Interview with Shane Porteous

Shane Porteous

Interview Date: 4/8/2012

When did you start writing, and was there a significant event that prompted you to do so?

I honestly cannot remember when I started writing, it is something that I have always done.


If you could have one superpower, what would it be? (Assuming said power would be reasonably "powerful.")

The ability to teleport would be awesome; it would just save so much time. Plus you can play tricks on everyone you meet, as well as go wherever you want. I think having a superpower that is versatile is always a good thing.

Kev's response: Ah, teleportation. I love that power. I've wished many a time to have it - especially if you could teleport to a location in a picture.


Do you have a favourite superhero from novels, comics, or movies?

Man that’s a tough one, I love comic books. Goku from Dragon Ball Z rates pretty high on my list, because he is the very embodiment of “Don’t mistake kindness for weakness.” Not only that but I think but I always found it interesting that you can have a character whose power is virtually limitless and yet keep him interesting at the same time.
I know Goku may not be considered a superhero because he doesn’t have a secret identity. So I will also mention Todd mcfarlane’s Spawn. I remember just how different he was compared to a lot of super heroes when I first starting reading comic books. Being alternative is something I have always admired.

Kev's response: My thought has always been that it's having powers and saving people/fighting crime or disasters that makes one a superhero. Spawn's a great example of a dark superhero. (Not to mention the truly awesome art back when that comic series started.)


Where do you get your inspiration for writing? What motivates you?

You name it! Honestly I get inspired from just about everything, movies, books, video games, comics, Wikipedia, heck even professional wrestling. There is inspiration all around us, if you are willing to look for it you will find it.

Kev's response: I did that a week or two ago - I studied all the signs on the drive to work to see what kind of odd heroes and villains I could come up with out of random ideas.


Do you pre-plan your stories, or are you a by-the-seat-of-the-pants style writer?

For the most part I have a basic chapter plan. I usually need a rough idea of where a story is heading, otherwise my creativeness moves on to another story.

Kev's response: Mine will tend to run off like a wild muckbeast. (And if you know what that is, please fill me in!) But yeah, I tend to write faster if I've worked out a plan ahead of time.


Do you write only when inspired, or do you have a set schedule where you sit down to write?

I make sure that I am either writing or chapter planning every day. I don’t have an allotted time, but usually I make sure I write two pages every day. It just makes sure that your book gets written.

Kev's response: Aye, it's all too easy to watch some TV, read, or do something else "easy" and the writing slips....


Do you have a favorite genre to write in? To read?

It is a sub-genre of Dark Fantasy which is known as Brutal Fantasy. Basically it is Action-driven Dark Fantasy.

Kev's response: Very cool. I've found the sub-genres sometimes a pain to be found in (e.g. Sci-Fi/Superhero).


What do you enjoy the most about writing?

In life there are very few things we have complete control over. So writing allows that sense of control. There is something very appealing about being able to create a world, the way you wanted to be. Plus I have a huge God complex.


Is there any part of writing that you don't enjoy?

Editing, a lot of the time I cannot stand it. But it feels so good when it over, kind of like going to the dentist.

Kev's response: Editing, that evil, mean and vicious beast!


Can you tell me something odd about yourself?

I consider the movie 300 to be one of the most romantic films I have ever seen. (Not being funny, I honestly mean that.)

Kev's response: I liked that movie, but then I'm a big action movie fan.


Do you write one story at a time, or do you have several novels in the works at one time?

I always write one story at a time, but I do us front page express to place characters that pop into my head into a loose mythology. Just so I don’t forget about them.


Where do you see the future as far as paper books versus digital e-books?

Honestly I don’t see the e-reader lasting, I think it will be nothing more than a phone app in twenty years. I could be wrong but I doubt it. The humble paperback has survived everything from radio, television, video games to the Internet. I think there is a reason for that. The only way for a novel to make a major game changing impact on the industry, is to be made into a film or a television series. In order to reach that level of success a book must be read by people who don’t normally read. I seriously doubt anyone who doesn’t normally read would buy an e-reader just to read a single book.
That’s just my opinion, but until an independent ebook sells tens of millions of copies and is made into a film, I won’t change my mind. Sorry if that sounds a little negative but it is what I believe.

Kev's response: I can see that line of thinking. The question might be whether tablets become something that everyone has. If so, then people would have their e-reader (and web surfing, email, game-playing device) along with them much of the time.


What are your current projects?

I have just recently finished a more light hearted fantasy book and in the process of getting it professionally edited. I have also just started chapter planning for my next book, which at the moment seems to be a supernatural thriller (though that may change.)


Do you have any advice for others about self-publishing?

My biggest piece of advice would be this. Always be willing to listen to advice, but take it with a grain of salt. There is no such thing as a book that everyone likes, it simply does not exist. Even the classics have their critics. To prove my point further you only have to look at a book like Twilight. There are just as many people who like it as hate it.
Keeping this in mind, be sure to write a book that you are proud of. Because regardless of how many you sell, you can always hold your head high.
I have plenty of other advice, but those are the two biggest points I would like to make.


Do you have any online sites where readers can find out more about you (and your books)?

Please feel free to send me a message on goodreads, which is where I spend most of my time lurking in the shadows...because the light in my computer room is busted....
http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/6936182-shane-porteous But I think the best way for readers to know what my writing is all about is by getting themselves a copy of my FREE full length ebook. A story that has been called “The most original werewolf story ever told,” by more than one reviewer. http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/101158


Kev's response: I'd like to thanks Shane for the interview, and wish you the best on your novels!



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