Ask the Author: Elizabeth Smith
Answered Questions (10)
Elizabeth Smith
Is it true that someone, somewhere, looks like you? For me the answer is yes. When I was a senior at the University of Memphis, i took a painting class to finish the requirements for a minor in Art. Following a class field trip to Brooks Art Gallery (which I missed because I was not feeling well) several classmates told me that there was a portrait of a young woman included in the exhibit that looked exactly like me. Finding this hard to believe, my mom and a friend went with me to see the exhibit several days later. And there was the portrait. It had been painted in the 1800's and with the exception of eye color (hers were blue, mine are brown) the young woman and I were lookalikes. Unfortunately, the information that I recorded has been lost. And yes, it was such a startling experience that a few years ago I did start a book with a character finding a similar portrait of herself. Even though I set the story aside, I still think it might be worth revisiting one of these days.
Elizabeth Smith
Following the death of my great aunt Charlotte, I burned every book and artifact I could find in an effort to purge the evil spirits that roamed the old Victorian house I had inherited. Then I set about turning the house into a bed and breakfast and was ready to welcome the first guests when I heard a whisper, like an icy wind, that whipped down the stairs and wrapped itself around me saying, "You forgot about Charlotte."
Elizabeth Smith
Venice, a city of intrigue and romance, during WWII, as a writer working as a spy for the British. (Hmmm--is this a story idea worth consideration?)
Elizabeth Smith
The Secret Life of Violet Grant by Beatriz Williams
A Hundred Summers by Beatriz Williams
The Aviator's Wife by Melanie Benjamin
The Collector's Apprentice by BA Shapiro
A Hundred Summers by Beatriz Williams
The Aviator's Wife by Melanie Benjamin
The Collector's Apprentice by BA Shapiro
Elizabeth Smith
The idea for NOBODY'S BABY came from a blizzard when I lived in Denver, and from several chance meetings with celebrities. Most notable was comedian and actor Rodney Dangerfield at the deli counter of my local supermarket. We had a riveting conversation about which of the salads I would recommend. Most exciting encounter? Definitely Elvis, when my friends and I were horseback riding at the stables behind Graceland. (Now that's a trip down memory lane!) When I was teaching, I asked my students if they had ever met anyone famous. It was amazing to find out that a number of them had. So the idea of being stranded at the Denver airport in a blizzard and meeting a celebrity by chance produced the idea for NOBODY'S BABY.
Elizabeth Smith
Sometimes it's just an idea that pops into my head. But not all ideas can be stories. Some are charming or intriguing, but don't have enough substance to become a book. Those that do are the ones I want to hold on to. When I listen to music, I am amazed and inspired by what the composer has achieved using the musical scale. And just think--I have the whole English language to work with. Makes me think I can write something that readers might enjoy!
Elizabeth Smith
My current work in progress is SLOW DANCING, a romantic suspense set in Hollywood. Right now, I'm working on the new edition. (SLOW DANCING was first published in the UK.)
When her husband chooses to live a dangerous lifestyle--one that will ultimately result in his death--Hallie Prescott sets out to get revenge. Now what kind of woman would seek revenge against her dead husband? And when Hallie becomes a suspect in a murder investigation headed by former FBI agent Grant Keeler, things heat up. An excerpt is included with my latest release, NOBODY'S BABY.
When her husband chooses to live a dangerous lifestyle--one that will ultimately result in his death--Hallie Prescott sets out to get revenge. Now what kind of woman would seek revenge against her dead husband? And when Hallie becomes a suspect in a murder investigation headed by former FBI agent Grant Keeler, things heat up. An excerpt is included with my latest release, NOBODY'S BABY.
Elizabeth Smith
The most important thing is to read, read, read. Learn about the craft of writing--story structure, plot, characterization. Then make writing a part of your day. Join a writing group--the support and friendship of other writers and the ability to share experiences and ask questions is invaluable.
Elizabeth Smith
The best thing are the stories and characters that live in your imagination, telling you to hurry up and finish your work in progress because their story is really much better. It's also the continuous challenge to tell a story that will bring enjoyment to others.
Elizabeth Smith
I've only experienced writer's block once--after Hurricane Katrina. It took a while for me to realize that writing was the most therapeutic thing I could do. I started working in small increments on revisions to a book I had in progress prior to Katrina. Eventually, I decided to start on a new project and just write--even if what I wrote was awful. Getting back in the habit of writing each day is the key.
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