Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I write mysteries and science fiction. I am working on a series called the Bequia Mysteries, set in the Grenadines, in the eastern Caribbean. I’ve already completed the first three novels in the series, a trilogy which introduces the series. Book #1 in the series, Dead Reckoning, has just been released in ebook and print formats, available at Smashwords, Amazon, and most other online ebook retailers.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The book just released is Dead Reckoning, the first of the Bequia Mystery Series. It was inspired by the time I spent living and sailing in the Eastern Caribbean. Actually I’d developed the main character first, then decided to set him and the stories in the Grenadines.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Can’t say I have, but I guess it’s what you mean by unusual.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
If you check out my Pinterest page I’d done an image collection of the authors and books which inspired and influenced me. I cut my teeth on the old ‘hard boiled’ series by the founders of that genre, Dashiel Hammett, Raymond Chandler, Ross Macdonald and Mickey Spillane. I loved their style, their use of language, and the fantastic characters they created, Sam Spade, Lew Archer, Mike Hammer. But my all favorite character is Travis McGee, created by John D. MacDonald. As I mentioned, those are the guys I cut my teeth on, who inspired and influenced my own writing, and I enjoy reading authors and characters who are reminiscent of that era, like Robert B. Parker’s Spenser, and lately Lee Child’s Jack Reacher.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on the book #4 of the Bequia Mystery Series. I’m about half way through the story.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still trying to figure that out since I’m only now promoting my first published novel. I spend a few hours a day listing and visiting websites. When I find a site I think is a suitable fit for me, whether it’s a listing site or blog I’ll submit the book. I have to wait to see the results.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
The best advice is already out there on the web from really knowledgeable and experienced people giving great advice. You just have to look for it, which isn’t difficult. My own advice is something I do everyday, write, anything, doesn’t matter what, just write. Practice, practice and keep practicing. Keep notes of the ideas popping into your head. And the other thing I’d advise, especially to novice authors, is learn the craft. Learn how to use words and language to convey the story the way you want to. Often what is going on in one’s imagination doesn’t get translated to the page. And it doesn’t happen by itself or by accident. Doesn’t mean you need to take writing courses or get a degree in creative writing, although those will teach you the craft. But I think one of the best ways to learn the craft is to read. Read, read and read, especially in the genre you enjoy and you want to create in. And while you’re reading pay attention to the language, how words are strung together to create a scene, or produce an emotion.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Read. Though for me it wasn’t difficult advice to follow. I’m an avid reader. I devour books. I can’t tell you the last time I didn’t read a book in one sitting. I only put a book down if I’m losing interest, my eyes won’t remain open any longer, or there’s a family emergency.
What are you reading now?
I am rereading, for the umpteenth time, the Aubrey/Maturin naval adventures by Patrick O’Brian.
What’s next for you as a writer?
To continue writing. To develop more stories for the Bequia Mysteries. I want to make it a continuing series, until the characters tell me they’re heading off to do something else with their lives. And I want to develop more Science fiction stories. I’ve really only talked here about the mystery genre, but I’m a devout science fiction fan and I love writing science fiction as much as mystery.
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?
The specific book titles wouldn’t matter, I’d want to have the sort of books I can read over and over again and still enjoy. The type of books where using them to read, or using them as the only available kindling for a fire, is a tough choice. I’d want to have a mystery, an espionage suspense thriller, a science fiction novel, and perhaps something philosophical.
Author Websites and Profiles
Michael Smart Amazon Profile
Michael Smart Author Profile on Smashwords
Michael Smart’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Pinterest Account