This article is part of “Romancing the Smithie,” a series of interviews with Smith alums writing in the romance genre conducted by Sophian Features writers. To explore more articles in this series, click on the author’s names: Sylvie Fox, Sarah Maclean, Karelia Stetz-Waters, Meredith Wild.
Shannon O’Brien, a member of Smith class of 2013 who majored in theatre, published her debut book “Sing Me Home” in the fall of 2016. After her graduation, Shannon O’Brien pursued her theatre career while practicing writing as a hobby. The book “Sing Me Home,” a lesbian romance novel, sets the story background in a New England women’s college. Shannon O’Brien shared with The Sophian her inspirations, behind-the-scene stories of the book, and advice for Smithies who also want to write in the future.
Junru Wu: Tell me about your book “Sing Me Home.”
Shannon O’Brien: “Sing Me Home” is a lesbian romance novel centered around two women in rival a cappella groups on a collegiate campus very similar to a certain school in Northampton, Massachusetts.
JW: Where did you get inspiration for the book? As the story took place in a New England women’s college, is there any connection to Smith?
SB: The concept for “Sing Me Home” started as a joke with my friend and fellow Smith graduate, Becca Muskat ’13. When I was attending Smith, I enjoyed reading a series of novels set on a remote farm about a variety of couples falling in love. We mused that a setting like Smith would be perfect for a similar series focusing on women and their experiences in such a unique place. A year later, I was unemployed and living abroad in Ireland and desperately missing the comforts of home and the Smith experience. I funneled my post-graduation blues into writing and submitted my manuscript and was published soon after.
JW: From your website, I noticed you work both in theaters and as an author, how do you balance your work and your writing career? Could you describe one of your typical days of work?
SB: My primary career is as a Props Master for theatre companies in and around Philadelphia. For me, writing has always been a hobby to fill my free time and the fact that I am a published author is simply icing on the cake of an already busy and fun life. The best part about working professionally in the theatre, is that there is always downtime between gigs and during the hours of technical rehearsals. I get most of my writing done while waiting around at the theatre. In fact, I am answering your questions now from the 8th row of the audience at the Philadelphia Theatre Company!
JW: What advice do you have for current Smith students who either are interested in pursuing a writing career but are unsure how it fits into their future, or simply for any Smithie who may feel pressure to make decisions about their future before they are certain of what they want to do?
SB: One of the most interesting aspects of writing as a career is that it is infinitely forgiving. You can set your own pace and put it on the back burner, if necessary. I would suggest to anyone thinking about a writing career (or any artistic career) that you take your time and make sure to always leave room for joy in your work. Saying yes to every opportunity will eventually lead to burnout, so be careful to place boundaries to protect yourself and your art. Smith will provide you with an excellent stepping stone to many opportunities, so be picky!
JW: What’s the most romantic place at Smith?
SB: As a theatre major, I would be remiss if I didn’t say Mendenhall Center. Theatre 14 makes for a great date night venue with those plush red seats and Josten Library has many cozy corners for the book loving introverts out there!
JW: Is there anything you would like to add?
SB: The sequel to “Sing Me Home” is complete and will soon go through the editing process. It will be published with Bella Books in the near future! “Sing Me Home” can be ordered by your local bookstore or library and is also available as an eBook.
