Interview with Shane Griffin

Published 2023-07-11.
What's the story behind your latest book?
Vendunari series is a universe I have created that starts with an alternate history to COVID. Its been a story I have had in my head since I first started writing but never had the experience to do justice too until now. There is currently a short story called Vendunari Cold War which provides a little easter egg for the main novel Vendunari - Gene War. I have also just created a spin off novella called Vendunari - Exile which goes into the side story of one of the main characters in the novel. I also have a fourth novella in production that will be coming out soon.
What are your five favorite books, and why?
I love science fiction and fantasy. One of my favourite authors is Harry Harrison. Bill the Galactic Hero series is really my cup of tea when it comes to sci fi and dry humour.
When did you first start writing?
I first started writing in my early teens but my first attempt at a book, a fantasy novel was at age 19. Still trying to salvage it as I like the core story, but the writing is soooo bad. Hopefully much more maturity in my story telling these days.
How do you approach cover design?
I have had to learn to be creative with a digital camera! I am also very lucky to have made contact with a great artist who has also done me some wonderful covers.
Describe your desk
My desk is huge spanning one half of my study and was custom built by my brother, its awesome for gaming. Unfortunately with all my PC hardware there is no space to write. My "writing desk" is normally the dinner table or the lounge with my laptop!
What motivated you to become an indie author?
I wanted to get my stuff out there to a broader audience than small print mags. They have been my learning ground but I wanted something bigger and its very gratifying to see how many people have downloaded my works. Also I like the idea of the readers deciding what is good instead of the establishment.
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
Hearing someone saying they really felt for a character.
How has Smashwords contributed to your success?
Seriously where would we be as indie authors without Smashwords to lead the revolution !
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Latest books by This Author

Vendunari - Grenig's War
Series: Vendunari, Book 3. Price: Free! Words: 13,860. Language: English. Published: January 31, 2024 . Categories: Fiction » Science fiction » Adventure, Fiction » Science fiction » Space opera
Grenig is a Pembian genetic warrior genetically boosted and highly trained to be an efficient remorseless killing machine for the Entari. That was until he touched the green Nari and it entered his mind. Grenig has seen the truth about the Entari and he doesn't want to fight in the war anymore. His new mission is to save his people.
Vendunari - Exile
Series: Vendunari, Book 4. Price: Free! Words: 19,260. Language: English. Published: July 11, 2023 . Categories: Fiction » Science fiction » Space opera, Fiction » Romance » Sci-fi
The Gene War has ended. The red Nari is missing and Vien has been in self imposed exile for five years on a barren colony world. He is sick of hiding and has no intention to live his infinite lifespan just above the poverty line. He decides to join a small team of mercenaries on what was supposed to be an easy job for easy money, but the job turns out to be more deadly than expected.
Vendunari - Gene War
Series: Vendunari, Book 2. Price: $4.99 USD. Words: 179,350. Language: Australian English. Published: October 15, 2022 . Categories: Fiction » Science fiction » Space opera, Fiction » Romance » Sci-fi
Jess is a Vendunari, one of five guardians of ancient crystal orbs of incredible power known as the Nari. Together they form the most powerful weapon in the known galaxy. Thirty years ago the red Nari was stolen. Follow Jess as he tries to track down the other Vendunari and retrieve the red Nari. Its not easy to come back after 30 years in isolation. Everything is different, even his friends.
Antipodean Collection 3
Series: Antipodean Collections, Book 3. Price: Free! Words: 5,360. Language: English. Published: January 6, 2020 . Categories: Fiction » Science fiction » Short stories, Fiction » Romance » Sci-fi
(5.00 from 1 review)
Another great collection of five science fiction short stories. We have valiant drones, cruel recycling units, alien assassins and the latest and greatest mobile phone the Soylent Seven!! Quirky fun and different. Great for a quick read on the commute.
Vendunari - Cold War
Series: Vendunari, Book 1. Price: Free! Words: 6,490. Language: English. Published: May 15, 2019 . Categories: Fiction » Science fiction » Space opera, Fiction » Adventure » Action
(4.00 from 2 reviews)
Slade is a tough and experienced field agent working for the Earth Intelligence Office. He is a foot soldier in a covert and often violent cold war against the Entari, a race trying to regain a position of power in the Interstellar Council. Follow Slade on his mission to recover vital data cores from a turncoat government official before they get into Entari hands.
Visions of Magic - Invasion
Series: Visions of Magic, Book 3. Price: Free! Words: 38,870. Language: English. Published: June 17, 2017 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Epic, Fiction » Romance » Fantasy
It is 15 years after the end of the Starvation War and Farrel has become a powerful wizard. He was on a secret quest with his best friend Solomon until he finds himself pulled back to his homelands as an army from across the Great Sea has invaded and subjugated the orcs and is now determined to invade Risandea. Can Farrel and Solomon defeat the invaders and their mysterious masters the Azdaha?
Prominence - Veteran
Series: Prominence, Book 4. Price: Free! Words: 2,550. Language: English. Published: January 4, 2016 . Categories: Fiction » Science fiction » Short stories, Fiction » Romance » Sci-fi
The war between the Orlak and the Vaslusians is finally over and an unstable peace has been reached. It is the dawn of a new era of politics and trade, but Del has a personal promise to keep with his one love Ezva. This short work in the Prominence series is all about coming home after being away for quite literally a lifetime.
Prominence - Redemption
Series: Prominence, Book 3. Price: Free! Words: 19,770. Language: English. Published: December 19, 2015 . Categories: Fiction » Science fiction » Space opera, Fiction » Science fiction » General
The Orlak are strange plant like beings that appear intent to annihilate every Vaslusian world they find. They are winning. With Vaslus under increasing threat of total destruction by its unstable star things are desperate. It is now or never to make peace, but how do you make peace with a civilisation you cannot even communicate with?
Prominence - Retribution
Series: Prominence, Book 2. Price: Free! Words: 12,230. Language: English. Published: June 12, 2015 . Categories: Fiction » Science fiction » Space opera, Fiction » Science fiction » Short stories
Vaslus is a doomed world orbiting an unstable star. To preserve their civilisation the Vaslusians have embarked on the greatest colonisation scheme ever imagined. However the first intelligent beings they encountered have attacked them without provocation or reason. They are now at war. Follow Relv, survivor of the Abarath, as he fights in the first fleet to bring the attack back to the enemy.
Prominence - Jump Master
Series: Prominence, Book 1. Price: Free! Words: 5,160. Language: English. Published: March 23, 2015 . Categories: Fiction » Science fiction » Short stories, Fiction » Science fiction » Space opera
(2.00 from 1 review)
Vaslus is a doomed world orbiting an unstable star. To preserve their civilisation the Vaslusians are embarking on the greatest colonisation scheme ever imagined. In the first of this short story series follow Jump Master Tanlen and his new apprentice as they embark on a jump to bring colonists to a new world only to find more than anyone had bargained for waiting at the other end.
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