At just 20 years old, Samantha Shannon achieved a remarkable feat by landing a six-figure book deal. This catapulted her into the spotlight as the next JK Rowling, and her subsequent works, including The Bone Season series and The Priory of the Orange Tree, became international bestsellers. However, Shannon’s journey to success was not without its challenges.
Despite her early success, Shannon struggled with intense anxiety and pressure after signing her book deal. She felt like she was waiting for the other shoe to drop, fearing that her luck would run out. This internal struggle colored her experience as a young author navigating the demanding world of publishing.
Shannon’s writing journey began at a young age when she sent her first story to a publisher as a child. By the time she was 12, writing had become a serious hobby for her. However, her first attempt at getting published, a 200,000-word novel at 17, was met with rejection. It wasn’t until she wrote The Bone Season between her first and second years at the University of Oxford that her fortunes changed.
The Bone Season, a supernatural dystopian novel, introduced readers to the clairvoyant Paige Mahoney and her adventures in a London underworld. Despite Shannon’s earlier experiences with rejection, encouragement from acclaimed author Ali Smith and a supportive agent led to her breakthrough with Bloomsbury.
After nearly a decade and four books into her planned series, Shannon made the bold decision to revisit and revise her debut novel, The Bone Season. This move, uncommon in the publishing industry, allowed her to address issues she felt were unresolved in the original version and strengthen the foundation for the rest of the series.
In her revised editions, Shannon made significant changes to the plot, fleshed out characters, and addressed themes of toxic masculinity that she had inadvertently incorporated into her work. She also reevaluated her initial plans for the series, recognizing the need to evolve her thinking about women’s representation, romance, and fantasy.
Shannon’s newer works, such as A Day of Fallen Night and The Priory of the Orange Tree, reflect her commitment to centering women’s experiences and exploring diverse relationships, including Sapphic romances. Despite initial skepticism, her bold storytelling choices have resonated with readers and contributed to the evolving landscape of fantasy literature.
In a genre traditionally dominated by male voices, Shannon’s success and willingness to challenge conventions highlight the growing presence of women authors in fantasy. Her journey from a young writer grappling with anxiety to a seasoned author revisiting and reshaping her early work serves as an inspiring example of growth, resilience, and dedication to craft.