Today, we’d like to introduce you to Shina Reynolds.
Hi Shina, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
I published my debut young adult fantasy novel, A Light in the Sky, in November 2021. To date, it has won twelve awards, including the Gold Medal for Teen Fiction in the 2022 IBPA Benjamin Franklin Awards.
However, my journey as a writer actually started during my childhood. I wrote my first two books in my sixth-grade English class, the second of which won a Nebraska Young Author’s award. Over the years, I wrote song lyrics, poems, and eventually screenplays.
My path to becoming an author wasn’t straightforward. Throughout my young adult life and college years, I was much more focused on music, modeling, and acting. In late 2010, I graduated with honors from the University of Houston with a bachelor’s degree in art history and a minor in anthropology. Although I found art history enjoyable and considered pursuing a master’s degree, I ultimately focused on my acting career.
My background includes work in acting, filmmaking, singing and songwriting, modeling, and photography, all before I started writing my first novel.
After graduating from UH, it took me around half a decade (and after leaving the acting industry) to realize my desire to write a full-length fiction book. I wanted to keep working in the creative arts, but I also wanted a calmer lifestyle, and one I could do from home. And while I loved acting and creating via filmmaking, I was ready for a change. So, in the summer of 2015, I learned all I could about writing a full-length novel, and then, by that fall, I started drafting A Light in the Sky. I finished the first draft in May 2016.
For publishing, I knew early on that I wanted to go the independent route. After a brief period of querying literary agents, I started my publishing company, Wink Road Press. Given my passion for entrepreneurship and desire for creative autonomy, I realized independent publishing was the ideal fit for me. My husband, Ben Reynolds, who shares my entrepreneurial spirit (he runs Sure Dividend), provided encouragement and support throughout my journey of publishing independently.
Although I have been involved in various writing activities throughout my life, my official journey as a professional author didn’t begin until 2015, when I started drafting my first full-length book. I might even go as far as saying that it didn’t begin until the publication of A Light in the Sky in late 2021.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Time management, concentration, and perfectionism have been the most significant hurdles I’ve faced.
Since publishing A Light in the Sky, I’ve been trying to manage the countless events that have unfolded in my life. It’s been a challenge to find a work/life balance. If my life isn’t calm, I’ve found it difficult to stay focused on my work.
Thankfully, I have plenty of ideas for future projects. I have so many stories I want to tell. But alas, I can’t write fast enough, nor can I focus long enough.
But I do my best.
Inspiration for my writing frequently stems from the vivid landscapes and characters that populate my dreams. Two dreams I had inspired my first book, A Light in the Sky. Both of which ended up becoming scenes in my finished book. Coming from a background in film and acting, I am also inspired by movies and tv shows.
A film or tv series adaptation of my debut novel (and the rest of the Clashing Skies series) is one of my greatest dreams/goals. Hello Ireland and flying horses!
However, even though ideas may come to me with little effort, I have faced other struggles throughout my publishing journey. With self-doubt, perfectionist tendencies, ADD, and procrastination in the mix, the creation process inevitably becomes slower.
My current focus is on getting organized, improving my schedule and routine, and increasing productivity.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m the award-winning author of the young adult fantasy novel A Light in the Sky. This is the first book of the Clashing Skies Series, which is a planned trilogy, and there might be additional companion novels and/or novellas.
I am passionate about writing imaginative stories, particularly in the genres of fantasy and sci-fi. My stories often revolve around resilient characters who are on a journey of self-discovery. Characters who face challenges but also rise to them.
My books are all about freedom and what it truly means to be free. I love exploring the theme of freedom in my story ideas. The tagline on my debut novel, A Light in the Sky, is: “How far would you fly for freedom?”
I enjoy blending different genres, as I did in A Light in the Sky, which incorporates elements of both fantasy and dystopian sci-fi.
My stories are vibrant on paper and ready for the silver screen (waves at producers).
I love writing. I enjoy crafting intricate worlds, providing readers with immersive places to discover and to seek solace. Hearing from readers and knowing that a story I wrote has brought them joy is so fulfilling.
Besides publishing my novel, A Light in the Sky, one of my proudest achievements was writing and directing the book trailer for it. I had a great time using my knowledge of film production to craft an exciting live-action book trailer for ALITS (you can watch it on my website).
Also, since publishing in November 2021, A Light in the Sky has won twelve awards. It means a lot to me to be acknowledged and to have received these awards.
You can purchase A Light in the Sky in paperback, hardcover, ebook, and audiobook formats wherever books are sold. For a signed copy and/or merchandise, head over to the shop on my website.
I am currently working on finishing the first draft of book II (title and book cover reveal to come soon—sign up for my newsletter to be the first to hear/see more!).
Recently, I have also begun research on a non-fiction project. This will be my first dive into non-fiction. This passion project focuses on a rarely (if ever?) discussed topic. My intention is for this book to serve as a validation of others’ experiences and to offer support, hopefully.
If you’d like to keep up with when my next book is coming out, please visit my website and subscribe to my free newsletter. It’s the best way to keep in touch. But please follow along on Instagram and Facebook as well.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Heart. That’s the first thing that came to mind. For me, passion drives me. That, and the desire to help others not feel so alone. Also, believing in myself enough to make things happen. Publishing independently (or at all) is not a straightforward journey. But I can do so because I am rooted in my desire to share, fueled by my passion for what I’m creating, and driven by my heart.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.shinareynolds.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shinareynolds/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorshinareynolds
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shinareynolds/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/shinareynolds
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn5882dzcSC7om-gK14pBaA
- Other: https://www.winkroadpress.com
