Sharon Ledwith

This is what my humble beginning as a writer looked like:

When I told a friend of mine I was thinking about writing a book, she said to me, “Ah, you have something to say.” I frowned, and said, “No. I just have this awesome story in my head.”

So, with those words planted in your mind, “Let me tell you a story…”

My journey to publication started in the mid-90s. One evening while I was reading, I thought how simple the structure and dialogue was in this particular novel. You can write, you can do this, a voice urged inside my head. Let me tell you, I almost fell off my chair. But those intuitive words rang true for me. So, I decided to act on this truth, and took a writing course—Writing your Novel—where I met a great couple of like-minded aspiring writers. Together we started a writing support group, and I wrote my first novel—a paranormal romance. This manuscript caught the eye of an agent, but I was hardly ready, and I see that now. What I needed to do was to hone my craft and get better and better with the process of writing. And that takes making lots of mistakes at the expense of your ego. In other words: lots of rejection, rejection, rejection! Ouch!

Then one night, during my writer’s group, one of my friends said something that floored me. She mentioned that I hit my twelve-year-old character’s voice bang on. So, this got me to thinking—how hard would it be to write a young adult novel? It was a stupid question. Of course it was hard! After thinking about what my friend had said to me, I decided I’d challenge myself and write not just a novel—but a series—that would appeal to my son, who at the time was the target age of my audience. Since I’ve always loved the time travel genre, it was a no-brainer for me.

I’ve read the first four books in the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon, which I loved, and found that Gabaldon’s gifted voice and writing style draws a reader into the historical world she created. Same goes for J.K. Rowling and her Harry Potter series, where she’s used magical realism, then added old-school witches, warlocks and a dash of otherworldly creatures to build her Hogwarts reality. Another favorite is Rick Riordan’s mythical world of Percy Jackson, and the subsequent series. They’re all favorites of mine as a reader, and pacesetters for me as a writer.

First, I’d thank them for their initial interest in my books, and I appreciate them as potential readers! Then I’d say, if you like reading action-packed, suspenseful books that blends time travel, historical adventure, and a touch of the occult with diverse characters, witty humor, and gripping challenges, then The Last Timekeepers series is for you! If time travel is not your favorite genre, then try my Mysterious Tales from Fairy Falls series, which blends psychic abilities, mystery, and a touch of the supernatural. This book series is set in the quiet tourist town of Fairy Falls, where each story follows a teen protagonist with an unusual psychic gift who becomes entangled in a local mystery, uncovering corrupt truths that threaten the town’s future. Whatever books you feel called to read, these stories are geared to entertain and inspire.

Oh, that’s an easy one! Treena Mui is the pudgy 14-year-old Chinese drama queen from The Last Timekeepers and the Arch of Atlantis, who wants to be an award-winning actress when she grows up. She’s introduced in the first book of my middle-grade/young adult time travel series, so you’ll be seeing a lot more of Treena in years to come. In fact, the fourth book in the series will be in her point-of-view.

I think what connects me to Treena is that she’s a lot like me humor-wise. Treena is great with the comebacks, and she’s a natural when it comes to one-liners and puns. That was me as a teen, so I guess I relate to her warped sense of humor. I love to hear laughter, and Treena manages to get the laughs. She’s a cheerful character, who motivates the rest of the Timekeepers by using stolen lines from her favorite movies, or acting out scenes when the going gets tough.

I’m a visionary when it comes to planning out my writing path. With two book series on the go with two completely different publishers, I’ve learned to pivot and adjust my vision throughout the years. It’s a joy and a privilege to find publishers who not only supported my vision and dreams, but helped me connect with readers throughout the world.
I’ve planned ten books in The Last Timekeepers series, plus a prequel. So far, I have four books published: Book #1 The Last Timekeepers and the Arch of Atlantis, the prequel Legend of the Timekeepers, Book #2 The Last Timekeepers and the Dark Secret and Book #3 The Last Timekeepers and the Noble Slave. Book #4, The Last Timekeepers and the Reluctant Scribe is in the early planning and researching stages, so it’s presently a work in progress.

For my second series, I’ve planned five books in Mysterious Tales from Fairy Falls teen psychic mystery series, with the possibility of a prequel. So far, I have two books published: Lost and Found, Book #1 and Blackflies and Blueberries, Book #2. The third installment, Sticks and Stones, is completed and getting last minute revisions to hopefully be published with my Canadian publisher sometime in 2026. Fingers crossed!