Hi, I'm Shayne Ford, and this is my virtual home.

 

Who is Shayne Ford?

I'm a storyteller who loves books and fictional worlds. Perhaps, too much.

When did you start writing?

I wrote the first story when I was a teenager. A love, action packed story. I started to write again, a couple of years back.

How did you stumble upon writing?

The stories started to come to me. I never thought I'd actually give them a voice. I didn't think I could sit down and type thousands of words, so I never thought much about it. I simply enjoyed the fact that I could use my imagination to get a taste of a different kind of (fictional) life.

It's the fictional life better?

Yeah, in many aspects it is, especially when you have enough leeway to draw it the way you want. It's also a way to explore the human psyche. Well-written fictional worlds garner a lot of power, and have a great impact on our lives.

Would you recommend writing?

Yes.

What would you say to someone who'd like to write, but is shy or perhaps insecure?

Write. Like music, writing is the best way to find and express yourself. It's the straight path to who you really are. It's a cathartic, emotional journey. It will make you cry and laugh,  and in the end it will teach you more about yourself than anything else.

How hard is it to find your voice?

Some people are naturally in tune with who they are, and it's easier for them. Overall, it's not impossible.

What do you like besides books?

 A lot of what I like is in my books. {Smirk}

Seriously, now....

Besides books? Cars, dogs, chocolate... Oh, oh, I forgot... Music.

What kind of music?

Anything that lifts my spirits. I listen to a lot of electronic music (when I write), and vocal music when I drive. That's how I get inspired.

What makes a good writer?

Besides the actual craft, I'd say the life experience, sensitivity, the power of perception, and willingness to open his or her heart.

Do you hit all those points?

It's not my place to comment on that.

Do you fear criticism?

Do you fear pain? Nobody likes criticism. Constructive? Sure, it has its place, but the thing is, the perception of someone's writing (like many things in life) is highly subjective, and at the end of the day, there are no rules, and nobody has the recipe for success, so it doesn't really matter.

Roughly there are two ways to quantify the impact of a book, or music, or a movie, or whatever... Money is one, but what's more important is how people respond to it.

If my writing touches their hearts, nothing else matters.

So how do you deal with criticism?

Creating something to fit everybody's taste is impossible. The key is not to mislead people by pretending you're someone that you're not. If you are authentic chances are you'll attract the right people ( same principle stands true in life).

If you like what you write, other people will do too.

Can you tell me more about the books you write?

You can find more information here.

Where can people find your books?

All my books are currently in my Amazon store.