Shayne McClendon

Biography

Shayne McClendon is an indie author most recognized for her premiere novel "The Barter System." Also set in "The Barter System" world are "Hudson" (book two), "Pushing the Envelope" (book three), "Backstage" (book four), "Liberation (book five), and newly released "Radiance" (book six).

Other releases include "Roadside Assistance," "Yes to Everything," "Completely Wrecked," "Love of the Game," and "The Hermit."

Shayne listens to the voices in her head because their ideas are (almost) always awesome. Those around her don't question the crazy. Coffee consumption is too high, amount of sleep is too low, but the words always feel just right.

Stop by her Always the Good Girl Facebook page or visit her Always the Good Girl website and subscribe for your free story!

Smashwords Interview

Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I was born in California on a Marine base but spent my childhood in many different areas of the United States. The majority of my memories are in Texas and Oklahoma. By eighth grade, I'd been to fourteen different schools in several states. There were years I changed schools two or three times.

It influenced how I think in general because I was exposed to many different people, from a variety of backgrounds, races, religions, and ages. There are a lot of "country" themes in my work because some of the positive memories were spent with my Aunt MeMe on her cattle ranch in southern Oklahoma. She was all "peach cobbler and sweet tea" - an interesting, kind, and beautiful woman.

Since much of my childhood was dark and terrifying, time spent working her gardens, baling hay, and so much more gave me a taste of "normal" that I didn't typically have.

I always regretted having to leave but knowing I would go back to visit again gave me the strength to keep going - to survive the despair of my daily life. It would mean time with MeMe, my grandfather (PaPa), and my grandmother (Nanny).

My writing is infused with those sorts of "silver linings" - people, places, or experiences that give my characters hope and the strength to survive the hell I tend to put them through.

I believe even small things can provide the fuel needed to fight, to survive, to thrive.
When did you first start writing?
I learned to read before I turned three and quickly added writing to my skills. I wanted to imitate the stories I read, the characters I loved, and use my imagination to take myself out of the life that I lived.

Reading and writing have been part of every stage of my life. From my earliest memories until this moment. There have been times when *words* were all that stood between my rational mind and insanity.

Primarily escapism at first, I devoured book after book then wrote what would now be referred to as "fan fiction" based on the characters I read about. After I started school, I began writing my own stories inspired by other people, words on a billboard, or even a stray animal.

I've always known that I would be a writer. It took me a long time to realize that it was alright for me to make it a priority in my own life. It took the push of being laid off - of losing a job for the first time ever - at age 39 to really make me fearless.

Fearless is the wrong word. I'm still terrified each and every time I self-publish.

No matter how my readers seem to love my work (which I am so grateful for), I always wonder, "Will this be the story that makes them think I'm not a very good writer?"

Writers...we are a outwardly confident and cocky bunch as we quiver in nervousness on the inside. Kind of like a chihuahua. I don't think that ever fully goes away - no matter how many books you sell.
Read more of this interview.

Where to find Shayne McClendon online

Books

This member has not published any books.

Smashwords book reviews by Shayne McClendon

  • The Grind on Aug. 27, 2013

    Wow. Alex's writing continues to draw me in, make me laugh, and (in general) leave me wanting more. Her characters are original - especially in the erotica genre - and her stories are interesting. I'm hoping we get more about Jaden and Pierce because...crap. I need it. Great job!