Ask the Author: Shane McCartney
Answered Questions (5)
Shane McCartney
I researched the history of the Nazi elite and their ruthless pillaging of the possession of wealthy Jewish families, hence the sapphire necklace. The mother with dementia comes from real life and with my love of the 60’s era, I combined everything to take place during that time period.
Shane McCartney
I'm currently working on the second book in the Inspector O'Leary Series. I'm glad to inform you, without giving away any spoilers that it involves many of the characters in the last book and takes place mainly in Toronto, Canada. Unfortunately for the Langden family, the Nazi underworld is looking for revenge.
Shane McCartney
It never occurred to me that I would ever end up writing a book, but I knew that if I did it would have to be a work of fiction. I'm an avid historical crime reader, and after many decades with my legs up reading many historical crime novels, I thought I would try writing one myself.
Being a ‘Mañana’ kind of person; I was aware that the project would take great effort and hard work. It happened to be the anniversary of my mother’s death at the time, so I decided to dedicate the book in her memory, and RATLINED was born. My mother battled Dementia for several years, and I decided to use that tragic experience and interlace it into my book. This was a theme, at the time, seemingly insignificant but turned out to be a pivotal factor in the storyline. The plot grew naturally through my experiences.
Being a ‘Mañana’ kind of person; I was aware that the project would take great effort and hard work. It happened to be the anniversary of my mother’s death at the time, so I decided to dedicate the book in her memory, and RATLINED was born. My mother battled Dementia for several years, and I decided to use that tragic experience and interlace it into my book. This was a theme, at the time, seemingly insignificant but turned out to be a pivotal factor in the storyline. The plot grew naturally through my experiences.
Shane McCartney
Buy an old fashioned notebook and make as many notes as possible, I find carrying one in my pocket while going about my business very productive. On the bus or subway, or walking down the street my brain gets charged by the interaction of people around me and sometimes there is a spark. Even if they do not verbally interact, those around you can give inspiration by the way of body language and interaction, or lack of. When searching for ideas for a book look on what’s happening in real life, on the news, anything that grabs your attention most likely will grab that of your readers with similar interest. Never forget that there are still many great stories to be told with history facts. Make notes, even if they don't fully make sense to your storyline at the time; you will find that they will meld together to make your story more fascinating and true to life. Take your time; a good story is never rushed. Have an idea of your ending, even roughly and work your way backwards two chapters, it can prevent you from writing without any direction at the beginning straying from a gripping storyline.
Shane McCartney
The ability to take facts and use the power of one’s imagination to form characters and storylines which moments before never existed. These manifestations can either die being ignored or flourish under the pen, your own pen, later to bring enjoyment and gratification to reader’s seeking distraction, in genres dear to them honed on historical facts which to this author makes the stories more compelling.
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