3Q’s – Russell Smeaton wants to be low key.
And here we are! The FIRST 3Q’S of 2023! How crazy is this. Even crazier? I’m scheduling this currently on October 14th. That’s how far out I am currently.
Today’s guest is a truly talented writer and stunning illustrator. I’m a massive fan of his artwork and have done two of Kickstarter’s already! I’m so very happy Russell Smeaton agreed to join me today and thank you, Russell, for ringing in 2023 with me and the readers of 3Q’s!
Steve: What does your writing time look like? Do you try and write at the same time each day? Do you have a word count you attempt to hit?
Russell: My schedule is pretty much non-existent, so I squeeze in a bit of writing whenever I get the chance. It’s not ideal, but I’ve learnt to work in short bursts. In some ways it works for me, but it would be nice if I could set aside proper time ever day to write. I try not to look at how many words I write. Sometimes, when things are flowing, I have been known to rack up 2,000 or more words in one sitting, but I try not to obsess over it. It can be a pleasant surprise when I’m finished, and I look at the word count. Not always, but sometimes.
Steve: You end up at an estate sale and discover an unpublished manuscript from an author you love. Do you keep it just for yourself or do you share it with the world?
Russell: Ooh, that’s a good question. My first thought would be, can I pass it off as my own?! I’m kidding (sort of). I’d definitely share it with the world. I’m the type of guy who’s forever trying to get his mates to read his favourite author or listen to his favourite band, so I would be sharing it as soon as I could.
Steve: Tell me about your newest release (novel/story/poem/novella) and why someone should read it!
Russell: I’m working on several things at the moment. You might have seen pictures of these little pumpkin dude pictures I created? I’ve managed to convince a couple of great poets to write some beautiful, folk-horror type stuff inspired by the pictures. My aim is to put them together into an anthology of some sort and that’s shaping up nicely. I’m also putting together an anthology based around my local area of Teesside. It’s in the early stages, but hopefully will shape up to be a great collection of tales. With regards to my own actual writing, I keep chipping away at two novels. One a cosmic horror tale set in my hometown, the other a reworking of a famous children’s story. Both have stalled a bit as I focus on my Patreon (up to 5 supporters now!) where I put out short stories. These will all end up in a collection that I hope to put out around Christmas. That’s the plan, anyway!
Steve: Bonus Question! You wake up in a comic book. What is your comic book character and what is your superpower?
Russell: If I woke up in a comic book, I’d probably be Bud Bradley, but would love to be in Love and Rockets. I can see myself as a male Maggie or Hopey! Superpower would probably be something low-key. Maybe something like Arno Strine’s power in The Fermata – I’ll leave it there if you’ve not read the book!
I haven’t read that so I’ll not Google it and spoil it for myself!
Thank you so much for doing this Russell!
To find more of his work, check the links!
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Russell-Smeaton/e/B06XSYJ8TP
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tikirussy
