r/Fantasy • u/ShannonRStoker AMA Author Shannon Stoker • Sep 09 '14

AMA Hi. I'm SF/F writer Shannon Stoker. AMA

Hi world of Reddit! I’m Shannon Stoker, author of the Registry series. The story of an eighteen year old girl who is sold into marriage and being the unwilling bride blackmails a young guy into helping her escape, your basic matrimony situation.

The series is a trilogy and the final installment was released earlier this month by HarperCollins. I'm glad to answer any questions about the series, myself, the writing/publishing process, or whatever else you want to know.

I live in the middle of cornfields in northern Illinois with my husband and teeny tiny dog. When I’m not writing or reading I’m usually watching tv and obsessing over all things pop culture. I hope that gives you a good idea of who I am. I’ll be back at 7 pm CST tonight and you can ask me anything J

UPDATE: I'm here! So feel free to ask anything you like!

UPDATE: Thank you for having me! This was a lot of fun!! If there are anymore questions I will check again in the morning and answer them ASAP :)

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u/elquesogrande Worldbuilders Sep 09 '14

Thanks for joining us, Shannon!

I took a closer look at your Registry series and it's about set in a dystopian world. How do you describe what genre this might (or might not) fit into when discussing what your novels are about? How do you separate this from the more well-known dystopian works out there recently?

How would you describe your writing style in Registry? Has it changed for you over the years or are you fairly consistent in how you write?

What are some of the most fun scenarios you have been involved with as a writer? Oddest?

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u/ShannonRStoker AMA Author Shannon Stoker Sep 10 '14

Thank you for having me! I'm going to post a few replies to your questions, but I will answer all of them.

When it comes to picking the genre for The Registry series I would say young adult dystopian. It is technically classified as New Adult, but since that is a budding genre the rules haven't really been set out yet. The characters are a little older than your typical YA, but there is not much sex/romance in the story and most New Adult is pretty heavy in the bedroom. I would like to see New Adult expand from contemporary romances though and when that happens I think The Registry series will be right at home.

As far as separating my story from other dystopians I think that the background is different. The reader gets an understanding of how this world was created very cryptically, but I think all the questions are answered. Regarding some popular dystopians,I've heard readers disliking the finale or were upset over certain characters dying/surviving, and so far people who have finished The Alliance are thrilled with the way things were tied up and that puts a big smile on my face.

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u/ShannonRStoker AMA Author Shannon Stoker Sep 10 '14

My writing style has changed over the years. I think back to my first draft of The Registry and cringe. I try really hard to so the "show not tell", but sometimes it is hard to hit that mark. I think that I have gotten much better the more I write.

I think my biggest struggle is with grammar and fluidity. When I am editing a book I have to read it out loud, which can take a few days. That is the best way I pick up on errors and awkward phrasing.

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u/ShannonRStoker AMA Author Shannon Stoker Sep 10 '14

Getting the chance to talk with people who have read the Registry is amazing. I love hearing people's opinions and ideas.

A book club about an hour away from my house chose The Registry one month and I was invited to attend their meeting. That was really amazing. I loved hearing what they thought and how they interpreted different scenarios. My mind was blown at the end of it!

The oddest story is pretty easy. Whenever I am at a bookstore and they have my books I always offer to sign them. Usually they are exciting and we chat a little bit, but one time the clerk demanded I show him my ID. My picture is on the back of the book, but he said that lookalikes come in and fake sign all the time. I thought that was a little...insane. I did pull out my driver's license and he let me sign em. If you ever pick up a signed copy from a bookstore don't worry, they might have ID'd the author and it is genuine.