Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been writing for about fifteen years and have posted my work in online writing communities such as fanfiction.net, fictionpress.com, and Archive of Our Own. I have a passion for unconventional romances not usually portrayed in mainstream media and I tend to be ultra-realistic and detail-oriented in my writing. I have no reservations about jumping headfirst into awkward or uncomfortable subject matters.
I’ve written short stories and full-length novels over 200,000 words. I began creating original characters and stories at a young age, but throughout the years I’ve sunk my teeth into the Dragon Age video games and novels by David Gaider and South Park by Matt Stone and Trey Parker. I’ve written fanworks for both series, which can be found at http://archiveofourown.org/users/Jaden56. Lately, I’ve switched gears and refound my love for original works, although the stories closest to my heart are happily influenced by these fandoms that remain my most cherished muses even to this day.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Back in 2009, I wrote Spooning Leads to Forking as a fanmade story (fanfic) for South Park with the characters in a high school setting rather than stuck in elementary school for 20 years. I wrote all 12 chapters of SLTF in the span of 2 months and posted on fanfiction.net and later on Archive of Our Own. From 2009-2017, SLTF was an online hit for the South Park slash fandom. At the time I took the book down so it could be reformated into an original novel and published, the story had close to 50,000 views, a ton of followers, and over 100 seriously amazing reviews. I thought if any of my stories had a chance of making it out there in the “real world” it would be this one.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have a passion for unconventional romances not usually portrayed in mainstream media and I tend to be ultra-realistic and detail-oriented in my writing. I have no reservations about jumping headfirst into awkward or uncomfortable subject matters.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
The Dragon Riders of Pern by Anne McCaffrey
Harry Potter by J. K. Rowling
The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan
The Sword of Truth by Terry Goodkind
Bloodraven and Dynasty of Ghosts by P. L. Nunn
Goosebumps by R. L. Stine
Dragon Age by David Gaider
Ever World by K. A. Applegate
All Works by Poppy Z. Brite, Neil Gaiman, and Chuck Palahniuk (this is where I get my twisted side)
For fanfiction, these are some of my favorite authors:
Astolat
Lazy_Daze
Asecretchord
TheThirdAmell
Thorinsmut
Stormontheocean
ChocoChipBiscuit
What are you working on now?
I’m working on an original series tentatively titled “Leviathan” which will consist of at least 3-5 full-length novels with alternate endings that will each be a book on their own. It takes place in a medieval fantasy setting and the protagonist is an 18-year-old girl named Brennan whose brief foray into piracy results in a giant explosion that kills hundreds and tears the veil between her world and the Shadow Realm where demons and living nightmares reside. As the sole survivor – and suspect – Brennan wakes in prison with pieces of her memory missing and the sudden, inexplicable ability to destroy the demons that have been unleashed upon the land. This story is mainly action/adventure with a dash of drama and angst thrown in there.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Tumblr @ brie2230.tumblr.com
Facebook @ www.facebook.com/Brie2230
Amazon @ https://www.amazon.com/B.-A.-Smith/e/B079JQ4LHG/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1
AO3 @ http://archiveofourown.org/users/Jaden56
Fanfiction.net @ https://www.fanfiction.net/u/1257912/DragonSapphire
WordPress @ briannesblog715656139.wordpress.com
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t compare yourself to anyone else. Write what moves you, not what you think other people will like. Everyone is a master of their own experiences and has their very own unique story to tell. Tell it! Do the things that scare you the most. They’re usually the most worthwhile.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“The most life-destroying word of all is the word tomorrow.” – Robert Kiyosaki
“Perfectionism is the mother of procrastination.” ― Michael Hyatt
“Stop selling. Start helping.” ― Zig Ziglar
“If you realize that you’re the problem, then you can change yourself, learn something and grow wiser. Don’t blame other people for your problems.” – Robert Kiyosaki
“If you aim at nothing, you will hit every time.” ― Zig Ziglar
“The moment you say ‘I can’t’ you stop searching for ways that you can.” – Robert Kiyosaki
“Be provocative.” ― Michael Hyatt
“Make failure your teacher, not your undertaker.” ― Zig Ziglar
“Don’t preface your work with apologies or by pointing out all the flaws. Confidence is the greatest way to sell yourself or your product. Learn how to bullshit well and you’ll be surprised how far you’ll get.” – indirect quote from my graphic design professor, John Chlebus.
What are you reading now?
Until My Feet Bleed and My Heart Aches by Reiya.
It’s a Yuri!!! on Ice fanfiction story about an altered universe where a single event changes the course of both Yuuri and Viktor’s lives, a rivalry is formed that spans across many years and both of them tell a very different side to the story.
The 2018 Winter Olympics rekindled my love for ice skating and – by extension – Yuri!!! on Ice.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I would love to finish my Dragon Age fics, Hangover and Bloodstone. I’ve also been dabbling with the idea of a sequel for Spooning Leads to Forking called Taste the Rainbow, as well as a short story titled Cyanide about an immortal man who sells himself to those wanting to carry out their most depraved murder fantasies.
And there’s also my Levithan series which’ll end up being at least 8 full-length books, possibly more. Lots to work on!
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
How to Stay Alive: The Ultimate Survival Guide for Any Situation by Bear Grylls
SAS Survival Handbook, Third Edition: The Ultimate Guide to Surviving Anywhere by John ‘Lofty’ Wiseman
Bushcraft 101: A Field Guide to the Art of Wilderness Survival by Dave Canterbury
The Life and Adventures of Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe
Author Websites and Profiles
B. A. Smith Website
B. A. Smith Amazon Profile
B. A. Smith’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile