Ask the Author: Heather Smith
Answered Questions (7)
Heather Smith
Hi Judy!
I am so glad you enjoyed hearing me speak at the festival. The 1000 Islands Writers Festival is a favourite of mine and I love the town of Gananoque! I am happy to hear that your grandson learns from humorous picture books and I would definitely consider writing a book that reaches all audiences. Thanks for your message. You’ve given me something to think about!
Heather
I am so glad you enjoyed hearing me speak at the festival. The 1000 Islands Writers Festival is a favourite of mine and I love the town of Gananoque! I am happy to hear that your grandson learns from humorous picture books and I would definitely consider writing a book that reaches all audiences. Thanks for your message. You’ve given me something to think about!
Heather
Heather Smith
Hi! Your comment isn’t weird at all! It IS scary to think about the difficult things that some young people have to go through in life! But you know what? Young people are also very resilient and, because of that, there is always a chance that things will get better – just like they did for Bun. I guess that’s what I want young readers to see in Bun – hope.
As far as inspiration goes, there wasn’t one particular thing that inspired The Agony of Bun O’Keefe. The story just evolved on the page as I was writing it. The same thing happened with the character of Bun. She wasn’t based on anyone I know – she came to life as I was writing her – from somewhere deep in my imagination, I guess!
In general, my writing is inspired by other works of fiction. For example, the British series “This Is England” has had a big influence on me a as writer – I watch it and think “This is the kind of material I want to write!” Another big inspiration is my home province of Newfoundland. It has a unique atmosphere that adds something special to my work, I think.
I hope this has answered your question. Thanks for taking the time to ask it!
As far as inspiration goes, there wasn’t one particular thing that inspired The Agony of Bun O’Keefe. The story just evolved on the page as I was writing it. The same thing happened with the character of Bun. She wasn’t based on anyone I know – she came to life as I was writing her – from somewhere deep in my imagination, I guess!
In general, my writing is inspired by other works of fiction. For example, the British series “This Is England” has had a big influence on me a as writer – I watch it and think “This is the kind of material I want to write!” Another big inspiration is my home province of Newfoundland. It has a unique atmosphere that adds something special to my work, I think.
I hope this has answered your question. Thanks for taking the time to ask it!
Heather Smith
*spoilers below*
Hi Alexina. What happened with Chef wasn’t planned from the outset. I knew I wanted him to be struggling with something and I wanted whatever that was to be hidden from the people who cared about him (as is often the case in real life). But as the novel progressed, Chef’s fate was becoming subconsciously sealed in my head and, before I knew it, I had written the words “The next day he was dead.” It was a punch in the gut, I know. But that’s how suicides often are – unexpected and out of the blue. That feeling of being left with no answers is something I wanted to explore with Bun and the other characters. I wanted the readers to feel it, too, which is why I left Chef’s suicide unexplained.
Thank you for the question. It was a great one and I am happy to have had the opportunity to answer it.
Hi Alexina. What happened with Chef wasn’t planned from the outset. I knew I wanted him to be struggling with something and I wanted whatever that was to be hidden from the people who cared about him (as is often the case in real life). But as the novel progressed, Chef’s fate was becoming subconsciously sealed in my head and, before I knew it, I had written the words “The next day he was dead.” It was a punch in the gut, I know. But that’s how suicides often are – unexpected and out of the blue. That feeling of being left with no answers is something I wanted to explore with Bun and the other characters. I wanted the readers to feel it, too, which is why I left Chef’s suicide unexplained.
Thank you for the question. It was a great one and I am happy to have had the opportunity to answer it.
Heather Smith
Hi Alexandria, Sorry, I didn't see this question until now! I am so glad that you liked Baygirl. I have no plans on a sequel right now, but I get asked that question a lot. I think my readers are trying to tell me something :)
Keep an eye out for my next book, The Agony of Bun O'Keefe. It will be out next fall. I'd love to know what you think of that one, too!
Take care and thanks for connecting!
Heather
Keep an eye out for my next book, The Agony of Bun O'Keefe. It will be out next fall. I'd love to know what you think of that one, too!
Take care and thanks for connecting!
Heather
Heather Smith
Sometimes, writing is driven more by routine than inspiration. My routine begins with coffee, yoga, and some general tootling around. But by 10am, my arse is in a chair and my eyes are on a manuscript, whether I like it or not. Once the manuscript is opened, any procrastination I might have usually disappears.
When inspiration does come into play it is usually after reading a particularly amazing book or after an author workshop or conference.
Sometimes, though, inspiration comes out of nowhere – and that’s always nice.
When inspiration does come into play it is usually after reading a particularly amazing book or after an author workshop or conference.
Sometimes, though, inspiration comes out of nowhere – and that’s always nice.
Heather Smith
I deal with writer's block by moving - a run, a bike ride, or a brisk walk usually gets the gears turning. Sometimes, even a stroll to the fridge can help (a less healthy but more delicious option).
Heather Smith
The uniform, which I change out of when writing in coffee shops. Pyjamas in public is a definite no-no.
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