6 fun facts about author Shane McCarthy
Shane McCarthy was our Author in Residence in the Senior School from 15-19 May 2017 and inspired our
Years 7-10 English students during this time. He is a freelance writer whose work has been published by many
famous internationally acclaimed comic companies. When Shane is not writing he runs a Swing Dance school
with several locations around Perth and travels the world teaching Lindy Hop (Swing dancing).
1. What did you love about school?
Well my favourite subject was definitely English. I loved reading and
writing and the discussions in class. Numbers were no friend to me so
my fondest memories of school are ones that involve me either being
able to make something up or being able to talk about something I
was really into. I was lucky enough to have some very encouraging
teachers in my school years and it’s very clear that the students of
Guildford Grammar School are lucky to have their teachers as well.
2. What do you like about being an author?
Apart from being able to sleep in? Mostly it’s being able to write
stories I know people are going to read. To make up characters and
scenarios, lose myself in them and then ultimately see them become
a finished product on the page is a dream come true. I’m incredibly
passionate about storytelling so to be able to do it for a living, well, it’s
not remotely work is it?
3. What or who inspires you?
Watching other artists (writers, illustrators, musicians etc) create
something really wonderful or enjoyable is inspiring to me. Watching
people make a difference in the world around us. Passionate people.
These all inspire me to tell stories and work harder at what I do.
Mostly watching people trying to achieve or work in pursuit of a
passion or their dreams, that’s truly inspiring.
4. What is your writing Kryptonite?
Simplicity. I’m often getting caught up in the intricacies of plot and
need to work hard on being simpler and clearer with my message and
theme. Conveying a message and a clear emotion to the audience is
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something I work hardest to nail. Also new Playstation games, they
can REALLY get in the way of my writing.
5. What attracted you to swing dancing?
The sheer joy and athleticism of it. I’d never see a dance that people
so clearly loved before. All the dances I’d seen up to that point looked
like people were taking themselves far too seriously. With Swing
dancing it’s pure joy in motion. Plus you get to dance REALLY fast if
you want to.
6. What advice would you give your 17 year old self?
Take it easy. Chill out. Take your time. I think I was really worried
about a lot of things when I was 17. I had everyone around me telling
me I had to make a lot of really intense, important decisions about
my life and it freaked me out. I didn’t know I wanted to become an
Author until I was 25 so, I’d tell myself that it’s all going to be okay
and that I don’t need to worry so much. That doesn’t mean slack off
or don’t try, just don’t worry so much.