Interview with Joy V. Smith
Published 2023-05-29.
What motivated you to become an indie author?
So I could share my stories sooner. Though I appreciate the publishers who also published some of my novels and stories, some of my stories didn't fit certain niches because of length, etc.. And some editors wanted me to make my stories longer. (But It's a patient's hospital chart!) Of course, editing is important, but I'm an English major--and I have a friend who really knows her stuff 'cause she's published books on writing--and I have readers who catch mistakes and typos. Look! There's another one!!
When did you first start writing?
When I was a kid and made my own little books, and I continued through college (Uh, I could have studied more) and beyond.
How has Smashwords contributed to your success?
I published most of my ebooks with Smashwords and relied on them for help to make it through the process. I published some of my science fiction stories, including Pretty Pink Planet, Hot Yellow Planet, and Hidebound, with them, and my non-fiction book, Remodeling: Buying and Updating a Foreclosure.
Who are your favorite authors?
Terry Pratchett, Lois McMaster Bujold, Sharon Lee & Steve Miller, James H. Schmitz, ... I love their stories and their heroes and heroines; and Terry Pratchett's stories are fun. It's hard to choose my favorite characters from his series: the Nightwatch; the Witches, especially Granny Weatherwax; DEATH; ... But the other authors have a variety of fascinating characters too.
What are your five favorite books, and why?
Witches Abroad by Terry Pratchett, Cold Snap by Codi Schneider, The Sound and the Furry by Spencer Quinn, Cryoburn by Lois McMaster Bujold, and The Revolt of Sarah Perkins by Marian Cockrell.
What do your fans mean to you?
A lot! Being appreciated is encouraging.
Smashwords Interviews are created by the profiled author or publisher.
