Photo: Tabatha Shipley – A Visionary Author Captivating Readers With Emotional Depth And Unforgettable Stories
Exploring Themes That Resonate Across Fantasy And Reality
Tabatha Shipley reveals her passion for crafting immersive worlds, relatable emotions, and unforgettable characters, while sharing her writing process, challenges, inspirations, and advice for aspiring authors in this insightful interview.
Tabatha Shipley stands out as one of the most vibrant voices in contemporary literature, whose boundless creativity knows no limits. With an impressive portfolio of works, including the beloved Kingdom of Fraun series, she has captured the hearts of readers with her imaginative storytelling, rich character development, and an ability to transport us to worlds where faeries, futuristic marvels, and deeply relatable human experiences intertwine seamlessly.
Shipley’s unique approach to writing, where emotional depth takes equal precedence alongside intricate plotting, exemplifies her narrative skill and connection to her craft. Her passion for storytelling is almost palpable, and she generously invites readers to explore profound themes of resilience, the power of chosen family, and the journey to self-discovery. Whether she is meticulously crafting the expansive world of The Kingdom of Fraun or weaving standalone tales with unparalleled intensity, Shipley’s talent for balancing fantastical creativity with raw, human emotion sets her apart.
As an author, she embodies the ideal blend of artistry and meticulousness, carrying notebooks brimming with untold stories, maps, and character intricacies, ensuring her worlds remain consistent and immersive. A true nurturer of words and ideas, Shipley’s passion for her craft is infectious, her enthusiasm matched only by her dedication, as demonstrated in her advice to writers to embrace creativity, embrace failures, and, most importantly, to keep writing.
A champion of connection and inspiration, Tabatha Shipley is an author whose work not only entertains but also uplifts and unites. It is our pleasure to share with you this enlightening conversation with a literary beacon whose words continue to resonate long after the final page.
Tabatha Shipley is a literary marvel, crafting imaginative worlds enriched with heartfelt emotions, inspiring readers and writers alike.
What first inspired you to begin writing stories set in such varied worlds, from faeries to futuristic technology?
My goal has always been to write stories that highlight emotions and experiences that we can all relate to, regardless of our backgrounds or settings. Using faeries or technology to create those worlds is just a way to change things up! Characters will always be at the heart of my stories.
How do you approach balancing emotional depth with fast-paced plotting across your different genres?
When I’m planning, it’s the plot that drives the outline. But I also have almost a check-list of situations or emotions I want to capture for the character in my head. There are things I know they’re going to go through and it’s really important to me that the emotions those bring up get page time. Sometimes, when I’m outlining or planning, I’ll draft a poem from the character’s perspective on something. This helps me get in touch with what they would be feeling. I’ve also done this by picking a song that may have the right mood for a scene. I love connecting with those emotions and really letting them drive a scene.
Among your published books, which one challenged you the most during the writing process, and why?
Probably The Kingdom of Fraun series. This one required notebooks full of backstories, maps, and notes because I had to keep things consistent across the entire span of 4 books (and a short story collection). I think with the passage of time I’d forgotten how much work that one was. Then I sat down to work on another series and it all came rushing back to me. The crazy part is, despite all the words I’ve written in this series, there are still untold stories in those notebooks!
How do you keep your ideas organised when working on multiple series or standalone novels?
I’m a planner through-and-through. I keep detailed notes about characters or ideas as I’m brainstorming. Then, when I’m ready to turn it all into an outline, I put as much detail into my outline as I can. That way, when I’m drafting, I have it all in one place. I’ve also been known to make sort of a checklist for myself of things that I want to make sure I include in a series or book. My basic philosophy is to write EVERYTHING down because I just don’t trust myself to remember it otherwise!
What themes do you find yourself returning to again and again in your work?
We are stronger together than we are alone. Family is a choice you make again and again. Know who you are and be true to yourself.
Can you share a memorable moment from your journey as an author that significantly shaped your career?
A memorable moment, for me, was when people started returning to my booths or tables at events specifically looking for the next or new book I had. It was sort of a wake up call for me that readers are waiting. It validated what I’m doing and encouraged me to keep putting more books out there in the world.
What advice would you give to other authors who are trying to build confidence in their writing and find their own voice?
Write everything down. Never delete anything (you can always move it to a new document). Make BIG changes on a new document, just in case you hate it. Never make a BIG change on an emotionally low day. Ask readers or other authors for advice. WRITE. WRITE. WRITE.
