Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My full name is Shane Michael DeSimone and I was born in Long Island in the year 2001. I have written a couple of books (some short stories) and I’m currently working on a few more. So far I only have one that was self-published to the world.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my latest book is called “Lucid Dreams”. It is a story about a man suffering from his past who turns to a strong pill to erase the traumatic memories, though It does more worse to him than good. What inspired me to write this story was a mix of a few things. One was the current state of the world with COVID-19. You have people fighting amongst each other over the vaccine and its effectiveness. I wanted to reflect that in a way in my story but just under slightly different circumstances. In no way am I saying I’m anti-vax, I’m just reflecting what I have seen into my work. Another thing was how I was feeling at the time. I
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to listen to music while I write. Based on what mood the part I’m writing has, I’d listen to music that matches the atmosphere. I like to think of it like a soundtrack to a scene in a movie.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
The two authors that have inspired me the most are Stephen King and Philip K Dick. I’ve read their books more than any others. I love the characters created by Stephen King and the horrors that he portrays in his stories, though I don’t ever see myself getting as descriptive as he does. My favorite books of his are the Dark Tower series. The blend of fantasy and horror that he shows was a great inspiration for me, and it is what really drove me to start my own stories. With Philip K Dick, his stories always seem to carry a dark, foreboding tone that you cant shake through the entire story. That feeling of suspense Is what hooks me to his stories. In some way or form, I want to replicate that into my own writing. I also like how his main character in “Do Androids Dream Of Electric Sheep” Isn’t some badass. His characters being realistic is what I love about his stories.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on a Horror/Fantasy book about a young boy going through seven trials based on the seven deadly sins in order to save his mother. I can’t wait to finish this book and share it with the world.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I don’t really have a specific website I go to. I kinda just look around and take whatever opportunity I get to promote my book whether it be on Instagram or Reddit.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Considering that I’m a new author myself, I can’t really give out any solid advice, though I can say this: Never give up. No matter what anyone says or the number of times you’re rejected, never let it keep you down. Get back up and try again. Don’t let anyone destroy what you truly love and aim out to do. Though it’s funny that I don’t live by my own advice. I let things get to me way too easily, and one failure will mess me up. I have a feeling that a lot of us feel that way, so let’s work to better ourselves together.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Worry is a downpayment on a problem you may never have.” It’s more of a statement than advice but it stuck with me.
What are you reading now?
I’m actually not reading anything at the moment. I’m too focused on writing, though the last book I read was “Rita Hayworth & Shawshank Redemption” by “Stephen King.” It’s a short, yet impactful book. I’ll definitely read it again sometime soon.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I have more stories to tell and I hope I get the opportunity to do so with a larger audience. That would be a dream come true.
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?
Oh, man…The first would be “Do androids dream of electric sheep” By “Philip K Dick.” The second would be “Wizard and Glass” By “Stephen King.” The third would be “Jurassic Park” By “Michael Crichton.” And the fourth would be “The Road” By “Cormac McCarthy.
Shane DeSimone’s Social Media Links
Pinterest Account