Local author publishes first book and continues work on next
CHILLICOTHE — In the recently published book "The Devil Won't Keep Us Apart" author Shane Clark writes about a fictional murder at a prison in Ohio that impacts a local boy and a foreign national. The "gritty" and "dark" story is sure to be a unique read for all who pick it up.
As a 1992 Chillicothe High School graduate Clark was born and raised in Chillicothe, going on to be a defensive lineman for Ohio State. He would eventually come back to town and use it as inspiration for the setting of his book. While the book is fictional the locations are inspired by streets and places he grew up around.
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Clark said that he has always been an avid reader but it wasn't until recent years that he started reading fiction books, enjoying works by Donald Ray Pollock who would eventually write the opening review for his book. Clark would finally put pen to paper and get his ideas out of his head after they had been swimming around for years.
"I had this idea in my head for years," said Clark. "I just never had a hook for it."
He would eventually find his hook after reading a news article online that interested him. He said the hook is something he has never seen in books or TV, so he thinks it will surprise readers.
Not only was the hook important but so was the opening line. Clark said after writing the first book he was so inspired he continued writing the second and third books. After writing more and getting better he decided to go back and rewrite the first book. During his rewrite, he changed the opening line several times finally landing on one about blood oozing out that he believes will intrigue readers and make them want to learn more.
As he edited his work the story slowly changed, what had originally started as a love story between a man and a woman morphed into a tale involving a man and a boy as they deal with the problems in front of them. One of the main characters in the final version even started as a secondary character in the first draft.
"As the story evolved the whole plot changed," said Clark.
Clark said his friends and wife were big supporters of him during this process, encouraging him to continue and reading drafts as he worked to edit the story. Clark would eventually get his book published, something he said he would forever be proud of.
Once published Clark was advised to not read his reviews, he was even slightly nervous to hear feedback since he knew his style might not be for everyone. However, since publishing he has received several positive reviews that have shown him that readers like his characters and his story as much as he does.
Interested readers can purchase "The Devil Won't Keep Us Apart" by Shane Clark online, at Barnes and Noble or locally at Wheatberry Books.
Shelby Reeves is a reporter for the Chillicothe Gazette. You can email her at SReeves@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter @Shelby_Reeves_
This article originally appeared on Chillicothe Gazette: Chillicothe grad, former OSU lineman pens first book
