Ask the Author: Michael W. Smart
Answered Questions (7)
Michael W. Smart
Good question. There isn't a mystery from my own life in the conventional sense. Rather the "what if" questions from my life experiences inspire many plot ideas. My background in Anthropology inspire many of my Science Fiction plots.
Michael W. Smart
The most recent completed novel is the final story in the trilogy which introduces the Bequia Mystery series. Subsequent novels in the series may mention or reference the three opening stories, but won't be related to them.
Michael W. Smart
I find inspiration everywhere, from books, television, movies, people watching, news articles and current events, from memories and experiences, and my imagination.
Michael W. Smart
I'm currently working on the 4th title in the Bequia Mystery series, a second science fiction novel, and a non-Bequia Mystery.
Michael W. Smart
To write, write and write, anything, doesn’t matter what, just write. Practice, practice and keep practicing. And the other piece of advice, perhaps as important, is to learn the craft. One of the best ways to learn the craft other than writing courses or a degree in creative writing, is to read, read and read, especially in the genre you enjoy and 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, or make you visualize what the author is imagining.
Michael W. Smart
Using my imagination to create a scene, a character, a plot, or an amazing sentence. Also I love that the time spent writing is my own time, no clients or staff or other job related issues to be concerned about.
Michael W. Smart
When I’m stuck at a particular point in a story I'll take a step back and leave the work alone for a while, because I now know even if nothing is happening on the page, it’s happening in my head. My characters are constantly speaking and interacting with me. They’re wrangling the problem and trying to figure out what to do next. Usually after taking this break I’ll wake up one morning to discover the solution fully formed in my head.
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more