you called The Gifts of Faith. Shauna: I didn’t begin the book with a message in mind. Actually, it didn’t begin as a book at all, rather a short story I posted on HubPages. After chapter one, it became apparent to me that there was more to it. Although the title may lead one to believe it has a religious connotation, that’s not entirely true. Faith is the name of the lead character. She has the ability to see souls. Not auras, but the souls of living people. The story line is more paranormal and spiritual than religious. I hope my readers come away with whatever message speaks to them. I won’t tell you what messages come to me from the characters because you’d have no reason to read the story if I did that. As far as my plans for The Gifts of Faith, I intend to finish the novel and market it to an agent who will represent me. There will be no eBook version, nor will I self-publish. I’d like my first full-length fiction novel to be published and distributed the old-fashioned way. I’ve already written the ending. There’s still so much more to tell before I get there. I have no idea how long it will take to complete. That depends on Faith, Sarah, and Nathaniel. Sometimes quite a while goes by before I hear from them. To date, I’ve posted 16 chapters on HubPages. I’ve recently decided I’m going to leave it at that. I provided a cliff hanger at the end of chapter 16 which will, hopefully, result in my readers buying the novel when the day comes. Why would anyone buy it if the entire book can be read online? 4. Your website, Bravewarrior's Feathered Pen, is looking awesome. Can you tell us a story about some of the services you offer in your role as a freelance writer and copy editor? Shauna: I’m a person who gets bored easily. Doing the same thing day in and day out puts life on automatic pilot for me. When that happens, my creativity suffers as does my drive. I’ve held many different positions in my working years for that very reason. I diversify to keep from getting bored. I’m also a quick learner who hasn’t found anything I couldn’t master. I provide a range of services. On the writing side of the coin, I offer articles for any medium, creative writing, ghostwriting, product reviews, product descriptions, blogging… pretty much anything the client needs. Another service I offer is a website ‘needs analysis’ report. For a flat rate, I’ll go into a client’s website and provide them feedback for what is lacking, can use improvement, etc. I really love the proofreading/editing end of my business. It allows me time to work on my novel and blog, both of which have been a bit neglected of late. I’ve edited a thesis for a college student, an eBook for a popular blogger, helped a poet with her first collection, and have contracted with an author to edit her upcoming novel. Recently, I was referred to a local interior designer to proof/edit his latest eNewsletter. He was so thrilled with my work that I will be working with him on all forthcoming newsletters and special projects as they arise. I’m pretty excited about that. 5. What are your dreams for 2015? Can you share any strategies on how you plan to make your dreams a reality? Shauna: My dream for 2015 is to have my business sustain my overhead and give me some room for fun and whimsy. I’m working with Iris Draak who is giving me the direction and support I need to make my dream come true. As my business coach, she helps me define what I want from my business. She’s given me a different, friendlier approach to building relationships with clients, which is why I re-vamped my Hire Me page. I completely re-wrote the message and renamed the page Let’s Team Up. Iris is also helping me with marketing, which is what’s been holding me back for the last two years. Marketing is very intimidating for me. She’s given me ideas on ways to market that are more comfortable for me and more in keeping with my personality. She’s a godsend! 6. Previously I asked if you had any advice for a new writer and loved your response. I hope you know you have always inspired me. The advice that you shared a few years ago is timeless and applies to all of our creative endeavors. Can you add anything to these pearls of wisdom today? Best advice to a new writer... ![]() Shauna: Sure, I can add to that! It’s really important to surround yourself with other writers. Gain a camaraderie. Rub elbows, bump heads, bounce ideas off each other, and support your fellow writers. They, in turn, will support you and hopefully offer you sound advice, honest critiques, and leads. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you’re considering freelancing for a living, you need to make sure your business is sustainable. This means creating a business plan and marketing – no matter how much you hate it. Reach out to a business coach who can help you over the rough patches. I wish I’d have done this two years ago; I’d be a lot closer to my goal right now if I’d done so. 7. Sha, any final thoughts or perspectives you would care to share about the world we live in and life in general (thanks for the lyrics, Depeche Mode). Shauna: Lordy Goshen, where do I begin? Despite what’s going on in the world today, life is still pretty awesome. Make the best of it. Do what you love – don’t wait until tomorrow. Dream dreams you can achieve and work on making those dreams come true. Dance, sing, laugh, walk bare-footed in the rain, and surround yourself with positive people. Be kind, love openly, and master the bear hug. Most of all, love yourself!
49 Comments
1/17/2015 01:00:57 am
Mar, I was thrilled and honored when you asked to interview me. Your support and encouragement has kept me going. When I get down in the dumps, your words of wisdom pick me back up. You make me laugh, you rant with me, and always make me feel good about myself.
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Dear Sha,
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Sunshine
1/17/2015 02:16:37 am
Sha surely shined in this interview! ☀️
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Shauna L Bowling
1/17/2015 03:05:11 am
Linda, Mar's questions were so thought provoking it took me a couple of days to complete this interview.
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kimmie
1/17/2015 02:39:42 am
Maria you did a beautiful job in interviewing Shauna. It was wonderful learning more about our talented and soulful friend.
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Shauna L Bowling
1/17/2015 03:06:02 am
I think Mar would make a great talk show host, don't you Kimmie?
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Gail Sobotkin
1/17/2015 02:50:42 am
Dear Maria,
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Shauna L Bowling
1/17/2015 03:07:08 am
Gail, you're too kind. Thank you for your beautiful words!
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Mike
1/17/2015 03:05:04 am
What a nice interview you have conducted mar. Sha gives some insightful answers. I like her encouragement of to other writers. Sounds like she found a business coach that is guiding her well. I wish her all the best in publishing 'Gifts of Faith'
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Shauna L Bowling
1/17/2015 03:08:34 am
Mike, I hope you don't mind me butting in here. I just wanted to thank you for your comment. And yes, Iris is awesome. I wish I'd found her long ago!
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Bill
1/17/2015 03:26:00 am
Maria, a lovely interview, and it is so nice of you to highlight and give support to Sha. She deserves the limelight for her hard work. I remember the day she began this journey...held her hand, figuratively, while she took her first tentative steps into freelance writing...and I know how hard she has worked. Well done, both of you.
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Shauna L Bowling
1/17/2015 04:09:19 am
Bill, you have no idea how grateful I am for your support and guidance these last couple of years. You sent me a lead a few years back that got me out of the bid sites and was a great confidence builder.
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Dear Mar,
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Shauna L Bowling
1/17/2015 04:13:53 am
Thanx, Ruby! I had a great response to The Gifts of Faith. I've decided to quit publishing the chapters on HP and concentrate on moving forward with the novel without sharing. I think Faith, Sarah, Nathaniel, and I have gained enough confidence to concentrate on getting to know each other better and giving my characters the freedom to speak to me without any pressure.
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Dear Ruby,
Vicki
1/17/2015 04:16:01 am
Maria and Shauna - great team work in this in depth interview, and combined with all your other work, both of you, you BOTH shine here! Maria, you have such a great gift for this type of writing! But then, Shauna does too, so it is a really good match. I liked the way numerous really interesting points and features are incorporated, and that encourages the reader to explore further!
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Shauna L Bowling
1/17/2015 05:23:33 am
Vicki, as I've mentioned, Mar asks some really good questions. When she first sent them to me I had to take a few days to think about my responses because she got my mind working in areas it hadn't gone. I never asked myself what message I want to convey with Faith. I had to think about it. Obviously, there's some message or I wouldn't be compelled to set the story line the way I have.
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1/17/2015 08:09:00 am
Mar,
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Shauna L Bowling
1/17/2015 09:07:36 am
Femme, thank you so much. I'm determined to make this the year I take off and soar!
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1/17/2015 09:32:30 am
Mar, what a great introduction! I love it when a speaker or person being interviewed is given a great introduction. The vegetable thing is creative and I agree with you,
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Shauna L Bowling
1/17/2015 10:03:43 am
Iris, I've grown to love you as another true blue. You have helped me so much in just a few weeks. Our weekly phone communication makes you and me real people. We come up with ideas that benefit both of us. We laugh. Laughter is the best motivator! It dissolves all the doubts that we imagine for ourselves.
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Dear Iris and Sha,
Maria & Sha.....Two of the brightest gems in our midst. Fabulous ladies, superb writers, I am thrilled and proud to call my "friends."
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Shauna L Bowling
1/17/2015 10:09:04 am
Paula, you have me laughing my ass off, which is one of your best attributes.
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OK, has Miss Sammie been 'communicating' with you both?! She used to tell me that I was a cross between Barbara Walters and Diane Sawyer...it's kinda cool to hear you both concur with BW... 1/17/2015 10:11:53 am
Maria, this is truly a wonderful post and an excellent interview. Thank you for this opportunity to let us get to know a little bit better such an inspiring and talented woman and writer such as Shauna. I found these words of hers to be just beautiful and so true; "Creativity is not something you learn in school; it's a part of your soul and cannot be fine tuned by anyone but yourself. Your day will come; believe in that, spread your wings and fly!"
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Shauna L Bowling
1/18/2015 02:40:19 am
Sannel, thank you for your kind words and wishes. What a beautiful way to start this breezy Sunday morning!
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1/17/2015 06:34:20 pm
GREAT interview. I'm pretty sure that would be my "proudest moment", too, if I had a commercial still airing after that much time had passed. I did find a backyard fence in Montana still standing that I'd build 32 years earlier, but that's not quite the same....:)
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Shauna L Bowling
1/18/2015 02:41:54 am
Sure it is, Ghost. Anything we create that stands the test of time gives us pride in our work.
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Mar, you have conducted a most impressive interview with Shauna, exposing particularly her determination, stamina and endurance.
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Shauna L Bowling
1/18/2015 02:44:08 am
Martie, I'm so glad you're enjoying the book. It does my heart good to hear you still refer to it and gain from what you read.
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Shauna L Bowling
1/18/2015 05:31:48 am
Ah... I should have figured that out! :-)
Hi Martie and Sha,
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Barbara Cook
1/18/2015 09:52:29 pm
What a pleasant and professional interview. You are coming along nicely. Sha have you considered contacting the station or company running the spot that you wrote years ago? Perhaps they would be interested in your writing of ads in an updated mode. Just a thought and another venue to market yourself. Since the content has stood the test of time they obviously haven't found tour equal. There is only "one" Shauna.
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Shauna L Bowling
1/18/2015 11:47:38 pm
Mom, I've recently connected with Lee Tiger on Facebook. I've also sent a request to his LinkedIn profile, but haven't gotten a response. If I can get into conversation with Lee, I intend to ask him if he still has the copy or if he'll write a testimonial for me. The Miccosukees own the copy. They buy airtime with the stations, so my contact would be Lee Tiger.
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It's such a pleasure to have you visit your beautiful and talented daughter here, Barbara...you are so right - there is only "one" Shauna and how blessed that she is in our lives!
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1/26/2015 10:11:44 am
You two ladies are a writers dream. Not at all phased by your past successes and certainly headed for many future successes.
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Shauna L Bowling
1/27/2015 12:14:06 am
Mary, what a kind thing to say! Thank you for your support and warm wishes.
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Dear Mary and Sha, Leave a Reply. |
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