A hidden war is spilling into our world. Two realms. One veil. A conflict that won’t stay buried. Callum Walker never asked for power — and he certainly never asked for destiny.
I'm pleased to welcome author J. M. Shaw to The Writing Desk:
Tell us about your latest book
All my novels are rife with magic, fantasy, and adventure, but an underlying theme runs through them, pointing to the importance of trusting those we care about—whether friends, family, or ourselves—and of recognizing that we all need a little help every now and then.
I recently relaunched the first novel in my dark fantasy series, The Ascension. Given that I’ve grown significantly as a writer, I wanted to return to my first book with a fresh perspective—fix elusive typos, clarify ambiguities, deepen the plot, expand on the history of my magical realm, and give voices to characters whose perspectives were previously denied through the addition of new chapters.
This first novel introduces my protagonist, Callum Walker, a young man with arcane abilities he barely understands. As he struggles to understand and master his strange powers, he discovers a magical world concealed from humanity and a war between brothers vying for its dominion. An ancient prophecy soon comes to light, claiming Callum is the key to ending the conflict spilling into both realms.
Because humans aren’t born with magic, Walker’s gifts attract the attention of enemies seeking to eliminate him and allies who would use him for their own ends. The problem is, Callum doesn’t see himself as a hero. Yet, as danger closes in, he is forced to either accept his role and fight or flee and condemn countless innocent lives to their doom.
The Ascension explores the moral question: Does destiny define us, or does it exist to describe what we already are?
What is your preferred writing routine?
I am first and foremost a wife and mother. My husband and I have two very busy boys who demand a great deal of our time and attention. While I spend as much quality time as I can with my family, when everyone else is occupied, I slip away with my laptop to a quiet corner of our house and write as much as I can until someone notices me. I usually get about twenty to thirty minutes of creative musing before my kids either start fighting or demanding snacks.
Most of my writing happens on weekdays, when my husband works and my kids are at school. I typically rush through the housework and errands in the first hour or two so nothing is left waiting when I finally take my seat at my desk.
Because of my autism and ADHD, writing can easily become a hyperfocus, which is why I must set an alarm before I begin, as I have been known to spend several hours working without realizing the passage of time.
Once my children and husband return home, I put away my writing for the rest of the evening. Occasionally, I write after my sons have gone to bed, but more often than not, I’m too tired and choose to relax instead.
What advice do you have for new writers?
Perseverance, especially in the face of criticism, is a necessity for any author. It is impossible to please everyone, and there will always be those who dislike your work. Writing is a passion, and each creation is an expression of the writer.
It is important to stay true to your reasons for writing; otherwise, you will be lost trying to meet everyone else's expectations, and your art will become stale and emotionless. For that reason, every time I sit down to write, I take a moment to remind myself that the story I create must come from my heart.
What have you found to be the best way to raise awareness of your books?
Creating a physical presence at author events, book signings, and via social media engagement has been my most effective tool. Not only have I found pleasure in sharing my passion directly, but I also feel that those who pause to listen are more likely to feel connected to me and my stories. Beyond that initial meeting, word of mouth is the most powerful tool in any author’s repertoire.
On the other hand, paying for advertising, whether through platforms like Amazon, Instagram, or Facebook, may increase your visibility, but it seldom translates into sustained readership.
In-person events improve the likelihood of a sale, but typically, only the first novel in my series is purchased on the spot. That said, subsequent books in my series are usually bought either in-store after I am gone or online within the days and weeks following my in-person events.
Tell us something unexpected you discovered during your research.
I always thought publishing was straightforward. You write a story and turn it into a book. Simple, right? Oh boy, was I wrong. For one thing, I never realized how many steps there are to editing—manuscript assessment, developmental editing, line and copy editing, proofreading, and beta reading, just to name a few.
Beyond editing, there’s formatting—turning your document into an ePub—obtaining ISBNs, designing covers, marketing, and distribution. What I’ve learned through all this is that writing your rough draft is easy, but that’s only the beginning. Turning your story into a book requires a lot of behind-the-scenes work.
What was the hardest scene you remember writing?
It was in my third novel, The Fractured Veil, that I faced my greatest challenge as I had to portray the appropriate symptoms of PTSD and properly represent how trauma can alter one’s thoughts and behaviour, while simultaneously developing a secondary main character who plays an integral part in this story and future books in my series. It was emotionally demanding, requiring me to explore what my character was feeling as they slowly unravelled. In the end, I am glad for the experience because it helped me grow as a writer.
What are you planning to write next?
I plan to write the fifth novel in my Callum Walker series and have outlined a sixth book beyond that. I am also working on a side project—a dystopian novel that blends elements of Robin Hood, Romeo & Juliet, and The Hunger Games.
J. M. Shaw,
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About the Author
J M. Shaw is a Canadian author of fantasy fiction who lives in Alberta with her husband and two young children. She’s been writing since childhood, building worlds from raw imagination and quiet observation, but it took years before she found the courage to share them. For Shaw, storytelling has always been more than a hobby; it’s a passion. In 2019, Shaw was diagnosed with autism and ADHD, a turning point that brought clarity to a lifetime of feeling “too much” or “too different.” Her intense focus, emotional depth, and ability to live inside fictional worlds became not flaws but the superpowers of a neurodivergent mind. These qualities shape her stories, infusing them with realism, heart, and meaning, and giving her the courage to finally share her creative works. Her worlds may be fantastical, but her characters—flawed, searching, and deeply human—resonate on a personal level. When she’s not writing, Shaw enjoys connecting with nature, curling up with a good book, and dreaming up new worlds. She also finds joy in encouraging young writers to pursue their own passions. Follow J. M. Shaw on Instagram and Facebook
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