Interview with Katie Eagan Schenck, Author of When Swans Dance (The Love Birds Book 2)

29 May 2024

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write When Swans Dance (The Love Birds Book 2)?

This is the second book in a trilogy. The first book came to me a while ago and was originally supposed to be a standalone, following Lanie’s journey through grief after losing her mother with the help of a persistent cardinal. But then I realized that Lanie’s brother and father had stories to tell as well. And so, The Love Birds trilogy was born. Each book has a different bird that features in the story. When Swans Dance was inspired by a YouTube video where a pair of swans who had been separated for a while due to illness were reunited. They performed this beautiful dance when they met and it stuck with me. Unlike the first book in the series, the swans aren’t messengers. Instead, their story is meant to parallel Steven and Rose’s experience first with the health crisis, and then in the aftermath.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of When Swans Dance (The Love Birds Book 2), what would they be?

Steven — “9 to 5” by Dolly Parton

Rose — “This Woman’s Work” by Kate Bush

What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I don’t have one favorite genre, but several. I tend to try to read in whatever genre I’m writing in, so lately I’ve been reading a lot of fantasy books because I’m working on a fantasy trilogy. But I’m also a big fan of romance and women’s fiction. I grew up reading thrillers by Mary Higgins Clark and her books still have a special place in my heart.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

I’ve got Five Star Weekend by Elin Hilderbrand which I plan to read on vacation next month. I’ve also got Fourth Wing, Just for Summer by Abby Jimenez, and several books by Susan Mallery.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

My favorite scene was probably the last one, but since I don’t want to give anything away, I’ll pick my second favorite which is the scene where Rose takes Steven to the pond and shows him the swans. It was a moment where they were truly happy and able to take a breather from the stress of the accident and the aftermath. It didn’t last, but it was a sweet moment for them.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

Not that I know of, but I do often have to spend a significant amount of time deciphering whatever random notes I left for myself in my Notes app on my iPhone. I tend to dictate thoughts that came to me in the shower so I don’t forget them, but they don’t always make a lot of sense.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

Take pride in how far you’ve come and have faith in how far you can go.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

I hope that my readers will remember that while love is a powerful force, it’s not enough to sustain even the strongest of relationships. Both people have to be willing to choose each other, every day.

Katie Eagan Schenck is the author of the new book When Swans Dance (The Love Birds Book 2)

Connect with Katie Eagan Schenck