New Release January 2016Written by T.D. Shields

  1. Tell us about your book, Dawn of the Dreamer.  Do you have a favourite part or character?

Dawn of the Dreamer is set in the year 2023.  It follows the story of Amelia who, due to new technologies being unable to change her dreams, has been labelled a Dreamer and is therefore made to feel different and unlike her friends and family.

My favourite part to write was the fire scene. I can’t pinpoint why exactly, but it came to me so
easily and I really enjoyed writing it. As for characters, I couldn’t decide between Amelia and Jonah.

  1. When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

When I was around twelve years old. I use to write stories and short novels then take them to my teachers for them to read and give me feedback. I have a folder full of old, cringe-worthy stories. I’ve always loved reading, so I guess it stemmed from there.

  1. How long does it take you to write a book?

Dawn of the Dreamer took eight months, but Fall of the Dreamer only took me three to four. I’m getting better at mapping out and planning my novels, which makes the writing process easier and quicker.

  1. What is your work schedule like when you’re writing?

Schedule? What is that? I’m a stay at home mum and between getting kids to school, keeping my daughter occupied all day, and trying to keep a clean house and a happy husband I don’t have much of a schedule at all. I write when I can fit it in, which usually means very late nights.

  1. What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?

I’d like to say I don’t have one. But I’m sure if someone came and watched me write they’d find quite a few.

  1. How do you overcome writer’s block?

I haven’t had to yet, and hope I never do have to. I’ve had motivation block before. But YAAR’s group usually helps with that one.

  1. What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

Relax with a green tea and read a good book, spend quality time with my family, I love to paint, draw and craft (I have my own shed dedicated to this)

  1. What does your family think of your writing?

They are all extremely supportive. They don’t always necessarily understand the hours and effort that goes into writing and publishing, but they have always told me to go for it.

  1. What made you decide to write for a young adult audience?

Because they are my favourite type of books, and because I think YA covers the period of a person’s life when they go through the most change. Trying to work out who they are and what they want to do with their life.

  1. Where did you come up with the idea for Dawn of the Dreamer? Was there something in particular that triggered the idea?

I’d started a blog, and noticing that I was reigniting my passion for writing, a friend of mine bought me notebook and inside she put a post it note saying that she couldn’t wait to read my future novel. With no word of a lie, that night I had a dream that sparked the idea for Dawn of the Dreamer and the Dreamer Trilogy.

  1. What project are you working on now?

Fall of the Dremer (Dreamer Trilogy, Book Two) will be released on the 28th January, so I have been working on getting it ready. I’m also writing Book Three of the trilogy, while also mapping out the story for my next series. There is also a stand-alone book I am working on that is more contemporary but still young adult.

  1. Anything else you’d like to tell your friends and fans?

At the moment I am running an amazing giveaway where you can not only win softcover copies of Dawn of the Dreamer, and Fall of the Dreamer but also a Dreamer singlet, a beautiful Dream Catcher, Journals and other great Dreamer goodies. You can find out more on my Facebook page.
I will also be a part of a 5 Author Extravaganza with four other YAAR authors on the 30th January. It is an online event where we will play games and giving away prizes. You can join us by clicking on this link: https://www.facebook.com/events/1665268217072460/
And of course, Fall of the Dreamer will be released on the 28th of January as both an Ebook and softcover book!