3Q’s – Tommy B. Smith doesn’t want to be bored while lost!
Today’s guest was an author whom I connected with after reading his phenomenal novella ‘The Mourner’s Cradle: A Widow’s Journey’ a few years back. It rocked my world and is a story I still think of often. From there, we’ve been huge supporters of each other’s work, so I was so excited when he agreed to stop by and do one of my 3Q’s!
Welcome Tommy!
Steve: What does your process look like once you finish your first draft? Do you immediately dive back into it, or do you take some time away?
Tommy: A short time after the first draft is complete, I begin the revisions, essentially the first round of edits, and the most extensive. It’s after this point that I take some time away from it. A short period to reflect on the piece often proves beneficial, after which time, I revisit the manuscript from a slightly different angle for the next pass.
Steve: What’s the one thing you’d change now if you’d have known it when you started writing?
Tommy: I’ve gleaned so much along the way. Perhaps I should have worked with some experienced editors in the earlier stages, a step which might have assisted me in honing my craft earlier on, rather than to have developed my skills along the bumpy road I traveled instead. At the same time, I don’t regret that journey one single bit. I’m the writer I am now because of it.
Steve: Of the books or stories you’ve released, which is your personal favorite and why?
Tommy: Anybody Want to Play WAR? It’s an oddball entry in my catalog of work, since it doesn’t fall into the horror genre. Instead, it’s a coming-of-age novel that peels deep into the layers of the St. Charles setting, which I’ve also explored in books such as Poisonous and The Mourner’s Cradle. It’s the most nuanced tale of anything I’ve done so far, and the characters resonated with me in a strong way.
Steve: Bonus Fun Question – Would you rather be lost at sea or in the mountains?
Tommy: In the mountains. I actually enjoy exploring the mountain regions, whereas being lost on a seemingly endless expanse of water sounds rather dull.
Steve: Excellent decision! Thank you so much for doing this, Tommy!
To find more of his work, check the links!
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Tommy-B.-Smith/author/B008WTNZHG
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PenOfChaos
Website: https://www.tommybsmith.net/
