T.O.P.'s Tuesday: Meet Shawn Smucker

Oh my goodness, I'm glad Shawn and his publisher developed the description to his newest book, These Nameless Things, because I was at a loss for words as I wrote this blog. Don't misunderstand the challenge. It wasn't because I didn't have good things to say but the complete opposite, I'm wasn't sure where to begin or what to share without giving away the story.

Once I started, I had a couple sleepless nights because I read until I couldn't keep my eyes open. I should have waited for a weekend when I could read all day. While working during the day I felt Dan's character calling me to come and finish reading. The relationships between the characters, the backstory, and the ending (wow, and double wow for the endig) left me wanting to read more of Shawn's writing. I've since purchased two more of his books and have them in my summer reading pile. It's been awhile since I read a book and felt the need to purchase the author's other books at the completion.

I'm thankful for the opportunity to have met Shawn prior to being a part of his book launch team the past few weeks.

Teaser from goodreads:
Before Dan opened his door to find a wounded woman who had escaped from the tormentors in the mountain, his life had become rather quiet. He and the eight other people in the mostly abandoned town had become friends. They spent peaceful evenings around the campfire and even made vague plans to journey east one day and leave the ominous mountain behind.

But the woman’s arrival changes everything. 

Who is she? How does she know so much about Dan’s brother, who is still held captive in the mountain? Why are long-forgotten memories rising to the surface? And why does Dan feel so compelled to keep her presence in his house a secret?

Visionary writer Shawn Smucker is back with an unsettling story that invites us to consider two challenging questions: To what lengths will we go to assuage our own guilt? and Is there a limit to the things we will do for the people we love? 
Enter goodread Giveaway TODAY

I had the honor to meet Shawn Smucker last summer at the Montrose Christian Writers' Conference in Montrose, Pennsylvania. I'm embarrassed to say Shawn was tortured to read a terribly written and poorly executed fictional piece I attempted BUT grateful for his desire to encourage writers. He was honest and encouraging as he offered suggestions. Months later as I listened to his podcast, The Stories Between Us, I hung my head thinking about how I wasted his time with my writing yet thankful I had because his feedback encouraged me as I attempted to do some of the things he suggested but his advice changed the way I read. Yup, you read that correct, he changed the way I read. 

Shawn encouraged me to read fictional stories I'd already read but to read them as a writer, not a reader. This was great advice. I spent time reading some of my favorite fictional authors and after hours of writing, outlining, and sharing my writing with someone else I came to a wonderful realization...I'm NOT  a fictional writer and don't enjoy it. I enjoy reading a well written fictional piece of art. I enjoy reading Shawn Smucker's writing and encourage you to do the same. Not only will he encourage the dreamer, he'll encourage you as you walk alongside Dan in his newest book, These Nameless Things, that releases TODAY!

Anyone willing to sit through a torturous fiction disaster like mine then welcome me to join his book launch team is as genuine as they come. His wonderful personality is only surpassed by his gift to write and create on his own, and with his wife, Maile Silva. Check out their podcast by clicking here. Visit Shawn's blog by clicking here, and most importantly, order his book and leave reality behind as you delve into #TheseNamelessThings, with Revell Books. You can also find him on Facebook, Shawn Smucker, Writer, on Twitter - @shawnsmucker, or on Instagram - Shawn Smucker. I hope you'll visit all the links and the photos also have links, the photo of Shawn has a link to his photographer's Facebook page.

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What are you waiting for? Order this book!

If you've already read it...
I dare you to try and write a 1-sentence recommendation in the comments below.

Thank you in advance for sharing this blog, Shawn's book and helping to promote this great read!