1–What is the title of your latest release?
2–What is it about?
It’s about a woman named Ivy Hill who finds out the name of the woman who destroyed her childhood – Lola Maxwell. Lola is a wealthy, well-known woman who is loved by many and Ivy sets out on destroying/ruining Lola’s life as payback. It’s a very twisty and suspenseful read with a revenge plot and a domestic thriller vibe.
3–What do you love about the setting of your book?
I love that it’s set near a beach. It’s mostly set in Miami, Florida and I love that you sort of get a visual of the beach weather and the summer activities. And given that this is a summer release makes it all the more exciting!
4–How did your main character(s) surprise you?
My main character Ivy was way more calculating and manipulative than I thought she would be. She knew how to truly fake it in order to make it and to get what she wanted.
5–Why will readers relate to your characters?
Well, one reason I loved writing this book is that it touches on the effects of trauma and how some people can spiral and react to things irrationally if they don’t seek the proper help. I know many people who have experienced trauma or have relatives and friends who have and there are underlying issues because of that, most times with relationships or just everyday life. The characters in The Perfect Ruin are extremely flawed and I loved that while writing this book because people in real life are 3-Dimensional. We are all unique and have our own flaws and I was happy to incorporate those into my book… x10, in the case of this particular story. (Haha)
6–What was one of your biggest challenges while writing this book (spoiler-free, of course!)?
The biggest challenge for me was bringing the story full circle and having it all make sense. I wanted the actions of the characters, despite how reckless and dangerous they were, to still be understandable to the reader as to why the characters did what they did.
7–Do you look forward to or do you dread the revision process?
I actually love the revision process. I know a lot of authors who don’t like it, but I love picking my work apart and enhancing it for a better, smoother read.
8–What’s your favorite snack to have on hand while writing?
Currently, I’m all about chocolate-covered almonds.
9–Where would you go for an ideal writer’s retreat?
Most likely a place with a great view of mountains/valleys. I know this book is set at the beach and though I enjoy a good beachy getaway, I’m more a cozy cabin type of person.
10–What’s the best piece of writing advice you’ve received?
To write the book all the way through and to ignore any errors or inconsistencies so you don’t mess up your flow. You can edit, polish, and tighten up the manuscript when it’s done but interrupting your writing flow is the worst, so try to preserve it as much as possible.
11–Who is the fictional character you want to hang out with the most? (anyone in literature!)
Klaus from The Originals/The Vampire Diaries. Gosh, I love Klaus.
12–What’s one of your earliest book memories?
I remember when I was falling in love with books as a child, there was a library within walking distance from my house and I loved picking a book (or several) from the shelves and going to the kids corner that had the cozy bean bags and chairs and just reading until the library closed.
13–If you had to write in a different genre, what would it be and why?
I currently write in two genres: Romance and Thrillers. I love them both. If I was forced to write another, it would be women’s fiction because I love reading it and some of my romances lean toward Women’s Fiction already.
14–What song will automatically put you in a good mood?
Anything by Dua Lipa, Miguel, Rihanna. But currently, it’s Adore You by Harry Styles.
15–What is your favorite way to practice self-care?
Oh, I absolutely love self-care and in fact, I am a huge advocate for it. I love to take long showers, exfoliate, perform my skincare routine, wash and style my hair. I love going for long walks with soothing music. Meditating. Doing puzzles with music. Eating dark chocolate. I also have Hygge nights with my husband monthly where we’ll cook a warm meal (soup usually) and eat it by candle light and then sit and talk for hours while sharing some wine and dessert.
As I said – I am a HUGE HUGE advocate for self-care. LOL.
16–What can you eat and never get sick of?
Chocolate chip cookies
17–Will you share a favorite, recent-ish book you recommend?
I read The Guest List by Lucy Foley. Really enjoyed it!
18–Do you have any hobbies?
I make my own bookmarks, garden, make homemade ice cream or sorbet recipes, or, most important of all – read.
19–Are you an early bird or a night owl?
I’m more a night owl but I’m starting to appreciate the glory of mornings.
20–What can readers expect from you next?
Another suspenseful domestic thriller…and that’s all I can say. *evil smirk*
THE PERFECT RUIN by Shanora Williams
From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Shanora Williams comes a tale of revenge served ice cold—and a warning to be careful what you scheme for . . .
A brutal tragedy ended Ivy Hill’s happy family and childhood. Now in her twenties and severely troubled, she barely has a life—or much to live for. Until the day she discovers the name of the woman who destroyed her world: Lola Maxwell—the mega-wealthy socialite with a heart, Miami’s beloved “first lady” of charity. Accomplished, gorgeous, and oh-so-caring, Lola has the best of everything—and doesn’t deserve any of it. So it’s only right that Ivy take it all away . . .
Little by little, Ivy infiltrates Lola’s elite circle, becomes her new best friend—and plays Lola’s envious acquaintances and hangers-on against her. But seducing Lola’s handsome, devoted surgeon husband turns into a passionate dream Ivy suddenly can’t control. And soon, an insidious someone will twist Ivy’s revenge into a nightmare of deception, secrets, and betrayal that Ivy may not wake up from . . .
Thriller Domestic | Women’s Fiction Psychological [Dafina, On Sale: June 29, 2021, Trade Size / e-Book, ISBN: 9781496731104 / eISBN: 9781496731135]
Buy THE PERFECT RUIN: Amazon.com | Kindle
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About Shanora Williams
Shanora Williams is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than twenty-five suspense and romance novels, including her traditional publishing debut, The Perfect Ruin. She began self-publishing in 2012 and first landed on the New York Times bestseller list when she was only nineteen years old. She lives with her husband and two sons near Charlotte, NC.
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