Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a writer from Pittsburgh, PA. I write mainly poetry for adults and novels for children. I’ve written two books which are both for sale on Amazon, and I have another one in the works.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My second book is titled, “Saving Hascal’s Horrors”. It originally started as an adult novel from the sister’s point of view and turned into a kids book based on the movies I watched growing up and a dream I had about a family business of grave diggers which turned into a family who owned a horror-themed store.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I usually have movies on in the background while I write or edit. That’s my downtime at night.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I loved Laura Ingalls, Ann M. Martin, Roald Dahl, R.L. Stein and Beverly Cleary growing up. I never was into fantasy books. I liked books about real kids doing real things. If a fantasy element was thrown in, I didn’t mind as long as the plot was grounded in reality.
What are you working on now?
My third book is going to be based on the summer adventures I would have with my friends and family growing up. It’s a love letter to my childhood.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I do a lot of free promoting, submitting to dozens of websites and sending several email queries. The free promotion was very successful with my first book. I hope that this current book receives as many downloads during its free promotion. I also plan to pay for some promoting this time around as well.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I would have them submit to traditional publishers first. If they grow antsy or think that self-publishing is the way to go, I would have them look into the Amazon and Nook services. They also need to build a strong following on social media. That’s really important when promoting your work.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I’m usually the one giving the advice so I couldn’t say.
What are you reading now?
I like superheroes so I’m reading some comic books that I got for Christmas.
What’s next for you as a writer?
After I’m done promoting this book, I want to submit some more poems for possible publication. Then, I want to continue working on my next book.
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?
I’d bring at least one “Little House” book, the Kurt Cobain biography “Cobain Unseen” and a classic like “To Kill a Mockingbird” or “East of Eden”.
Author Websites and Profiles
Laura Smith Website
Laura Smith Amazon Profile
Laura Smith’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account