Rose Shanahan is a Philadelphia-based accountant whose love of birdwatching took flight at her vacation home in Grassy Sound, New Jersey. Inspired by the natural world, she channels her appreciation for wildlife into photography and painting. Rose lives in Philadelphia with her husband and actively volunteers with her neighborhood civic association.
Q: What inspired the idea behind your book?
A: I wanted to bring awareness of the environment to children through birding. I’m hoping adults will learn too.
Q: As an author, what tips would you give anyone who wants to get into writing?
A: Write every day. Starting the process is the hardest part.
Q: What is your favorite book?
A: The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck. I’ve read it twice.
Q: Was your main character modeled after anyone in your life?
A: Not really.
Q: What is your favorite part of the writing process?
A: Once the process starts, you can get lost in your thoughts and ideas. The hardest part of the writing process is starting.
Q: Do you believe that being a “good writer” is a developed skill or a natural talent?
A: A little of both. I am not a natural writer, but I found something I was passionate about and told a story to highlight what birds mean to the environment.
Q: Do you have a favorite book, poem, TV, or movie quote?
A: “The flower is enjoyed, the fruit is eaten, and the root is preserved.” I am not sure where I heard this, but to me, this represents balance and nature.
Q: Would you write another book (or are you already writing another book)?
A: I would like to see more adventures with Jule. That’s why I put the line “She didn’t tell anyone she could talk to birds” in the book.
Q: Is there an author you look up to, and why?
A: I have favorite authors within different genres. Pearl S. Buck and Elizabeth Gilbert are beautiful writers, and Jodi Picoult is a wonderful storyteller.
Q: If there were an apocalypse and you could only take five books into your doomsday bunker, what would they be?
A:
- The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck
- The Signature of All Things by Elizabeth Gilbert
- The Paris Wife by Paula McLain
- Trinity by Leon Uris
- The Storyteller by Jodi Picoult
Learn more about Rose Shanahan and her new children's book, What Jule Heard at Grassy Sound, here. Coming soon November 25, 2025!