Jon Shannon, author and radio broadcaster, talks about what inspired him to write, his favorite spots in Maine, and his favorite place to catch a sunset. He also shares words of wisdom for aspiring writers.
Lauren — Travel and Write Today: Who or what inspired you to become a writer?
Jon Shannon: I never expected to be a writer. I’ve always had stories to tell, and that storytelling is a big part of what I do every day on the radio. The ability to paint a picture with words is part of what makes me a good broadcaster (my humble opinion) and it certainly translates to the written word.
TWT: I love this thought: “the ability to paint a picture with words…” This is something I strive for, as well.
TWT: I know you grew up in Maine. What are some of your favorite spots in the area?
JS: Almost any place in Maine has its own special qualities. Our state provides the unique ability to spend one morning on the beach, and the afternoon in the mountains, or a day exploring rocky tidal pools next to a lighthouse followed by hiking a trail in the middle of nowhere to the most spectacular waterfall you’ve ever seen. I love the quaint simple qualities of coastal towns like Boothbay Harbor. That’s a favorite getaway spot for us. On the flip side of that, I’m happy any day to spend an afternoon wandering though the Old Port in Portland, visiting shops and restaurants like a tourist, but sleeping in my own bed that night. I don’t think we give enough appreciation to how lucky we are to live in Maine. It’s a special place, despite the problems we all see and deal with. I tried to convey some of that love in my book, and people “from away” have told me it makes them want to visit.
TWT: Maine is such a special place, for so many reasons. I’d love to get a vacation home there, but how would I choose the spot?
TWT: What are some of your favorite spots in New England? What are some cities/towns you’d still like to visit?
JS: We were just talking on the air recently about the Damariscotta Pumpkin Fest, and that seems like a lot of fun. The Moxie Festival and Great Falls Balloon Fest are also perennially on my list, but we’ve never quite made it. Maine has plenty of summer and fall festivals, and there never seems to be enough time to visit them all.
TWT: Adding these to my list too!
TWT: What is your favorite book?
JS: I have a few books that I’ve read multiple times. My favorite authors are Dean Koontz, and the tag team of Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child. Doug Preston joined me on my Maine People Podcast last year and it was one of my favorite episodes. He spends summers on the Maine coast, so it was a perfect melding of my interests.
TWT: Who are some of your favorite musicians/bands?
JS: I don’t only love country music, but it’s certainly my favorite genre of music. Zac Brown Band and Kenny Chesney are incredible concert experiences, but nothing beats the power of a live Eric Church concert. One Republic is at the top of my concert wish list. I don’t think a day goes by that I only listen to one genre of music. There are too may good songs out there to limit yourself. Music is like food, you never know what you like until you listen.
TWT: I’ve seen Eric Church a few times in both MA and CT – he puts on an amazing show! Such incredible energy.
TWT: What is your go-to coffee/tea order, and from where?
JS: I have never been anything except a Dunkin guy! Cold brew, black.
TWT: I am a Dunkin girl too!
TWT: Where is your favorite place to watch the sunrise/sunset?
JS: You asked earlier about places in Maine I’d like to visit, and the top of Cadillac Mountain for a sunrise is certainly on that list. I’m up every day before the sunrise for our radio show on WPOR, so I don’t often wake up that early on my days off. For sunsets nothing beats the view from my front porch.
TWT: This all sounds perfect. It really is all about finding the joy in the little things – like a sunset from your own home.
TWT: What advice would you give to aspiring authors?
JS: The best advice was given to me by another author, and I try to pay attention to successful people. Write every day, no matter what it is. Whether it’s a paragraph in a novel, or part of a short story, be expressive in some written way on a daily basis. We all have a phone in our pocket, and I use the notes section extensively. Sometimes an idea that comes to me in a random place or inconvenient time, but I write it down.
TWT: “Write every day, no matter what it is…” That is great advice! If you want to be a writer, write.
Follow Jon Shannon via the links below:
Instagram: @imjonshannon
Facebook: @JonShannonDJ
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