Steven K. Smith is the author of eighteen books, including The Virginia Mysteries, Brother Wars, and Final Kingdom series for middle-grade readers. His titles have sold over 300,000 copies, and he is a regular speaker at regional industry and literacy events and over 200 elementary and middle schools. Steven lives in Midlothian, Virginia, with his wife, three sons, and a golden retriever. Learn more at www.stevenksmith.net.
JRW: Which genre are you most passionate about?
SKS: I settled into middle-grade fiction after publishing my first book. I was encouraged by the positive response that my Virginia Mysteries series received from local elementary schools and young readers. The books are modern-day Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew-style adventures mixed with real Virginia history. I enjoy investigating the endless supply of characters, locations, and events from different periods of history across all parts of the state. The books create a strong push/pull with readers as a complement to what kids are learning in social studies class and just as fun mysteries. Some reluctant readers find the stories more accessible because they’re set in places they’ve visited, and on the other hand, visiting a historical place that was mentioned in a book creates a fun family outing. I regularly get notes from families who have planned a summer vacation or weekend exploring different historic places around the area based on my books. It’s also extremely rewarding to meet young readers at schools and events to hear how they’ve enjoyed the books and often become stronger readers.
JRW: When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
SKS: I like to say I snuck in the back door of being a writer. Growing up, I’d always enjoyed being creative, writing short stories, poems, and an annual Christmas card letter. When my youngest son was born in 2009, I began blogging several times a week, detailing the crazy and often humorous experience of being a dad to three young boys. I firmly believe those two hundred or so blog posts were critical in getting me used to writing regularly and having others read my words. My first book, Summer of the Woods, began as a bedtime story for my kids. I had no interest in waiting two or three years to possibly have it traditionally published, so I started researching the relatively new area of self-publishing. I kept writing stories in a series, reached out locally at events and schools, and turned it into a part-time business. Almost four years ago, I quit my day job to be a full-time “authorpreneur.” Now, with over 350,000 books sold, I’m so glad I took that initial step.
JRW: What is one of the most surprising things you learned while publishing your work?
SKS: I continue to be surprised and excited at how accessible publishing a book can be. The overwhelming majority of readers don’t care who the publisher is, they just want great stories. Writing a book is still hard, but with today’s technology of ebooks, print on demand, and online marketplaces like Amazon, publishing is the easiest part of the process once you learn the ropes. Even since I published my first book nine years ago, the industry has really grown with resources, tools, and established best practices that, with a little research, can quickly send a new author in the right direction for success.
JRW: What advice would you offer new writers?
SKS: Don’t be afraid to get your work out there into the world. So many new writers I speak with are hesitant to move forward with a manuscript, whether it’s because they’re waiting to be plucked from the masses by a literary agent, or because they don’t think their writing is good enough. But I believe you can learn so much from going through the process. It gets you used to others reacting to your work, teaches the ins and outs of the indie publishing process and how to work with partners, and serves as practice for improving your later works. When you haven’t published before, that first book can feel like an unattainable feat, but once you’ve crested the summit, it’s easier to realize how many ideas might lie ahead of you. That initial book, while an extraordinary accomplishment, might not be as precious as once thought. In fact, rather than a final destination, it may just be the first step of an amazing author’s journey.