Get ready to learn more about the book The Faker’s Guide to Self-Improvement in this discussion with sapphic author Shalon Atwood.
Join us for an exclusive peek behind the scenes as we quiz Shalon Atwood about The Faker’s Guide to Self-Improvement, writing, reading, and more.
This book is part of the Self-Discovery category in the 2025 IHS Reading Challenge.
Why did you write The Faker’s Guide to Self-Improvement?
I started writing The Faker’s Guide to Self-Improvement because I had a little idea and I wanted to see what it would become. It has evolved so much from when I started writing it, that I didn’t even know what this story was going to say until I was mostly finished. I felt pulled by the idea that people can change, that being a better person is within reach.
Who is your favorite character in the book?
I loved writing Val because snarky defiance is like second nature to me. Plus, she really goes through some stuff and makes incredible progress by the end of the book, which is fun to write. Although she is quite mean and unlikable (in the beginning, anyway), we do share a few characteristics. We’re both shade creatures that will become fully feral in direct sunlight, neither of us have any idea how to dress ourselves and we’re both bi. But that’s where the similarities stop. Or at least, I hope.
What inspired the idea for The Faker’s Guide to Self-Improvement?
The inspiration came while I was feeling a bout of nostalgia, which is highly uncommon for me. While deep in these unfamiliar feelings, I had the bizarre idea to write letters to people. Maybe I could patch up an old relationship. Maybe I could thank people who have made a difference in my life. I was deep in an emotional spiral (looking back, I think a perimenopause goblin had just woken up inside me, compelling me sob to every song on the radio). I almost took this up as a self-improvement challenge for myself.
But once I balanced my wacky hormones and came to my senses, I realized this idea was never meant for me, it was meant for my character. And thank goodness, I would have hated every moment of that vulnerability. 🙂
What is your favorite line from your book?
“If Val had been larger than 5’5″ with any sort of muscles, she would have picked Maddie up like the freaking pencil she was, spun her around over her head, and hurled her straight into the burning sun.”
How do you celebrate when you finish your book?
I was so relieved to be finished! I’m a sucker for shiny new ideas so maintaining focus on one project for so long is quite a challenge for me. I don’t remember exactly, but I bet my celebration was diving right into a different project. When I finally published the story, I opened a special bottle of chocolate wine, let others spoil me and finally started calling myself a writer.
Do you have a pet who helps/hinders your typing?
Max, or Big Boy, as we affectionately call him, is a gigantic rust-colored senior Golden Retriever and our most recent foster fail. We thought we’d see him through some surgeries and help find him a forever home. Instead, he and my 9-year old daughter fell in love and who are we to break them up? He chaperones her to the bus stop every morning, follows her around the house and doesn’t want to sleep anywhere but with her. While she’s away at school, he hangs out with me. He typically lazes about, distracting me with snores that vibrate the floor, but when he’s in the mood for some ear scratches, he will shove his very wet muzzle under my elbow until I physically can’t get any work done. He’s adorable and such a good boy, so I don’t mind.
If you could be mentored by a famous author (living or not), who would it be?
I would have to choose Margaret Atwood because she is a wicked genius. And because we share the same last name, I can pretend she’s the eccentric aunt I’ve always wanted. 🙂
Do you feel bad putting your characters through the wringer?
Oh no, I absolutely love it! I tend to throw characters into humiliating situations that I find incredibly humorous, so writing those scenes brings me immense joy. I especially like it when they experience something embarrassing in front of the person they’re trying to impress. Because I write HEA books, their lives are never ruined and usually, the rough patch promotes growth, so I don’t feel bad about it at all.
What type of books do you enjoy reading the most?
I have always gravitated toward books that make me laugh, or leave me with warm fuzzies, so rom-coms tend to be my go-to. While I will spice it up from time to time with something a little witchy or magical, I always come back to a love story. I love watching people fall in love!
Describe your favorite reading spot.
Because I have more hobbies than I can count, I enjoy consuming my literature in the form of audiobooks when I can. This way, my hands are free for my latest crochet project or embroidery. So, my favorite reading spot is at my art desk, surrounded by colorful thread and yarn, my hands busy creating something for someone else to enjoy.
