Which one was the first piece you wrote?
Hi Mar. The first piece I wrote was a few chapters of a Horror novel back in 1994. It was sent to Hodder Headline. They very kindly declined ‘Demon Dance’ with a really encouraging rejection slip: ‘rein in the gore.’ I’ve since been published in over 30 Small Press, Anthologies and my books.
Can you describe your books/stories in a couple of lines?
Mmm! Most of them have a social conscience – or not. I like to think outside of the coffin.
What is the book you always keep close, and why?
I love ‘Black dogs’ by Ian McEwan. It’s really exacting and well structured. That was the book that got me started.
Do you have an inspiration source?
I usually binge read. Then my writing spews forth. The current Authors on my reading list are my inspiration. So, it’s always in flux. I’m reading Ritchie Valentine Smith (Demain) and ‘The place between worlds’ (Red Cape) at the minute. I’m a big fan of most of Richard Laymon’s (but not all of them).
What are your current projects?
My current projects involve a 70 foot Garden gnome Kaiju (Small Press call) and some very, VERY evil diminutives for Book 4.
Which kind of music do you listen to?
I love the Fish era Marillion, Everything Everything and Tame Impala’s first two albums.
What kind of reader is your book for?
The thinking chaps and ladies that laugh aside. “Why are you laughing?”
How would you describe your style?
Sometimes balls to the wall and sometimes reflective. I like to think outside the coffin (again).
What’s your writing process?
I binge read. Then I become restless and spew it out. I edit the last paragraph after I’ve written the next one. I try to write 500 words a day but I don’t berate myself if my neck is aching a lot.
How would you define your evolution as a writer?
In terms of books, which are very different from each other, there’s a grand design. ‘Hearts of the matter’ (poetry), ‘Something Said’ (poetry and verse) and ‘Keep it inside…’, as a growing bibliography, all suggest internal thought processes. ‘Keep it inside…’ is a riot though.
What would be your advice to new authors?
Read, read, read. Submit and support The Small Press to build your audience and your confidence. On-line magazines create similar opportunities for other writers.
Which one is the mistake you would avoid now, looking back in time?
I should have started earlier. So, don’t wait until tomorrow. Get it down on paper…
What’s your favourite quote?
I’ve never read Proust. But there’s one about being apart from friends to be true with them. It points towards reflection and reminiscing outside of the bustle.
Do you have a favourite artist?
I love @A_Welchman @NickTophiliaNTK @AuthorEllie @AdrianBaldwin @GunnarLarsenArt and @theboldmom to date. They’ve contributed to my project, ‘Burns on the retina.’
Where can your readers find you?
On Twitter @MarkAnthonySm16, on my website: www.markanthonysmith.com, on my Amazon page: Mark Anthony Smith or occassionally in some coffee shop (the wet type) in Hull.
What is the best time of the day for you to write?
Probably late afternoon or early evening. I need 6 cups of coffee first. And some Coco Pops.
Can you tell us something about your next book?
‘Keep it inside and other weird tales’ is published by Red Cape on 14th October. It received top stars at Readers’ Favorite. I’m really pleased with some bizarre pieces in it. I’d love to script ‘Crown of Slugs.’ I’m also working on Book 4. The death count is high already. And I’m only on Chapter 2…
Thank you!
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