By Kara Linaburg
Shinnston author Emily Shepherd, prepares to release her second book, “Worth The Wait,” after less than a year of releasing her debut western romance and the first book in the series, “Before It’s Too Late.” A self-published author at the age of 20, Shepherd’s readership ranges from ages 16 to adult, and Shepherd said she doesn’t plan on slowing down anytime soon when it comes to her writing.
Shepherd said that “Worth The Wait” is about, “a marriage of convenience between a widower with five children and a spinster.” The story, “deals with grief and learning to love again,” as well as, “a stepchild, stepparent relationship,” which Shepherd said is “very personal” to her in her own life. She also said the story is about “forming a friendship before an actual marriage and I just really love that plot.”
“Millie (Emily) Shepherd is one of the sweetest and most dedicated people I’ve had the pleasure of meeting,” L. Taylor, editor of Shepherd’s work, said. “She loves her craft and is always determined to produce the best story she can possibly write.”
Shepherd describes her romance books as “closed door romance,” which she said means “fade to black.”
“What happens in the bedroom you never see,” Shepherd said. “I personally don’t like explicit content. I just don’t feel comfortable with it.”
Shepherd said while she didn’t do anything different when writing “Worth The Wait,” from her other book, this one is longer, there’s more romance, and there’s less suspense. “‘Before It’s Too Late’ is more like romantic suspense. This one isn’t that. It’s more focused on the characters. There’s more plot.”
One thing that stayed the same with both books, is she designed the covers herself as well as modeled for each of them. She said in “Worth The Wait,” she also “made the blouse,” that she is wearing in the cover’s image. However, she said once she finishes this series, she won’t be continuing the tradition of sewing something for the covers or designing them. “It’s just a lot.”
As for the people always there to encourage her in this career, Shepherd said,“my parents are my biggest supporters and probably my bookstagram community. They’re really supportive too.” Shepherd said that the community she’s formed on Instagram led to her meeting another West Virginia author, Hannah Lindor, and that she hopes to meet more author friends in the future.
Shepherd said she has one more western book planned in this series before moving into a new direction, romantic comedy. But for now, she’s preparing for “Worth The Wait,” releasing June 19.
Shepherd’s advice to new writers who want to start on their own novel is to, “keep going. Probably the hardest part is wanting to quit so just keep going.”