The Stories Behind the Story: Inside a Writer's Mind

#4: Emily Lynn Shephard, Self-Published Author

This week’s author spotlight is on self-published author, Emily Lynn Shephard. Emily is the author of The Name of the Game Series, a YA romance mystery. Book 1 is currently available for purchase and the release of book 2 is right around the corner on January 1st, 2025!

If you would ever like to be featured in my writer series to share your experience with writing, advice, and get a spotlight on your project(s), please message me. I would love to interview you and share with our community on this page!

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself! What is your professional background?

My name is Emily Lynn Shephard. I was born and raised in Northern California. I’ve been a lover of storytelling for as long as I can remember. I started writing short stories in elementary school and completed my first full-length novel at 18. That novel became my debut, The Name of the Game, a YA romance mystery. I also hold a bachelor’s degree in psychology from California State University, Sacramento.

2. What are your favorite genres to read? Why?

I gravitate toward classic literature and enjoy romance and mystery genres. I’m drawn to stories with memorable characters, emotional depth, and intriguing plots.

3. What are your favorite genres to write? Why?

Everything I write leans into romance and mystery, but my current works are young adult. In the future, I’d love to explore historical fiction and fantasy.

4. If you had to pick only one, who is your favorite author of all time? Why?

That’s an easy one—F. Scott Fitzgerald. I adore his writing style, and his stories captivate me. The Great Gatsby is my favorite novel.

5. What is your current work in progress about?

My upcoming novel, A Gamble with Glamour, is the sequel to The Name of the Game. In A Gamble with Glamour, Celeste and Elena escape to Las Vegas to outrun their past, but the glitz and glamour hide even darker dangers. With shocking twists, tested loyalties, and high-stakes drama, they’ll discover that the cost of their lies may be more than they can afford. The Name of the Game is available now, and A Gamble with Glamour releases on January 1, 2025!

6. What inspired you to write your current series?

I wrote the first book in The Name of the Game Series when I was 18 as part of a personal goal to complete a full-length novel. After dabbling with a few projects, I came up with the idea of my main characters, Celeste and Elena, conspiring in an art forgery scheme. The story blossomed from there, and I finished the manuscript in six months.

7. Do you have any future projects you’d like to share?

My next project will be Book 3 in The Name of the Game Series!

8. What is your advice for other aspiring authors?

My advice to aspiring authors is to read as much as you can—learn from the best! Write a story that you would want to read, and be passionate about it. Passion draws people in.

9. When can we expect your release?

The Name of the Game is available now, and A Gamble with Glamour will be released on January 1, 2025!

Emily— thank you for sharing and being a part of our writing community here on Ink & Inspiration, we are happy to have you!