Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve written eighteen books, most of which are non-fiction books for young adults. (They have titles such as “Be the Hero of Your Own Life Story,” “Finding a Friend in the Mirror,” and “I Thought Scout Uniforms Were Fireproof!”) I started out as a sportswriter and really loved that. When I’m not writing I love to ski and snowboard, and I spent eleven years working with the National Ski Patrol.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called “Demon’s Treasure.” I tell people “It’s about scuba diving,” even though that just scratches the surface. The adventure includes pirates, sunken ships, and lost treasure, and the list of characters includes sharks and moray eels.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I hate sitting around the office trying to be creative. When I lived in the city I used to pack up my notebooks and do my writing at ballparks and gyms (I just love having a good baseball or basketball game going on while I’m working). Other times, I’d go to the food court at the local mall and work there. (I just hate things being too quiet, and I love watching people.) I live in the country now (the nearest mall is more than an hour away) so I drive out to my farm and do most of my work on the tailgate of my truck.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
When I was young I used to read Alistair MacLean all the time (“Ice Station Zebra” and “Where Eagles Dare” are still in my top-five favorite books.) I used to like Tom Clancy and Vince Flynn, but I hate the guys who’re writing their stuff now. Right now my favorite author is John Sandford. I love the way he puts humor into his work–even when things are serious–and I admire his plots and characterizations. For anyone who studies writing (as a way of improving their own work), I think John Sandford’s work is tops (especially his Virgil Flowers books).
What are you working on now?
I’m working on three different projects that involve snowboarding. Two are young adult aventure novels, and the other is an adult thriller (and it’s actually more skiing than boarding). The adult novel comes from my work as a ski patroller, and I like to think it’s something Arthur Hailey might have done (if he’d been a skier!).
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I love talking with people, so events where I can shake a few hands, sign a few books, and tell a few stories are far and away my favorite promotions. You don’t get the same exposure as a great website, but I never come away from a live event without feeling pumped up and anxious to write another fifty pages.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
There’s only one way to do this and that’s to write, write, and write!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Someone said to picture your reader holding a knife over you as you write, ready to slash your book to ribbons the second they’re bored. I actually keep a small pocketknife next to me as I work as a reminder, and it does help to keep me focused!
What are you reading now?
I have most of John Sandford’s novels, and while I’m waiting for the next one I keep rereading the old ones.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Just trying to get everything done. I mentioned my snowboarding/skiing books, and once they’re finished I have an adult, historical-fiction novel about flying that I’m excited to get out. It’s actually written, but it needs a good polish before it goes to print. (It’s chock-full of action in the air . . . every time I pick it I get so involved in the aerial sequences I have a hard time putting it away and getting back to work! Can’t wait!)
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?
Easy: “Ice Station Zebra,” “Where Eagles Dare,” “Airport,” “Lightning,” and “Watchers” (the last two are Dean Koontz).
Author Websites and Profiles
Shane Barker Website
Shane Barker Amazon Profile
Shane Barker’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile