Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was a songwriter in Nashville for more than ten years, then moved to Florida. I found that writing is like oxygen for me, and started writing fiction rather than songs. I’ve finished three novels, and am working on a fourth.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Objects of Wrath was just released in February by Permuted Press. The book is the first in a trilogy spanning four generations in the aftermath of a global nuclear war. Current events, I guess, inspired the concept. I had discussions of friends about politics, and we would ask “what if?” The idea of a societal breakdown intrigues me because while most people are kind and good, the ones that are evil will reveal themselves. Without the rule of law, there is a sliding back that occurs.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Ha. My wife calls me”Hemingway;” I’ll leave it at that.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
John Steinbeck is my favorite author, followed closely by Hemingway. Those two have different styles, but the writing is true and sharp. I love John Irving, and A Prayer for Owen Meany is one of my favorite modern books. As far as apocalyptic novels, A Canticle for Leibowitz, Lucifer’s Hammer, and Wold and Iron are my favorites.
What are you working on now?
My work in progress is a novel about the next American Civil War, titled The Tears of Abraham. The country is torn by economic, political, and race, and there is seething anger beneath the surface now. There are people calling for violence, and they’re not all a part of the tin foil hat crowd. This frightens me, because if there is an actual shooting war here in the U.S., it will make all of our other wars look like bar fights.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am woefully inept at marketing and promotion. I’ve got a blog and Facebook page, and my publisher is fairly aggressive. I have a great deal to learn.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Place butt in chair and write. Don’t get bogged down in rewrites and self doubt, but instead push forward. Once you’ve got a first draft, then you can go back and cut and paste and polish. I see many aspiring writers jump from one project to the next without finishing anything because they get discouraged. The thing is to get to the end.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never give up. My old man dinned that into my head when I was a child. It’s easier said than done, but it’s still great advice.
What are you reading now?
Blackwater, for research. The Brothers Karamazov because I haven’t read enough of the Russians. World Without End, by Follet, for pleasure.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’ve got to learn the ropes of the business, which I’ve been putting off because I’ve been consumed with writing. I’ll have two more books out this year, and thankfully those are complete. So learn to become a savvy marketer, and of course, keep on writing!
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 Bible, War and Peace, and How to Get Off a Desert Island.
Author Websites and Profiles
Sean Smith Website
Sean Smith Amazon Profile
Sean Smith’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile