Bestselling author Samantha Shannon: 'Twitter drove me to a dark place over the decade I was there'

Fantasy writer Samantha Shannon; and the cover of 'The Dark Mirror'. (Images via Instagram)

In 2023, fantasy writer Samantha Shannon put out "author preferred" versions of previous books in 'The Bone Season' series she began in 2013. Earlier this year, when the latest book in the seven-part series - The Dark Mirror - she described it as "the most romantic book in the series so far". In an email interview with Moneycontrol, Shannon explained why and how she revised the series, and why she distanced herself from Twitter and turned to Instagram.

Is The Dark Mirror the beginning of the end of the series?

I’d describe it as a transition into the final arc of the series. We’re haven’t quite reached the changed world that Paige and her allies will face in Book 6, but this is where the crescendo begins. The stakes have risen significantly. Paige now finds herself on the world stage, dealing with politicians and espionage networks. At this point, she’s gone from one woman trying to survive to someone whose actions could have global repercussions.

When you started The Bone Season in 2013, book series were rarer than they are now. How important has social media been in building a community around this world? Are there any platforms where you especially enjoy seeing conversations about the characters and plot?

I generally try to keep out of readers’ spaces, so most of those conversations will be taking place without my knowledge, especially as I’m not on as many platforms as I was in 2013. I used to be very active on Twitter and Tumblr, but Twitter drove me to a dark place over the decade I was there, and I finally left in early 2021, which is the best decision I’ve ever made for my mental health. My publishing team now runs the account. However, I do love Instagram and post there almost every day. I like to give readers a glimpse of my process – whether that’s research, drafting or editing – and to share the mythology and inspiration behind the series. I also do a trimonthly Q&A, which is a lot of fun. I did recently learn that there’s an active Discord for the Bone Season series, which was really exciting. It’s lovely to know there’s a dedicated place for its readers to come together.

Have the conversations within the reader community influenced why or how you rewrote the earlier books for the 10th anniversary edition?

My decision to rewrite the series was personal, based on my own development as an author and my firm belief that I could do the story more justice with ten more years’ experience under my belt. However, I did know that some readers had found the info-dumping in the original version of The Bone Season confusing, and I took those reviews into account.