Today we welcome Jeremy Smith as we travel to Oxfordshire, England to learn how The Forgotten World, Cthulhu, an octopus, and Warwick Davis fit into Jeremy’s writing life. Grab your flashlight. Let’s go ….
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I live in Oxfordshire, England only about 5 miles from where I was born and grew up. I did venture away to college for a few years and then to London to work but, as the saying goes, “there’s no place like home”.
In which genre do you write?
I write contemporary fantasy for teen/YA.
How many published books do you have?
I have three! A Rhyme of Dark Words is the first in the Tilly Hart series and is available on Amazon as is Rise of the White Witch (Tilly Hart book 2). The third in the series, The Witchfinder’s Betrayal, was published on 30th June 2019.
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer and what ignited your author’s flame?
I guess I realised I wanted to be a writer when I was about 7 years old and got my dad to type up my personalised version of The Forgotten World. It took him quite some time using just one finger on a clunky old typewriter!
What is an interesting writing quirk you have, that we wouldn’t know by reading your biography?
I like to insert references to Cthulhu into the Tilly Hart books. They’re not too difficult to spot if you know what you’re looking for.
What would you choose as your mascot, spirit animal, or avatar and why?
I would have an octopus because they can change colour and fit inside a jam jar.
What are you currently reading?
I am currently reading, “The Revenant Express” a Newbury & Hobbes investigation by George Mann.
What do you do when not writing or marketing your books?
I go to pub quizzes and also play computer games. I once appeared on the ITV quiz show, “Tenable” where I had to answer a question about kedgeree! It was all worthwhile though as I got to meet the actor Warwick Davis who I’m a huge fan of.
What is the most surprising thing you’ve learned about yourself through writing?
That I can write a whole book. I still can’t really believe I’ve done it – three times!!
What’s the strangest thing you’ve done or experienced to help create a scene or plot?
I walked through a graveyard at midnight. As one of my character’s observes in Rise of the White Witch, “Why does it always have to be when it’s dark? ………. We never get to be anywhere spooky when it’s light”.
Do you journal write or keep a personal diary?
No, just in case it falls in to enemy hands.
What do you miss about being a kid?
The freedom of endless summer days and the excitement of Christmas.
If you were trapped in a cartoon world from your childhood, which one would you choose and why?
I would choose the world of Scooby-Doo so I could solve mysteries with my dog, Jack, and eat a stack of burgers without putting on a pound.
A penguin knocks on your door and is wearing a sombrero. What does he say and why is he there?
‘I’m sorry about the sombrero, I couldn’t find my bowler.’ He’s come round to visit the walrus.
If you could ask your pet three questions, what would they be?
Where are my slippers? Why did you eat my dinner? Do you want to go back to the dog home?
What’s your favorite place to visit in your country and why?
I love Oxford for the dreaming spires, coffee shops and museums.
Describe the perfect solo date you’d take yourself on … where, time of day, weather, place, etc.
A trek in the woods on a golden, autumn day, with a flask of coffee and a cheese sandwich.
Thank you Jeremy for being a part of MTA. It was wonderful to learn more about you and your background! –Camilla
Blurb for A Rhyme of Dark Words:
Tilly Hart is grieving for her mother when she moves to the ancient village of Witheridge. Finding friendship and love, she also finds a place steeped in witchlore and the legend of a beast that stalks the moor. Supernatural events and a hidden diary guide her to a village lost in time, a place where magic exists and demons walk the land.
With her newfound friends and the deadline of Halloween drawing near, she sets out to prevent an ancient evil destroying all she loves.
Being both the hunter and hunted, she discovers she can control magic. But magic is an addiction that can lead to evil.
A Rhyme of Dark Words has been longlisted for the 2019 Times/Chicken House Children’s Fiction Competition.
Where to buy “A Rhyme of Dark Words”:
UK Kindle: https://amzn.to/31yjzUo
US Kindle: https://amzn.to/2H0VU7c
Paperback for the UK: https://amzn.to/2Toe8nU
Paperback for the US: https://amzn.to/2KIM4bf
Connect with Jeremy:
Website is https://jeremysmith-writer.com/
Pinterest address is www.pinterest.co.uk/Jeremy_Smith_Writer/
Twitter address is https://twitter.com/lanticcrossing
Facebook address is https://www.facebook.com/Jeremy-Smith-Writer-1282723938575171/
If it feels right and you have the time (and you enjoy the interview) please like or comment or share it. The nature of the online world … the more eyes that see it the more it will spread and benefit the author and the website! Thank you!
And if it feels the thing to do and you are inspired to do so, I would be deeply grateful if you’d like to “Buy Me a Coffee” … Camilla – Host of Meeting the Authors …
Thanks for taking an interest in my work, and what a fantastic set of questions. Never have I put so much thought into my answers. Long may you and your site continue.
You are so very welcome Jeremy! I’m incredibly happy that you enjoyed the interview and the questions. Here’s wishing you continued success and joy!!
A really original author interview. Well done Camilla and Jeremy.
Thank you Lis! Happy you enjoyed it and thank you for stopping by MTA! 🙂