Can you share a little about your recent book?
Shadow among Sheaves is a 19th-century retelling of the Ruth and Boaz story, set during the British occupation of India.
Why do you write? Do you have a theme, message, or goal for your books?
So far, all the books on my writing plate are allegorical in nature—they’re biblical stories reset in a different historical framework. More than anything, I want to write characters who feel human and relatable, and so I tend to explore character flaws and highlight struggles of conscience.
How long have you been writing?
I can’t remember a time in my life when I didn’t love books and stories. My mom kept a story I wrote in first or second grade, called “Magical Mittens,” about a little boy who found a pair of mittens that could change the color of the snow. Even then, I loved storytelling. I started attempting full manuscripts in college and grad school, though those early efforts were extremely rough and unruly.
And how long did it take you to get your first major book contract? Or are you published non-traditionally? How did that come about?
I started drafting Shadow among Sheaves in January of 2016, a few months after my son was born. At that time, I wrote as much as possible during his naps. I started querying agents a little over a year later and signed with Adria Goetz of Martin Literary Management in September of 2017. We received an offer from Barbour the following spring. From start to finish, it was roughly a three-year process.
Which of your books is your favorite?
As my debut, Shadow among Sheaves holds a special place in my heart, but I’m actually growing even fonder of my second book, which I’m happy to say is now entirely written!
Do you have a favorite character or scene in one of your books?
Uncle George will always be one of my favorites. Initially, I’d thought he’d have the same manners/outlook as his son, Thomas, who’s an unscrupulous and arrogant scoundrel. But as I worked through his scenes, he turned out to be so wonderfully gray in spirit and regretful. He’s not a “heroic” character by any stretch, nor even truly honorable, but he tries to be, in his own way. He was a surprising character for me as an author, and that was great fun.
Tell us about an award you won that was particularly meaningful.
Winning the Carol Award in the debut category was one of the utter highpoints of my writing journey. I didn’t expect to make it as far as I did, and when they read my name I very nearly burst into tears. It made me realize the full impact of everyone who has taught, supported, and guided me up to that moment—I never could have done it alone, and I’m so thankful.
How long does it take you to write a book?
It takes me about a year to have the kind of draft I’m comfortable sharing with my agent. I don’t necessarily write a rough draft and then a revised draft when that’s complete, etc., but I revise circularly as I’m going, always doubling back and tightening things before I feel comfortable inching ahead with the plot. Which means, by the time I write the end of my draft, the book has already been tightened, edited, and gone over by my critique buddy a few times.
What’s your writing work schedule like?
As a stay-at-home mom, my writing schedule varies quite a bit from one day to the next. Some days, I crank through a few hours of work and feel super productive. Other days, it feels like I’m stringing together one tiny word at a time, and I’m thankful if I end up with a completed paragraph by the end of the day. I’ve been learning a lot of lessons in prioritization and flexibility.
Do you have an interesting writing quirk? If so, what is it?
Hmm, I can’t think of any. I’m pretty boring! Lol.
What has been your greatest joy(s) in your writing career?
I’ve cherished every moment I’ve been able to share with my family. From book events and signings to a lovely sushi dinner on release day, my husband and kiddos have been there to celebrate every special moment with me. Very recently, we took a family road trip to the location of my book in progress. That was a fabulous adventure, and I’m so thrilled that my young ones will always remember being a part of it.
Could you tell us about a dark moment in your writing career?
I can’t really think of a “dark” moment, per se, but I was recently 160 pages into a manuscript that just wasn’t clicking for me. I abandoned the book and started from scratch on a completely new project. Starting over was a terrible feeling, and very frustrating, like I was taking ten steps backward. But that decision has been so worth it because I am far more confident and excited about my new book than I ever was about the one I shelved.
How many times in your career have you experienced rejection? How did they shape you?
There were a lot of rejections in the early days, back when I was still querying agents. And sometimes even the kindest step asides kicked up a lot of doubts about whether or not my book was strong enough to make it on shelves. I’m glad I kept at it, though, because teaming up with my agent, Adria, has been an incredible joy.
Where do you get your ideas?
I have two answers to this question:
As I work in the realm of historical fiction, a lot of my ideas are inspired by historical events. Whenever I hit a wall with my plot or characters, I force myself to turn back to the research pile, which almost always sparks some fresh idea.
Also, some of my best ideas have come about through conversations I’ve had with friends and family. Brainstorming out loud with other people is such a crucial part of my process. I actually tripped upon the ending of my current book while out on a drive with my husband. I was talking about how I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with one of my major characters, how to tie off the ending properly. And as I was talking through all of my concerns, the answer I needed popped out of my mouth before I even realized I’d thought it. I’ll never forget how my husband and I looked at each other and smiled when I said it—we got to share a very cool aha! moment.
Who is your favorite author to read?
Oh, wow, this is a nearly impossible question! Overall, I’m a lover of the classics—Jane Austen, the Brontës, Dickens, etc. I reread A Christmas Carol during the Christmas holiday, and it provided such a refreshing dip from some of the research I’ve been occupied with lately.
What advice can you give aspiring writers that you wished you had gotten, or that you wished you would have heeded? What are common mistakes you see aspiring writer’s make?
The raw excitement of finishing a manuscript can make it so tempting to move forward too early. I actually queried two manuscripts before Shadow among Sheaves, and those turned out to be big mistakes at the time.
So, I encourage all fellow writers to take some time: time away from your project before you reread it; time reading in your genre to remind yourself of your form and your audience; time researching agents; time going over your query letter, your elevator pitch, and your sample chapters. I recommend going over everything multiple times with a fine-tooth comb to make sure you’re always putting your absolute best foot forward.
Where/How do you recommend writers try to break into the market?
There are dozens of paths forward, and any one of them could lead to the conversation you really need to pitch your project to the right person. When I first started querying agents, I had no platform, no background in publishing, no professional social media presence, and zero connections in the market. So, whichever route you’re taking, my only advice, really, is to keep knocking on doors!
Naomi Stephens is a bookworm turned teacher turned writer. Her first novel, Shadow among Sheaves, is an Inspy Award shortlister and winner of the 2020 Carol Award in Debut Fiction.
In bookstores, Naomi gravitates towards 19th-century British novels—the broodier the better (i.e., Jane Eyre)—but she can also be found perusing the young adult, mystery, and fantasy sections. Anything that keeps her turning pages past midnight!
Though she’s called many places home over the years, she currently lives in Ohio with her husband, her two children, and a rascal of a dog named Sherlock. When not writing or having adventures with her family, she can be found drinking tea, practicing photography, and pining for London.
Website: naomistephens.com
Facebook: facebook.com/ShadowAmongSheaves
Instagram: @authornaomistephens
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