I was born in the suburbs of Chicago and lived there until I graduated high school. From there I went to Washington University in St. Louis, where I majored in biology – until that became a minor. Then, I majored in mathematics (statistics), and also added a minor in classics (Latin). I then went to the Medical School for a M.S. in Genetic Epidemiology.
During all that time at school, I met and married my husband. We moved to Virginia (outside of D.C.) after we finished grad school, and have lived in the area since then. For awhile I worked for the Department of Energy’s Energy Information Administration as a statistician of various sorts. However, we decided it was best if I stopped working and “stayed home with the kids.”
So, how did I end up as an author? Well, I started this blog… Actually, I’ve always had some stories piled up in my head and they started to need to come out. So, in all my “spare time” I try to work on them. So far, I’m partway through writing my first novel. I’ve also been writing some very short pieces (you can find them under Flash Fiction on the menu).
These days I live with my family (husband, 2 kids, 2 cats, and a dog) and try to fit my writing in around my various Mommy Duties. In my spare time (right, I have spare time) I enjoy reading – primarily science fiction, fantasy, and historical fiction.
Hi Shannon, I would like to pass on the One lovely blog award to you
http://sallypanayiotou.wordpress.com/
Sally P aka limebirdsally
x
Awww! Sally that is so sweet of you. Thank you. This really made my day
Limebird Writers have nominated you for the 7 x 7 award! Woo hoo, congratulations. – http://limebirduk.wordpress.com/2012/01/20/wowzers-we-have-been-nominated-for-the-7×7-award/
And a third award coming right at you! The Versatile Blogger Award
http://limebirduk.wordpress.com/2012/01/23/versatile-blogger-award/
Enjoy!
Limebirdkate
Thank you, Kate! You Limebirds are all so sweet.
This was a great start to my day!
Hi Shannon,
Just thought I’d let you know that I’ve been enjoying your blog so much under my alter-ego of Limebirdkate, that I had to also subscribe under my other blog name, 4amWriter! Haha.
Keep up the good work!
Kate – aka Early Bird,
That is so nice of you – particularly saying that here on my blog. High praise indeed. Mind, you’re nuts to get out of bed that early…
Thanks for stopping by!
Hello! I’ve nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award! If you’d like to take part, please visit my recent post to read the rules: http://kenziekay.wordpress.com/2012/01/31/versatile-blogger-award/
Just added another view to your bio page. Keep up the great work!
Thanks Ruby!
I’m in awe that you find so much time to write. I’m a full-time mom too but my writing output is nowhere near yours.
Um, this is all quite new. But I’m not going to be able to keep it up past the end of the month. I’ve got a February Resolution going, but I’m exhausted as well! Getting up at 5AM isn’t actually working out that well.
My eldest is in school now (kindergarten), and my youngest still naps & has preschool a couple mornings, so it helps. Otherwise, I go bit by teensy bit during the spare moments when nobody is hurt, crying, or otherwise needing attention. And I gave up trying to clean my own house… but I stink at that anyway.
You mentioned NaNoWriMo in your other comment (you’d think a bunch of writers could come up with a smoother name, easier to say or something). I won’t be able to do that until the kids are both school-aged.
Don’t sell yourself short about NaNoWriMo, What you’re doing now is very similar. I didn’t think I would be able to do it either, but I did (I became obsessed with the daily progress bars and had to see them fill up for the day before I could stop). I was 8 months pregnant at the time and had my oldest in preschool two days a week. Like you stated, nothing else got done, but I was amazed at how much I was able to write. I think the fact that I finished my first draft made up for total neglect of everything else in my husbands eyes.
Good luck to you in meeting your goals.
I just checked out your site. There’s no reason you should be producing the volume of words I am – you’ve got a newborn! At that point in life, I was happy to get 2 hours of sleep (preferably in a row, but I wasn’t going to be picky!). The words will come later, when naps are longer than 40 minutes
Thanks for stopping by. I’m trying to get back to some productivity, sleep deprived or not.
I see you reached your goal. Congratulations!
You’re welcome.
Fair enough, just don’t be hard on yourself. My youngest is 2 and I’m still sleep deprived. No sense in beating ourselves up over it, is there?
Limebird Writers have nominated you for The Beautiful Blogger Award! Congrats -http://limebirduk.wordpress.com/2012/06/07/beautiful-blogger-award/
Hey Shannon, thought I’d let you know that I nominated you for the Reader Appreciation Award. Here is the link: http://4amwriter.com/2012/08/01/awards-in-rhyme/
Don’t feel obligated to do anything with it, but you’re one of my top 3 commenters and I wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your support.