There is so much to love about Morgan Shamy’s new novel, The Dollmaker. It has an intriguing premise, gorgeous cover art, and even a fabulous audiobook version. I chatted with Morgan about what went into creating this story and her wonderful advice about never giving up.
What is the premise of The Dollmaker?
The Dollmaker is a retelling of Jack the Ripper set in the 1920s. He’s a serial killer who creates “art” from women’s bodies. Though it seems gory, it isn’t. It’s more of a haunting mystery with ballet and romance.
I read that you are an ex-ballerina and I see there are ballet slippers on the book’s cover. Did your experience as a ballerina impact your novel?
Yes! I incorporate dance into all of my novels! It’s so ingrained in me, and the ballet world is so magical, I want to share it with my readers. The Dollmaker isn’t a ballet book, but ballerinas do play a part.
I see you have also written a trilogy and another standalone novel. What are the differences and similarities of writing a series vs. a standalone. Do you have a preference?
I absolutely LOVE my DARK NOCTURNE series. I’m so proud of that work. (Instead of ballet, it has ballroom dancing!) I have a project right now that I’m hoping will sell to a publisher. I think it is a brilliant series idea. Though as far as what I prefer, it certainly is a lot easier to write a standalone! Though I do love the challenge of a series.
What was the path for publishing The Dollmaker?
I actually didn’t submit The Dollmaker long. My agent did a deal for this book right away, and I absolutely love my publisher! Though it has taken years to sign other books. It’s so hard to know what we’re getting into when we write a book!
Your book comes out this month! Any exciting book launch plans?
I will be having a book launch/signing party, which will be fun! And I will celebrate with friends online. The amount of support I get from my writer friends is absolutely astounding.
What's a piece of advice you’d give to aspiring authors?
If you follow my twitter, you know I talk about this a lot. But it honestly comes down to not stopping. This business is HARD, and it can have a lot of heartache. After I parted ways with my second agent, I stopped writing for a while because I broke. But then I tried again. And again. It’s been a ten-year process to finally hold my books in my hands! So yes, despite rejection and fear and heartache, if you push past it, I 100% believe that things will align for you.
Where can people get your book?
The Dollmaker is for sale everywhere! Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Target, Walmart, on my publisher’s website, and I’ve seen it quite a few other places, too. I also want to give a shout out specifically to the audiobook. It is narrated by Kate Rudd, who did John Green’s “The Fault in our Stars.” It’s seriously amazing, and I hope readers will pick that up too!
Where’s the best place to follow you?
I’m most active on Twitter. But I do spend a lot of time on Instagram and Tiktok, and occasionally on Facebook. I really enjoy social media and marketing. It’s fun! Here are some links:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MorganShamy
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MorganShamy1/
Website: https://www.morganshamy.com
