Time Snap Interview

After reading "Time Snap," an eighth grader named Max interviewed me for his English class. Here is part of our conversation:

Max: Do you outline your stories?

Shane: No, never. Sometimes I'll have an idea of where I want a story to go, but I like the surprise of making things up as I go. A lot of times I'm as surprised as anyone by what happens. Have you read my book, "Demon's Treasure?"

Max: Oh, yeah. That's the reason I was so excited to read "Time Snap."

Shane: Cool. One of the main characters started out as one of the "good guys" but went bad, and one of the "bad guys" ended up being a hero. When I started writing, I had no idea that was going to happen. And then the guys "flipped," I remember thinking, "I can't believe that just happened!"

Max: Did anything like that happen in "Time Snap?"

Shane: Not exactly. But I was surprised by the dinosaurs that kept popping up out of nowhere. I didn't really know I'd be writing about them until they came jumping out of the darkness.

Max: Like the "dinobirds?"

Shane: Exactly! One minute Chase was sneaking up on that clearing in the woods, and the next instant those dactyl things were dropping out of the sky. I really didn't know ahead of time that was going to happen.

Max: What about the tyrannosaur?

Shane: The tyrannosaur was different. I knew he was going to play a huge part, so he was part of things right from the start.

Max: Do you have any favorite scenes?

Shane: All of the scenes with the tyrannosaur. They were so much fun to write. I love action sequences anyway, but the rex added an extra jolt of energy. I just had a great time with them.

Max: So, I'm not supposed to ask where you get your ideas--

Shane: Really? Why not?

Max: It's supposed to be too obvious a question, I guess. Like one you get asked all the time? But I'm curious . . .

Shane: It's okay. I actually like hiking around the desert looking for fossils, and when I'm doing that I can't help thinking of dinosaurs. You know, picturing what things must have been like back in the day. And then picturing what it might be like to actually run into a bunch of them. And then finding a way to make it happen in a story . . .

Max: So do you have any weird writing habits?

Shane: A few, I think. At least I think they're unique to me. The first thing, probably, is that I can't write at the computer. I have to write everything out longhand, and then type it into the computer later.

Max: How come?

Shane: Probably 'cause that's how I learned to do it. I started writing before we had word processors, so it's still easiest for me to write everything out first. It takes a lot more work that way, but for me, it's a tough habit to break.

Max: Anything else?

Shane: Well, I can do my editing when I'm sitting at my desk, but when I'm actually writing--when I'm actually creating stuff--I hate being cooped up. I like going to ball games and sitting in the bleachers and doing my work there. Before I moved to the country, I often went to one of the local malls and found a table in the food court where there were a lot of people around and worked there. I don't know why, but being around lots of people like that always sparks my creativity.

Max: Isn't that distracting?

Shane: Sure. But it's also energizing. I can come home from the mall, or a ballgame, and feel like I've got a lot done. But when I'm cooped up at my desk, I get bored, and tired, and it's easy to get lazy.

Max: So is there going to be a sequel to "Time Snap?"

Shane: There wasn't going to be. But I've been surprised by how much people like reading about dinosaurs. I actually had another project I've been getting ready to jump into, but I might put that off and do another dinosaur book.

Max: Sweet! Will you tell me when it comes out?

Shane: Count on it!