Member Spotlights Member Spotlight: John L Sheppard January 23, 2026 Share on Twitter (opens in a new tab) on Facebook (opens in a new tab) on Linkedin (opens in a new tab) via email Why is writing important to you and why do you think it’s an important medium for the world? Writing is the most immersive way to live a life through another person’s point of view. This is essential if we’re going to survive as a species. What are your tried and tested remedies to cure writer’s block? I’ve never had writer’s block. My only problem up until now was finding the time to write. What is your favorite time to write? I enjoy writing immediately after breakfast in the morning, and then again after a long walk in the early afternoon. What’s the best piece of writing advice you’ve ever received and would like to impart to other writers? My mentor at MFA@FLA Harry Crews once said about one of my stories, “That engine ain’t gonna pull that train.” I instantly knew what he meant. What excites you most about being a writer in today’s age? With indie bookstores popping up all over the place and hybrid publishers offering the same opportunity to be featured in bookstores as the Big Six (or is it Five?), it’s an exciting and freeing time in fiction writing and reading. John L. Sheppard’s Swing, Baby! Swing!: A Cleveland Noir is out now with Archway Publishing.
