Author Stephen Michael Shearer adds to his impressive resume with the release of a new book.
Writing a biography is a journey. From discovering the subject to the art of storytelling, it involves research, structure and different forms of narrative techniques. It’s difficult—but rewarding work.
Woodbury resident Stephen Michael Shearer knows the process all too well. His latest book, Gloria Swanson: Hollywood’s First Glamour Queen, is set to debut in January 2025—and should be available in bookstores in mid-December for the holidays. The 400-page book adds to Shearer’s impressive portfolio, which includes similar books, Beautiful: The Life of Hedy Lamarr (2010); Patricia Neal: An Unquiet Life (2011); Gloria Swanson: The Ultimate Star (2013); and Glamour and Style: The Beauty of Hedy Lamarr (2022).
“I chose to write about these particular subjects because I want to educate people why it’s important their work be looked at again, reevaluated and studied,” Shearer says. “I really enjoy talking about film, about the creative process and about my subjects.”
Aside from being an author, Shearer has quite the resume. His career began early with modeling, and he has endless stories based on his experiences with Hollywood’s finest residents.
Stephen Michael Shearer at a book signing. Photo: Stephen Michael Shearer
Humble Beginnings
Born in Illinois, Shearer was raised on a small farm and comes from humble beginnings. Growing up, Shearer says he developed a true love of film, calling motion pictures America’s one true art form. While Shearer’s parents also enjoyed movies, they didn’t necessarily encourage their son to become an actor, he says.
“I was hellbent on leather that I was going to act,” he says. “I got my degree in music and did post-grad work in theater art. I fell into professional modeling and acting.”
He modeled extensively in Minneapolis; Tulsa, Oklahoma; Dallas and New York City. He also had small roles in films such as Split Image, Handgun and The Cotton Club, and acted in episodes of Dallas and Central Park West. Over the years, he also performed in numerous community and off-Broadway theatrical productions.
Nowadays, he enjoys a quieter life in Woodbury. “I haven’t acclimated to Minnesota winters,” Shearer says with a laugh, even though he’s called the state home for about 15 years.
Trusting the Process
Writing fills Shearer’s creative bucket, leaving him proud of his work.
“The thing about writing, for me, is there is a creative process,” Shearer says. “… Eventually, you have to give it up at some point and let editors and publishers take over the project.”
While he didn’t know Lamarr or Swanson personally, Shearer was good friends with Patricia Neal, or Pat, as he calls her. “She’s my muse,” he says. “She asked me when I was going to write a biography about her … and that’s what got me started.”
Shearer says when learning to write a biography, he had to ensure he wasn’t writing a fan book. Imagine fitting someone’s entire life between two covers. Consider how to include their experiences and the lessons they’ve learned. It can be daunting, and Shearer describes it as putting together a multimillion-piece puzzle.
“It’s pretty comprehensive, sometimes taking years to complete,” he says. “I’m glad I became an author. I feel a great deal of appreciation for this over acting.”
The Next Chapter
What’s next for the man who clearly has a gift of writing and storytelling? “I have a lot of projects I want to do,” Shearer says. “I’m not getting any younger, but as long as I have the desire and the ability, I’m going to keep doing it.”
Shearer’s books can be purchased at most book retailers. Learn more at smsmybooks.com.
