312 - Don's Away Mission with Author Shanti Hershenson

Shanti Hershenson joins No Win Scenario Presents: Don's Away Mission for a conversation about science fiction, young adult fiction, dystopian novels, the writing process, and what it takes to build a writing career while connecting directly with readers. And she's just 18!In this episode, Don Schechter talks with Shanti about starting her writing journey at age 13, why she loves stories with “crazy high stakes,” how science fiction can explore social issues and future consequences, and how authors today balance creativity with marketing, TikTok, in-person events, revisions, editors, and reader engagement.Shanti also shares advice for young writers, how she develops ideas and characters, why finishing and revising a story can be so challenging, and how writing helps her make sense of the world.No Win Scenario is a science fiction podcast hosted by Don Schechter and Trevor Chamberlain: two friends who hate each other, talking sci-fi.Episode: 312Runtime: 30:17Release: August 16, 2026Guest: Shanti HershensonIn this episode:Shanti Hershenson’s writing journey from age 13Young adult fiction, science fiction, and dystopian storiesWhy high-stakes stories connect with readersDeveloping story concepts and charactersRevising, editing, and finishing a bookTikTok, social media marketing, and book promotionConnecting with readers online and in personAdvice for young writers and aspiring authorsChapters:00:00 Introduction to Shanti Hershenson and her writing journey01:53 Why high-stakes stories resonate with readers04:06 Starting to write at age 13 and her early goals07:03 Balancing writing with social media marketing09:51 The appeal of sci-fi for exploring societal issues12:04 How she develops story concepts and characters13:52 Challenges in finishing and revising her books16:08 The role of her editor and revision process17:59 Her upcoming college studies and future plans19:54 How her books reach and connect with readers21:51 The importance of authenticity and human connection23:58 Advice for young writers and balancing multiple roles26:12 Closing thoughts and where to find her workDon says: Order the Ascendants novel: https://ascendantsbook.com/Trevor says: Watch Front Row Reactions https://www.youtube.com/@frontrowreactionsWebsite: https://www.nowinscenariopodcast.comEmail: [email protected] & Instagram: @NoWinScenarioPodcastX: @nowinscenarioSubscribe for more science fiction interviews, author conversations, Star Trek discussions, filmmaking insights, and deep dives into the future of storytelling.#ScienceFiction #SciFi #ShantiHershenson #AuthorInterview #YoungAuthor #YoungAdultFiction #YAFiction #DystopianFiction #WritingAdvice #WritingProcess #BookTok #TikTokBooks #CreativeWriting #NoWinScenario #DonsAwayMission