A Conversation With Devin Shane

To write is to read, and to read is to write. The two are colleagues, Siamese twins if you may. Whom if separated can result in drastic results. Since childhood author Devin Shane took to reading and never let go of the habit which blossoming into the necessary tools needed to write and release work of substance. There’s a story to be told and she’s telling it.

My Urban Books: Did books hold a place in your childhood?  

Devin Shane: Of course! That’s where my great love affair with writing began. 

My Urban Books: Is there a childhood book that remains with you today? What’s the title and why do you still have it?  

Devin Shane: Yes, the book is called Black Girl Lost by Donald Goines. I’ve been reading him since I was 12. Although it wasn’t the first book that I read by him, it had the most impact on how I view the writing world.   

My Urban Books: Why do you write?  

Devin Shane: I write because it’s a part of my soul. It’s been my outlet since age 7, my first love, and strongest bond.  

My Urban Books: Has being a writer cause you to read books differently? If so, how?  

Devin Shane: Yes, it has caused me to read books differently. Because I understand that my voice in writing needs to be clear and distinctive, so that my readers can truly understand where I’m coming from.   

My Urban Books: What writing techniques have you adapted from reading?  

Devin Shane: Just one; since vernacular ranges from region to region, I try to add an urban glossary into my stories so everyone can understand what I’m saying no matter where they’re from.  

My Urban Books: Do you prefer to write in first or third person and why?  

Devin Shane: I can and will do both in upcoming novels, but I prefer third person because I feel like I can capture every aspect of my characters’ personalities without saturating the book with too many people.  

My Urban Books: Within your work, have you ever included a personal secret of yours?  

Devin Shane: Yes, Misfits, my novel is loosely based on my life, but it’s mostly fiction.   

My Urban Books: What emotions did you feel upon completion of your first novel?  

Devin Shane: I was elated! It was like giving birth, stressful, agonizing, but the end result was beauty. I hope my readers feel that way too.   

My Urban Books: Please give aspiring authors one piece of advice.   

Devin Shane: For the love of God, please edit! Readers want your work to flow like a good song or movie. I know it may be expensive, but immersive reader in view works wonders.   

My Urban Books: Please tell readers where they can find your work. 

Devin Shane: Right now, you can find Misfits: Children of the Wild on Amazon.com, but look out for Devin Shane’s website coming soon!