Discover how Shannon blends emotional depth with high-stakes action in her novels
Shannon Condon discusses her inspiration, character development, and writing process, offering insights into her upcoming thriller “When Anna Came Home” and advice for aspiring authors in crafting compelling narratives.
Shannon Condon is a masterful storyteller whose talent for weaving intricate crime and spy thrillers has captivated readers worldwide. Her journey as a writer began with a vivid imagination that, even in her youth, hinted at the thrilling narratives she would one day create. A graduate of the University of Florida’s College of Journalism and Communications, Shannon has honed her craft to become an award-winning author, celebrated for her gripping Magdalena Series. Her ability to create strong, complex female protagonists who navigate both personal and professional challenges has set her apart in the genre. With her upcoming release, “When Anna Came Home,” Shannon continues to push the boundaries of suspense and intrigue, promising readers a fresh and exhilarating experience.
Our conversation with Shannon explores the inspiration behind her resilient characters, the meticulous process of crafting her narratives, and the evolution of her writing journey. As Shannon prepares to introduce readers to Anna’s world of financial crimes and hidden family secrets, we wanted to uncover the elements that make her thrillers so captivating. Join us as we explore the depth and dynamism of Shannon Condon’s work, and discover what makes her one of the most exciting voices in contemporary crime fiction.
The Magdalena series centers around a strong female lead navigating both personal trauma and dangerous missions. What inspired you to create such a resilient character in Maggie, and how has she evolved over the course of the series?
I’ve always been drawn to the thriller and suspense genre. I wanted to create a strong female character who is both highly skilled and deeply flawed. In the first book, Finding Magdalena, Maggie is fifteen and has just lost her parents in a car accident. Throughout the debut novel and the subsequent ones, Maggie evolves from an insecure teenager into a twenty-six-year-old wife and mother. She continues her career as a black ops operative, facing numerous traumatic experiences. With inner strength and the support of her new family, she perseveres, though it takes an emotional toll. In the fourth book, Subterfuge, her two carefully separated worlds collide, leading her to struggle with anxiety, panic attacks, and a desire for revenge.
Your upcoming crime thriller When Anna Came Home delves into financial crimes and hidden family secrets. How did you approach crafting this story, and what can readers expect from Anna’s journey compared to Maggie’s adventures?
I started with an outline of the story arc, detailing the characters, their development, and the unexpected twists I wanted readers to experience. This was followed by extensive research. While Maggie and Anna share similar journeys of personal growth and inner strength, Anna’s story takes a different path. Returning from college, Anna stumbles upon a chilling crime scene that turns her world upside down. Partnering with the FBI, she delves into a complex web of financial crimes, illegal arms deals, and long-buried family secrets. The stakes couldn’t be higher as they race to uncover the mastermind behind this deadly conspiracy.
In Finding Magdalena, you tackle themes of loss, friendship, and survival. How do you balance the emotional depth of Maggie’s personal struggles with the action-packed elements of the story?
Losing her parents at fifteen plunges Maggie into a deep well of grief, anxiety, and night terrors. She tries to fill the void by excelling in everything she does, yet she battles with feelings of insecurity and inadequacy. With the support of a few close friends, Maggie grows into a strong, determined young adult. Once I created Maggie, balancing her emotional well-being with the story’s action-packed elements came naturally. Her unwavering faith, determination, and loyalty help her navigate the traumatic events in the book and the emotional aftermath.
With Spider’s Web being part of a larger series, how do you maintain continuity while keeping the narrative fresh for both new readers and long-time fans of the Magdalena series?
I have a well-developed cast of main characters who evolve throughout the series. “Spider’s Web” introduced a fresh group of characters and new missions, which I believe keeps the series dynamic and engaging. Each book presents unexpected challenges while the core characters remain and continue to grow. Although any book in the Magdalena Series can be enjoyed as a standalone, I find it more rewarding to experience the entire journey with Maggie and the other characters.
Having transitioned to full-time writing in 2014, how has your writing process evolved over the years, and what advice would you give to aspiring authors looking to make that leap?
Experience is invaluable in any craft. Over the past decade, my writing has evolved through practice, embracing constructive criticism, and maintaining a passion for crafting stories and characters that resonate with readers. A college professor once imparted a crucial lesson: once you release your writing into the world, you can’t explain your intentions to every reader. Each person brings their own experiences to a book, shaping their interpretation. Aspiring authors need a strong drive and thick skin. While your book won’t appeal to everyone, when it does touch someone, it’s a magical feeling.
Readers have praised your ability to build tension and suspense while developing strong, intelligent female protagonists. What do you think are the key elements of writing compelling, multi-dimensional characters in thrillers?
In my thrillers, the pace is relentless and the missions are high-stakes. My aim is to keep readers hooked, making it impossible for them to put the book down. It’s essential to remember that every character must have a human side. No matter how brilliant or heroic a character may be, ultimately, she faces the physical and emotional fallout of her actions alone. By revealing the character’s personal struggles, readers become more deeply invested in the story.
