Welcome back!
Spring is trying to get going, but as always there are fits and starts, aren’t there?
Well, this is a special treat. We have TWO authors today, and this one is a friend of mine. He’s an excellent space opera/military sci-fi author who brings a unique perspective to everything he writes. Enough about me, let’s talk to Shane!
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
I’ve wanted to be a writer since I was in junior high. I started writing short stories back then, and even started on a few novels that never grew to any more than a few hundred words. It’s something I wanted to do for a very long time, but it was a secondary passion of mine so it took a back seat up until recently.
Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?
I’m a career military officer and a student of history. I really draw inspiration from my military experience and from tumultuous historical events. There’s all sorts of fascinating stuff that happened in the past that get the creative juices flowing. My muse has an infinite pool of colorful events to work with.
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing?
Like most writers, I too have a day job. It’s a pretty cool day job, but a day job nonetheless. It keeps me busy, so writing can be a challenge sometimes. Having said that, I plan out a writing schedule and stay disciplined to it. Typically during the work week I will write about 1,000 words every evening after I get home. If I’m feeling particularly ambitious, I’ll knock out 1,000 words a day on the weekends as well. If I stick to my plan, I can have a manuscript drafted in four months or so.
When did you write your first book and how old were you?
I wrote my first book just over a year ago when I was 47 years old. I had been talking about writing a book for most of my adult life, but never had the motivation to follow through with it. Recently my old college roommate and lifelong friend started publishing urban fantasy novels and told me to get off my ass, quit talking about writing, and actually do it. It was all the motivation I needed. Now, just over a year later, I’ve signed my second book deal, and I’m finishing up a trilogy.
What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
I have all sorts of interests, but I enjoy travelling to exotic locations—mostly in Asia, and experiencing new and interesting cultures. I like to hunt, camp and fish; spending as much time as I can in the great outdoors. I also like to brew beer, make mead and ciders. Needless to say, I have lots of things to distract me from writing, so I have to stay focused.
What does your family think of your writing?
I really don’t think any of them thought much about it at all at first. I don’t think any of my family took it very seriously when I set out to write my first novel. They knew I’d finish a manuscript, but I don’t think any of them actually believed I’d get published. Just another daydream. After I signed my first contract they all got very excited, and when they actually held dead-tree versions in their hands with my name on the cover, well… things… changed. Now when I tell my wife I want to write books full time after I retire from the service, she doesn’t roll her eyes at me anymore.
Do you like to create books for adults?
Yes, absolutely. I write the kind of stories that I would like to read, so the content is catered toward adults. I don’t really write anything over the top with regard to graphic sex or violence, but I do use a lot of adult language. If my stories were made into movies (knock on wood!), they would definitely be rated “R.”
As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
I wanted to be soldier just like you see in all the war movies. So the first chance I got, I signed up. And then immediately realized that real life is not very similar to how Hollywood portrays it. Don’t get me wrong, I love what I do, and I’m going to continue doing it as long as they let me, but it ain’t the same as you see in popular culture. But believe me, when it’s time to retire—and it will be soon—I’ll be ready to move on. Starting a new life as an author is thrilling to me.
Does writing energize or exhaust you?
Yes.
Seriously though, when I sit down and tap out my daily word count I do get a little drained by the end of it. But then I immediately start watching Youtube tutorials about writing techniques and the publishing industry, and get quickly re-energized and excited. I love the challenge to it all, creating something you hope people will like, and then getting it out there in the world. It’s a scary thing putting your work out there where people can criticize it, but there is no reward without risk. And this is a risk I’m glad I took.
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Did you ever consider writing under a pseudonym?
I’ve actually done it. Not for the novels I’m writing now, but in a previous project. It’s a highly personal decision and one that must be done deliberately. Your name is your brand, for better or for worse and your reputation is tied to it. It’s not a decision to be taken lightly, but at the end of the day I think all writers need to consider the merits of using one.
What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?
Excellent… name dropping time… sweet! First and foremost, my best friend Doug Burbey motivated me to actually start writing and to get published. Without his inspiration, I wouldn’t have followed through with any of it. My other friend is John Ringo, who told me many years ago that my writing was good, and that I had a future in it—if I actually put my mind to it. Those two are probably the biggest influences who got me to stop thinking about writing, and actually doing it.
What was an early experience where you learned that language had power?
I’d say it was a few years back when I was assigned as a speechwriter for a 4-star general. I spent an entire year learning how to speak in that man’s voice, engaging with senior leaders of industry, the military, and the diplomatic corps. Words mean something, and I learned in that job that they can be very powerful indeed.
Fine words to