Shana Congrove

Read about a secret species of humans—born with the ability to shape-shift into wolves

Please, introduce yourself. Tell us about your personal life, family, education.

My name is Shana Congrove. I’m from a small town in Northwest Arkansas where I live with my ten-pound Chihuahua, who is my sidekick and also my inspiration for writing. I’ve always had a passion for fantasy, romance, and the supernatural world, and my idea of heaven is creating new adventures for my Breedline characters. I love to engage with readers about my books either on social media, in person at book signings, podcasts, or whoever wants to chat. In 2019, I ranked the second novelist in FanStory.com. In 2022, I also received an award in Literary Titan for my novels. When I’m not writing, I am a full-time Occupational Health Assistant for a corporate industry.

I first began writing my Novels of the Breedline series in 2014. I have completed six books including: Sweet Chaos, Total Chaos, Unleashed Chaos, Sins of Chaos/Author’s Edition, Sins of Chaos/Revised Edition, The Immortal, and The Curse.

A Novel of the Breedline series tells the story of a secret species of humans—born with the ability to shape-shift into wolves—fight to save their Covenant and all of mankind from the evil forces who seek to destroy them. My audience is for anyone who enjoys adult fantasy, romance, mystery, action, loveable characters, and some you love to hate, horror, shape-shifting creatures, and stories with fairytale endings.

My books will take you on a mystical journey full of rollercoaster emotions, but will not disappoint at the end. I always provide my readers with a good feeling that good always triumphs over evil. I think this world needs a story they can escape into and walk away with a good feeling.

What do you like doing in your spare time?

Other than creating new adventures for my Breedline series, I enjoy the outdoors. I’m a runner, so every morning, like clockwork, I go for three or four miles. I also love hiking, camping, and long walks where I get new ideas for my novels.

If you are active in career fields other than writing, what do you hope for the future of that business? Describe your work or business activities in which you are presently active.

For the past thirty-six years, I’ve been active in the fitness industry. Recently, I’ve taken a career change. I’m still working for the same corporate wellness industry, but my title has changed to Occupational Health Assistant. I hope to continue to contribute and make a positive impact. My ultimate goal in the future is to write full-time.

In Her Spare Time

Do you have hobbies? How did you get started in them?

My hobby is writing. It’s a way to express my love of creating art, entertaining others with my creativity and imagination.

If you are a writer, are you an avid reader?

I am definitely an avid reader. I fell in love with books later in life. I enjoy romance, fantasy, mystery, and horror. Although my time is limited due to my own writing and a full-time job, I mostly listen to audiobooks.

What is your ultimate writing goal as you see it today?

I have plans to write three new books in my series as soon as I finish rewriting the first two. Eventually, I would like to write a few children’s books.

What inspired you to write your first book?

My first book came from a vivid dream. Then, the next day, something extraordinary happened. I saw it as a sign, so I decided to write my story. Six books later, here I am.

How do you decide on the title of a book?

The title follows the moment I write the blurb for a new story, and sometimes beforehand.

Have you developed a specific writing style and why?

I normally write in third-person. For me, I enjoy giving readers multiple character perspectives. I believe it’s also easier for readers to get inside the heads of characters in the third person than in the first person.

How much of your books is realistic and experiences based on someone you know, or events in your life?

Since my stories are fantasy, it’s mostly based on fiction. Although there are bits and pieces of my own life experiences added, especially the character Joseph in The Curse. There are a few characters inspired by real people I know. And some of my main characters have a little of me, too.

A Favorite Author

Who is your favorite writer, and what is it about their work that really strikes you?

I adore JR Ward. Her Black Dagger Brotherhood series really inspired me to write my own fantasy series. I love the way she expresses each character in her stories, bringing them to life as I read along.

Do you remember the first book you read?

My first book, Peter Pan, was at a very young age. I believe that story sparked my imagination.

Is there an author, past or present, you would love to meet? Why?

I would love to meet JR Ward. I love her books and her big personality. She’s been my inspiration for many years. It’s on my bucket list to meet her.