Today we’d like to introduce you to Shana Burchard.
Shana, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
When I was younger, I loved stories and creating them. I had a teacher in third grade, Mrs. Motter, who really encouraged me in my writing and vocabulary. She used to give the class creative writing prompts and I loved them! She taught me how to be a better writer and encouraged me with my skills.
When I went to college, I decided to major in English and later got my education degree with my master’s. Along the way, I entered contests, wrote drafts, and submitted queries. It’s a tough field. But I kept writing and pursuing publications.
My first book was “The Puppy Who Could Not Bark.” I then wrote some nonfiction articles for Calla Press “The Lighthouse” and “Apple Picking.” I started getting short stories picked up by Twenty Hills Publishing and Quill and Flame Publishers.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Sometimes I feel like I get so many rejections, I want to give up. But then someone will send me a message about how much an article touched their heart. Or that something I wrote made them cry and feel seen. And I know I want to keep going. I want to keep developing and sharpening my skills.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I love that I can be creative in my writing. Writing is a special form of art where you try to convey human emotions and reach out to the reader. I love challenging myself in different genres. Sometimes I do nonfiction, sometimes young adult fiction, and sometimes children’s literature. It’s helpful to be teachable – to take the criticism and learn how to grow with it as a writer.
I’m known for writing deeply emotional, sometimes lyrical pieces. I love to write poetry and stories with heart. Stories that reflect on God’s goodness despite hard seasons. I love to use imagery with seasons and metaphors to reflect on nature. Whether it’s a children’s story or romantic fantasy, I love to show a happy ending. I want my creative writing to show how dark seasons in life are worked together for a bigger story of something good.
What does success mean to you?
I would say success is living out the calling God has placed me in. Sometimes it’s being a mother and stepping up to that job daily. Other times, it’s taking time to hone in on my gifts God gave me. I don’t think success is a measure of my worth. But rather, success is an outpouring of determination, consistency with habits, and keeping my focus on Christ.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://shanaburchard.wixsite.com/readers?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAdGRleAVHdF9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBwZG9mAmZkaWQWUQzEG217i3Qpdzy22gdxgReEMhZ9zHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDzEyNDAyNDU3NDI4NzQxNAABp-GA6pQ1f4kpI8EOQv6oZC58BAHFU9lCAN1HhIYpicNTlBJzJJ7pvav0nbT2_aem_R0Ol1zG0N8gn_QnRdikVHQ
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shana.burchard?srtk=b3h1YTJhdG4wanc5&utm_source=qr
- Other: https://linktr.ee/shburns7?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=3fd7353f-2038-4f51-8f92-aff03f768962&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAdGRleAVHdINleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBwZG9mAmZkaWQWUQzEG217i3Qpdzy22gdxgReEMhZ9zHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDzEyNDAyNDU3NDI4NzQxNAABp-GA6pQ1f4kpI8EOQv6oZC58BAHFU9lCAN1HhIYpicNTlBJzJJ7pvav0nbT2_aem_R0Ol1zG0N8gn_QnRdikVHQ
