Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
This is my first book! I’m truly excited to put it out there and see what happens! I hope you all will enjoy this unique story.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Stranger in a Familiar Place came about as a way to describe what was happening to the main character. Its a title that won’t make sense until you get to the end of the book. It’s a title I cherish because my father was the one who thought of it for me!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Maybe not unusual, but I do tend to write run-on sentences. That’s also something I inherited from my dad lol.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I would say Sara Douglass and C.S. Lewis had most impact on me. These books really inspired my imagination and made me think outside the box for norms.
What are you working on now?
Currently I am working on an indirect sequel to my first book. I loved the character Malakh so much I had to do one more story with him in it.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am very active on social media. I also try talking with people in bookstores that I frequent. It’s a lot of hard work to get yourself known.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Be unique. Everyone wants to be the next big hit. We sometimes try to copy (out of admiration) the stories we fell in love with. More and more I am finding that people want to read something new, different, out there. They wanna explore and see things they might not have known they wanted to see.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
If you wish you could read a particular story but it hasn’t been written, write it yourself.
What are you reading now?
Currently I am reading The Beast Warrior by Naoko Uehashi. I have a sudden craving for things with a Japanese influence or setting to them.
What’s next for you as a writer?
To get my next book published and then possibly start my first ever book series!
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?
Wayfarers Redemption, The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, and A Court of Thorns and Roses.
Barakah Smith’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account