Inside the Mind - Joan Shannell Evans (J. Shannell Evans)

Writing came as naturally to me as breathing. From as early as I can remember, my parents introduced me to books. They recited poetry and read me stories and plays; not just any story, but great literary pieces like the works of Longfellow, Wadsworth, Shakespeare, and Dickens. So as soon as I could read and write for myself, I began trying to write poems like the ones I had heard. At six years old, one of my poems was published in my Primary School's Christmas magazine. I have been writing ever since.

My latest book is my most personal piece of work yet. It is a memoir about my family's struggle with the ugly reality of Dementia. For five decades, members of my family, beginning with my grandmother, have been affected, and I talk about the experiences and what it has been like for other family members who have served as caregivers and me.

In my mystery writing, my characters are always based on real life, although the stories I write are not actual stories but works of fiction. I think of the characteristics of people I know or have met, and then I combine various traits from different people to create my unique person or people.

I still have a day job, so my writing is done either early in the morning or in the evening after I am settled and my mind is free to think of nothing else.

The most rewarding part of being an indie author is that I get to write about what I want and maintain control over my work.

The greatest challenge I have faced in my writing journey has been discerning genuine offers. I have encountered many individuals and companies who proved to be scammers, and I lost a great deal of money in the process.

I am just discovering tools and apps, but so far Grammarly has been the most helpful.

I would advise a new or aspiring indie author to learn as much as possible about the industry so they are not taken in by unscrupulous people looking to take advantage of their naivety.

As an indie author, I use all my social media platforms and join groups that offer opportunities to promote my books. I am also reaching out to book clubs for opportunities to present my book. Because my latest book is on Dementia, I am also reaching out to organizations, associations, and groups involved in Dementia research, advocacy, and related work, and asking for opportunities to speak about Dementia and the book.

The next thing for me is to complete my newest mystery novel. I also have a publishing label, and I am assisting a couple of first-time authors in becoming published.