Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I wrote my first novel at the age of 18 but upon reflection, I decided it was a teenage, angst-ridden gripe, so I shelved it (where it still sits today). I took various jobs and got bored and penned the start to hundreds of books, joined a cult, got married and divorced, trained as a natural health practitioner, took up martial arts and got my 5th dan – but all the while many stories cried out to be finished.
When my son was 5, I finally decided it was time to finish a novel and stop having so many finished manuscripts around the place. Eight drafts and five years later I had a polished manuscript done and chose to publish on Amazon and other platforms.
Through my studies in Ayurvedic medicine, I came to see that most ill health happened when a person lost their innocence and sense of discovery – these qualities being active when a person is young and decaying as they aged. It is around this concept – maintaining innocence in the face of power and responsibility – that ‘The Omega Children” was born.
Currently, there are 5 books written in the series.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Omega Children – The Final Imbroglio – is the last book in the Omega Children series.
As mentioned above it was inspired by my studies into Ayurvedic medicine and the concepts of staying innocent and pure when power and responsibility is given to a person.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I slouch way back in my chair when I write, need a steaming cup of tea and must have warm feet. If my feet are cold, I cannot write.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Frank Herbert, author of Dune probably had the biggest impact on me. His story seems to well other worlds up inside and speaks across time and space.
Stephen Donaldson – The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant. His world building and wordcraft is almost second to none.
Tolkien – almost goes without saying.
What are you working on now?
Try to nut out what to write next? Fantasy. Time travel. More Young Adult.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use Amazon and FB ads a lot, though spend time searching for relevant audiences that will like the books I write on various platforms. Searching for the best websites is in itself a small adventure.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write in the genre you love and study what the successful authors are doing and check out their bad reviews as to where you can improve on them.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t take any notice of 1-star reviews (unless all you have is 1-star reviews). Not everyone likes every book.
What are you reading now?
Rumi – by Coleman Barks
What’s next for you as a writer?
More books to write, but as I have a small acting background, am attempting to convince friend into making a short movie with me.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Any book on Rumi.
The Omega Children Series (of course)
The Lord of the Rings
A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson
Author Websites and Profiles
Shane A. Mason Website
Shane A. Mason Amazon Profile
Shane A. Mason’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account