Monday, February 28, 2011

FEATURE AUTHOR: Sean Young



Sean began writing romance at the encouragement of her dear friend Christian Fiction Author Jacquelin Thomas. After the release of her first two novels TOTAL BLISS and WITH THIS RING in 2005 & 2006, Sean continued to work diligently at her craft and her next novel.

FROM THIS MOMENT, the second installment in the Hearts and Flowers Series, was released in January 2011. At an early age, Sean found that she loved words and tried to read everything she could get her hands on. She joined her first book club “Sweet Pickles” at the age of 7. Writing would come later, when she wrote short stories for her own enjoyment, then she wrote the Easter play for the youth at her church at the age of 12.

Sean, a graphic/web designer loves building websites and graphics almost as much as she loves writing her stories. She loves working in her church and lives in Northwest Indiana with her family.

How did you start out your writing career?

That honor goes to my dear friend Jacquelin Thomas. She saw something in me that I didn’t even realize was there. Although I’d been writing since I was young, as I grew older, I got away from it and never thought about being a published romance author.

What did you learn while writing this book?

I learned to work under pressure.

What did you hope to accomplish with this book?

I wanted anyone who read the book to understand Ivy and her struggles because all of us have thinks in our lives that cause us to reflect and exam ourselves. And also that you can find love in spite of adversity.

Which character did you have the most fun writing about?

I actually loved writing Jonathan Damon (my hero). I loved seeing him on page as a lovable black man who loved a black woman unconditionally through all her mess and uncertainty.

What has surprised you most about becoming a published author?

I was surprised by the way I touched the readers’ lives. When I wrote the first book in the Hart Sisters Series, WITH THIS RING, I received countless emails from plus-sized women telling me that I gave them renewed hope in finding their prince charming. Lately, I’m being told that they love the way Jonathan treated Ivy even though she didn’t always deserve it. They understood all too well why she behaved the way she did and was glad that she finally found true love.

What aspect of writing do you love the best, and which do you hate the most?

I love watching the characters personalities unfold and getting to know them. I hate revisions, but I know they are necessary and at the end appreciate them.

What are three things you wish you’d known before you reached where you are now?

1. I wish I’d known that for all the rejections I’ve received, that someone would give me a chance to tell my story to the world.

2. I wish I’d known that I could be victorious as a romance author despite all circumstances.

3. I wish I had known the joy I would feel once I completed the work.

Can you give us one do and one don’t for those aspiring to be a writer?

1. Do learn your craft.
2. Don’t ever give up.

What one thing about writing do you wish other non-writers would understand?

I wish non-writers would understand that writing is a tough business. The stories take time to take shape and then be executed into an enjoyable story. In doing that you may have to re-write portions several times trying to get it right, just to have the editor remove it. Readers enjoy the stories, and then want the writers to magically come out with something new in the next couple of months. Publishing doesn’t work that way for a lot of us.

When you're not writing, what do you like to do in your spare time?

I’m a graphic/web designer, so I love creating websites, book covers etc. I work a lot with the media ministry at my church. I’m also a wedding/party planner, so I enjoy putting together special events/occasions.

What do you do to interact with your readers?

For all the readers that are on my email list, I send out holiday e-cards. Respond to them on social networks. Make myself available if asked to participate in a discussion about my books.

Our theme for this month is Resources On The Net. What are your favorite resources on the net.

The internet is very resourceful and I use it for many aspects of my life. When I’m working on graphics, I love to go to: http://sixrevisions.com/ – Six Revisions has a lot of Photoshop tutorials etc.

Oprah always asks, What do you know for sure?

I know that the Lord loves me and I’m grateful to him for his mercy towards me.

Can you give us a sneak peek of your next book?

Straight From The Heart - Pub date April 2012. Genesis Press.

Pastry chef Lili Hart hasn’t been satisfied with what she’s accomplished with her siblings at Hearts and Flowers. She yearns for independent success, so she seeks to take on clients of her own not tied to the family business.

Excited about her first client, her celebration is short lived when she sees dreamy eyed Dominic Ballard again.

Charming and talented singer/songwriter Dominic Ballard majored in music in college despite the discouragement of his mother. Eventually, he moved to California to pursue his dreams of superstardom.

After the sudden death of his father, Dominic finds himself back in his hometown of Taylor, Indiana assisting with the family’s chain of restaurants. When he’s offered an opportunity to collaborate on popular R & B singer latest CD he feels closer to realizing his dream. But, his life is further complicated when he runs into the one who got away…feisty Lili Hart.

In the face of fierce ambition, will Lili and Dominic realize what’s truly important and make their own sweet music together?

How can readers get in contact with you? (mail, email, website)

You can always reach me via email: seanyoung0907@msn.com, Website: http://www.seandyoung.com/ , Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/sdyoung1

From This Moment

Wedding Planner Ivy Hart discovers that sharing her hotel room with Jonathan Damon in Las Vegas isn’t such a good idea. The sexy Banquet owner makes her feel things she thought she long forgotten. The thirty-four year old Wedding professional’s vow to leave all thoughts of marriage and happily ever after to her clients goes out the window when she wakes up married to her roommate. Now, all she wants is out of the farce of a marriage and fast, but her new hubby has other plans.

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5 comments:

Sean D. Young said...

Thanks for having me today LaShaunda. I appreciate your support.

Carol Moncado said...

LaShaunda - glad I clicked the link on Facebook!

Sean - this looks fabulous! Right up my alley! We, uh, won't mention the, um, 'wake up married' plots I've tried to make work. Some better [much better] than others. Did you know Arizona doesn't have a waiting period? Just wish Phoenix was quite the destination wedding spot... Vegas gets old ;).

The library doesn't have it so it is now in my amazon cart waiting to hit $25 for free shipping... =D

Thank you for sharing, Sean! So much of what you wrote about being an author has resonated, though I'm still working toward my first 'yes'. Don't ever get up. I think I need to have that tatooed on my forehead :).

Will let you know what I think when I get it!

LaShaunda said...

Sean

It is always a pleasure to host you. I'm so proud of you continuing with your dream and seeing it come true.

Can't wait to read the next book.

LaShaunda said...

Carol,

Thanks so much for stopping by. You will not be disappointed with this book. Sean is an excellent romance writer.

Linda! said...

Congratulations on your release Sean.

Linda!

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