One of the many aspects of being a writer that I love is that I get to work with amazing people, and I get to meet amazing people (all right, so that was two…but English is my thing. Not math). This week, I’m going to introduce you to one of those amazing people: Shannon Dittemore.
If you put Ted Dekker and Stephenie Meyer in a blender with a dash of Jenny B. Jones, you’d get Shannon. Shannon’s first book, Angel Eyes, hits bookstores on Tuesday. Here’s the “official” word on this terrific new book:
I had the privilege of reading this book in February (something else I love about being a writer!), and I could hardly put it down. I have loved supernatural fiction since I picked up my first Frank Peretti book back in high school. The idea of imagining what the spiritual realm looks like, what takes place that is beyond our understanding, intrigues me. Shannon’s imaginings are creative and amazing and so full of life and truth. I love how real Brielle is, how she questions and doubts and struggles with the difficulties she has faced in life. I love who Jake is, his gift, his calling, his strength. I just love this book!But that’s enough for now. You need to stop reading this post and go out and pre-order this book! And come back Tuesday when I’ll have an interview with the author and a giveaway! Until then, check out her webpage to find out more about this amazing author and her amazing book.
I tried to respond on your site, but I was rejected :(. I hope you see this, though, because I am sad that you feel so much anger towards my friend Shannon. Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, and you express yours well. But it seems to me that people’s preferences for what they read is as varied and colorful as preferences for what they eat, what they listen to, and what they wear. I love old show tunes, but I don’t get upset at people who love country or rap. Neither should readers get angry at books or genres that they don’t like. They shouldn’t expect all readers to conform to their preferences, and be upset when writers fail to meet their standards.
Shannon Dittemore writes from the heart, she writes stories that are important to her, stories that move those who,like her (and me), believe there is more to this life than just what we can see with our eyes. Granted, there are people who disagree with the worldview from which she is writing. But no one is forcing her books on anyone else. She is free to write what she wants, and readers are free to read it or to pass on it. But I don’t see any benefit from writing angry posts and rants, about pre-judging the content of something that you are predisposed to dislike. And I certainly understand Shannon’s desire to keep that kind of negativity from her website. There is enough criticism for writers – Christian or not – all over the web. I know that firsthand, and I know Shannon does, too. It comes with the job. And while people are free to hate our work, we are free to keep the hate from our own little corners of the internet.