Interview with Lari Smythe

Published 2022-12-12.
Did you participate in NaNoWriMo?
First, let me say that NaNoWriMo is a fantastic opportunity for writers to get motivation and participate with other writers. As you all know, since COVID I have a great deal of trouble with my memory which, as you might expect, makes it extremely difficult to write. A dear friend of mine convinced me to give NaNoWriMo a try this year. Side note, I have participated on and off since 2013. Anyway, I set a modest goal for the month of 25,000 words not sure I could do that.
I started on an old short story I did a longtime ago as a basic concept. As you can imagine, it started very slowly and my fingers just wouldn't cooperate on the keyboard. Three weeks into the challenge I surprised myself and passed the 25,000 words feeling like I was on a roll. Surprise of surprises, on November 29th at 11:47 PM I passed the 50,000 word NaNoWirMo goal!
I've already been through four editing cycles and the story is really falling into place and I can't wait to share it. Quicksilver is a romance about two people trying to find love after tragedy shatters their lives. Not 100% sure on genre just yet. It is on the steamy side!
What's next?
After a too long hiatus, I am seriously considering trying to restart me writing. You see, November is National Novel Writing Month. In the past, many of my books were started with the competition, really a self motivating idea. I have always been disappointed that I didn't write a sequel to Perpetual Motion, I even had a name, Off The Grid. I am praying inspiration finds me as we race towards November.
Why have you been away?
The answer to that question is complicated. The simplest answer is life gets in the way sometimes and that has been true over the last couple of years. I contracted COVID in April of 2021. That was definitely no fun. It was a surreal experience being on the edge of death. I came away from that wanting to make some life changes but as time passed so did my resolve. Unfortunately, COVID also did something to my ability to concentrate, to focus and to just plain remember things. At night I often get glimpses of new stories, a sequel to Perpetual Motion specifically, but in the morning the ideas are just a jumble of broken thoughts. I truly hope to write again one day. Time will tell if that can happen. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy the Southern Exposure series and Perpetual Motion.
God bless
Lari
What style do you write in?
I didn't even know this existed until I completed the 2013 NANOWRIMO challenge. One of the perks for 'winning' was a Style Review. According to that review, my writing is classified as an EBDK. So what does that mean, you ask?
(E)xpressive: your book contains more dialog between two or more characters than most books.
(B)reezy: Your language tends to be easier to read and more straightforward than average.
(D)escriptive: Your book is very descriptive, more so than the average book.
(K)inetic: Your book contains more physical motion than most books.
To sum it up, an EBDK is most prevalent in fiction, primarily in the Mystery, Thriller, Romance spectrum. These works place a premium on plot and character development, and engage readers with an easy use of dialogue. They tend to use rich descriptive passages, and their text is welcoming and easy to consume. They strive to engage the reader early, and keep their characters active and moving.
So, here are four notable EDBKs - Sephenie Meyer, Twilight - Stephen King, Under The Dome - John Grisham, The Associate - Ray Bradbury, Fahrenheit 451
So, there you have it. If you like an engaging, easy read, with lots of action and dialogue give my work a look.
Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?
While I wrote the usual school projects growing up, the story that jumps out at me is a World War II story. The story was based on a selection from my college English 101 class final exam. It described a gruesome scene and although I didn't choose it for the exam, 29 years later, 2000, I had a nightmare about the scene. I primarily dream in images, but this particular dream was in words. I woke up the next morning with the distinct impression that I was supposed to write that story. Angel became my first full blown novel, a kind of Romeo and Juliet, Westside Story placed in World War II. I wrote two more follow on books after that. Angel started it all for me.
What motivated you to become an indie author?
When I wrote my first two novels, I found out they didn't fit in a specific genre so I couldn't even really submit them through the normal publishing channels. Then, the more I read about the 90% - 99% rejection rate I kind of felt like what was the point. Finally, my daughter-in-law asked me what I wanted from my writing and I told her I really just wanted to share the stories with people. So, the indie idea was appealing. So far, I've loved sharing my work. It's so exciting to check in and see your download count going up. It really feels great!
How has Smashwords contributed to your success?
Smashwords helped me make the jump from paper to ebook. With the Smashwords distribution channels I feel like my work is getting great exposure. The thrill of seeing my download count rise has inspired me to continue writing.
What is your writing process?
I'm what is typically referred to as a panster, that is, I write by the seat of my pants. I usually have a few plot points in mind, but I let my characters tell me where they want to go and how they want to get there. I think it is one of the reasons I like writing so much. In the end, my method requires a lot of rework, but I think it helps me create a cohesive work.
I also like to do the National Novel Writing Month challenge in November called NANOWRIMO. The goal is 50,000 words in one month and while for me, that's not a complete novel, it serves as a great start and really helps me get engrossed in my story. My current work the Southern Exposure Saga was started in NANOWRIMO.
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
I absolutely love writing. I'm one of those people that always thinks of what to say to late to actually say it. In a book, I can get the dialogue right and that's a thrill from a tongue tied individual.
The other thing I love about writing is creating new characters. I'm a panster when it comes to writing which for me translates into letting the characters dictate their story. I'll admit it, I laugh, smile and cry when I write.
What do your fans mean to you?
My fans mean validation. Their reading my work tells me all the long hours to write, rewrite and edit a story were worth it. They keep me going, they're priceless.
Smashwords Interviews are created by the profiled author or publisher.

Books by This Author

The Light Within
Series: Southern Exposure Saga, Book 6. Price: Free! Words: 98,170. Language: English. Published: February 14, 2021 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Paranormal » General, Fiction » Romance » Suspense
Shimmering vampires are something different, something unexpected, something that flies in the face of legend. How long have they existed? Where did they come from? Why are they here? Follow Elina and Elliott's continuing journey as they unwind the mystery of the origin of the shimmering vampire.
After Forever
Series: Southern Exposure Saga, Book 5. Price: Free! Words: 76,060. Language: English. Published: December 31, 2020 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Paranormal » General, Fiction » Romance » Action/adventure
After Forever is book 5 in the Southern Exposure Saga. Alone in the mortal world, Elina Whitaker begins a new life as Elina Struther. When she meets Elliott, the trajectory of her life is irrevocably altered. With a surge of newfound emotions, they begin a perilous relationship that threatens to expose the truth of immortality, one that could ultimately destroy their lives and alter history.
With This Kiss
Series: Southern Exposure Saga, Book 4. Price: Free! Words: 106,170. Language: English. Published: February 13, 2017 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Paranormal » General, Fiction » Romance » Paranormal » General
With This Kiss is book 4 in the Southern Exposure Saga. Mortality comes with such limitations. As Izzy prepares to celebrate their first anniversary, Jason is secretly fighting a demon that threatens to boil over at any moment. The danger is imminent. Can Jason choose the right path or will his choice ultimately destroy their relationship, their lives? And what of the miracle of new life?
Till Death Do Us Part
Series: Southern Exposure Saga, Book 3. Price: Free! Words: 105,880. Language: English. Published: September 16, 2014 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Paranormal » General
(5.00 from 5 reviews)
Till Death Do Us Part is the third book in the Southern Exposure Saga. While Jason and Izzy forge ahead in an almost natural teenage romance, the worlds of vampire and human are about to collide. The historian returns with a new, gruesome weapon to destroy the Falkner Coven, and he has a plan. Even if Jason and Izzy can find away to survive, they will never see what's coming next.
Perpetual Motion
Price: Free! Words: 97,220. Language: English. Published: August 21, 2014 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Action/adventure, Fiction » Romance » Contemporary
(5.00 from 1 review)
This action packed romantic thriller pits Eddie, his father and Sarah against the Department Of Homeland Security as they strive to develop a revolutionary new source of power. Hold on for a thrilling ride as Eddie and Sarah face off against the government and seemingly insurmountable odds to save Josh and their own lives. Are they prepared to pay the price of free energy?
Take My Breath Away
Series: Southern Exposure Saga, Book 2. Price: Free! Words: 84,840. Language: English. Published: April 16, 2014 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Paranormal » General
(4.75 from 4 reviews)
Take My Breath Away is the second book in the Southern Exposure Saga. Jason and Izzy's romance didn't end with their discovery in Forks, far from it. Not even their shocking discovery on the way home, or trying to cope with their implausible living arrangement can prepare them for the new menace that cruises into Boonsboro threatening everything.
Southern Exposure
Series: Southern Exposure Saga, Book 1. Price: Free! Words: 98,280. Language: American English. Published: September 2, 2013 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Paranormal » General
(5.00 from 5 reviews)
Southern Exposure is a spinoff of the Twilight series with new characters and a new story. There are some surprising twists along the way. If you liked Twilight, you won't be disappointed. This is Book I of the exciting Southern Exposure Saga.