Meet Shannon Thompson

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Shannon Thompson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

firstName}, thank you so much for agreeing to talk with us about a deeply personal and sensitive topic. Postpartum depression affects so many in the community and hearing from someone who has overcome PPD might help someone who is going through it right now. For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience

I gave birth in 2022 via emergency C-section. Without getting into too many details, I had a very difficult healing process, and my baby had colic. It was also COVID, flu, etc. season, so my husband and I didn’t want to unnecessarily risk our newborn’s health by exposing her to anyone, so we were doing it all on our own. When I returned to work, the wave of daycare illnesses nearly took me out. I quickly realized I was not the same person as I was before becoming a mom, and I needed to shift my priorities. I spoke to my doctor about everything I was struggling with, asked for help, outsourced some chores, and changed jobs, so that I had a more consistent schedule. I’m two years in now, and if I could talk to new-mom me, I would tell myself to hire a doula or midwife who could’ve helped me stand up for my medical needs. I would’ve learned more baby soothing techniques and asked for help earlier on. I also would’ve logged off social media completely. There are so many people who have good hearts who are trying to give you advice, but there’s also a lot of luck involved. Some babies are just easier when it comes to breastfeeding, sleeping through the night, etc., and it can feel very disheartening thinking you’re doing something wrong when you aren’t. Every child is different. Every birthing experience is different. Take care of yourself. Take care of your family. It’ll get better. It’ll get easier. Hold onto that hope and keep moving forward.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I’m an author and speaker. I write adult and young adult science fiction and fantasy, but I’ve also dabbled in novels-in-verse. What can I say? I don’t like to limit creativity.

If you love paranormal romance, Minutes Before Sunset, book 1 in the Timely Death trilogy, is for you. It’s based on Midwest folklore! If you’re looking for a dystopian fantasy, you should check out my Bad Bloods series. It’s sort of like X-Men, but much darker.

Looking for other fun facts? I work at Penguin Random House Audio in Art Rights and Permissions. I’m also a SCBWI member in the KS/MO region.

When I’m not writing, I’m watching KDramas and baking cookies at midnight – often done with my three gremlins (cats) by my side.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

1. Resilience – I do not give up easily. I’ve written eighteen novels now, eight of which are published. The others were either learning novels or are in some stage of the publishing journey. I’m very excited about what the future holds!
2. Faith – When I use the word “faith”, I’m referencing the faith I have in my journey and myself. I believe that I will succeed one day. I believe that if book X doesn’t make it, it will teach me what I need to know to write book Y…and then book Z. I learn from my past mistakes and I keep growing towards the person I want to be. Believe in you and your abilities to continuously grow.
3. Curiosity – Never forget to learn. With every novel I write, I learn something new about my voice or my stories. I also love reading and studying. You never know what you’ll come across next – and it may inspire you to write that next big hit.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?

I follow the same strategies I’m teaching my toddler: We take a big deep breath, eat a good meal, get some sunshine, fresh air, or exercise, and then we take a nap. It sounds so basic, but it really is important to remember. This past year, for instance, I took my daily exercise regimen off of my schedule in favor for a writing deadline. (I felt like I needed every minute of my day for it.) It took me a little over a month. At the end of it? I met the deadline, but the project fell through, and my body felt horrible. I didn’t get anything good out of it. I only pushed myself too hard, and I neglected my basic needs. It wasn’t worth it. It’s always better to keep up with your daily care, no matter what that tempting deadline is promising. Health comes first.

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