Tell us about yourself and your books.:
I am a writer based out of Miami, Fl. I live there with my wife and our daughter. I was in the United States Air Force for four years. Since my exit from the military, I have earned a degree in English and began my work in the artistic realm. I am also a speechwriter and have won an award for my work. I have written only one book so far, The Results of a Failed ABortion: A Collection of Poems. I am currently working on six other works, one of which is not poetry.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don't ever pursue writing, I allow it to "seek" me. William Wordsworth once said, "Poetry is the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings: it takes its origin from emotion recollected in tranquility." Every day, when I feel a thought that needs to be written down, I pull out my phone and write it down as quickly as possible. I sometimes use a journal or at the very least, write my note on a scratch piece of papers. If I don't have acces to write it down, I cling to the words until I can, and if I lose them, I assume they weren't good enough to be used. Sometimes I can write full poems this way, but when I don't I take my notes to my office, when I am ready and feel inspired, and finish my thought. I don't ever sit down to write unless I have a lot to work with.
What authors have influenced you?
Art in general influences me. Everything I see, hear, touch, smell brings about my inspiration. I try not to linger on an individual person or work so that my open mindest towards art does not become hindered. I want all art to influence me.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
There is no right or wrong, it's write or you're wrong. I say this line in my poem "Shaun Smith (S.O.S)" where I discuss the current state of poetry and how people aren't truly contributing to the art. I think it applies to writing in general though. As long as you're writing, youre doing everything right. Don't let a desire for perfection to keep you from writing.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
A buddy of mine once said, "You shoot every shot you shoot and miss." It's a play on, "You miss every shot you don't take." He says you can learn more from the "shots" you miss than you can from trying altogether. Instead of focusing on trying, try regardless and focus on the failures so you can learn more.
What are you reading now?
I am reading The Results of a Failed Abortion constantly. I am seeking out my mistakes and learning how to hone my craft.
What’s your biggest weakness?
My desire for perfection. When I go to edit, I see each and every flaw. Afterward, I edit again and find more flaws. I would edit until there weren't any more words on the page.
What is your favorite book of all time?
"Troublemaker" by Leah Remini. By far the greatest autobiography I have ever read.
What has inspired you and your writing style?
I have to reiterate what I mentioned in general inspirations. Just art in general. My style and inspiration comes from life and art around me.
What are you working on now?
A new set of poems titled, Perfection – EP.
What is your method for promoting your work?
I don't have one yet. Part of my art is through marketing and promotion, so I try unorthodox methods. I still have more ideas I need to test but that comes with time and new books. As I am still promoting my first book, The Results of a Failed Abortion, I am still collecting data from its potential success. There is so much I wish to do in promotion but to see true success in one avenue or another requires an extensive amount of time to pass.
What’s next for you as a writer?
FInish Perfection – EP so I can move on to my next full collection of poems.
How well do you work under pressure?
Great. I don't turn in any work early. My best work comes when I wait until the last moment to do it.
How do you decide what tone to use with a particular piece of writing?
Just whatever inital set of words I have written. I go off of that and build from there.
Author Websites and Profiles
Shaun Smith Website
Shaun Smith Amazon Profile
Shaun Smith’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account
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