Name: Noah William Smith
Book: 2024… Your Year of More
Genre: Self-help
When did you first decide you wanted to be a writer? Growing up, I had a love for numbers and words. I chose numbers as a full-time career because I was unaware of jobs using words and creative thinking (information was not so readily available then!). I felt the need to be creative was enormous as a young adult, so I started writing at 29. I am 38 now.
Do you write full-time? If not, do you have an outside job or other responsibilities? I am a part-time writer (often 4 am before the work day starts!) but plan to be full-time in the future if possible. My full-time job is highly analytical and relies heavily on one side of my brain, whereas writing taps into the other.
If you write nonfiction, tell me about your projects. What subjects motivate you? I am motivated by what is underneath the surface. Examples include values, how people make decisions, and what motivates each of us. I am inspired by wisdom and finding better ways to approach everyday life.
What kind of research and preparation do you do before you write? I feel others influence us so much that I do not perform external research when I write. To be as original as possible, I view myself as the research subject and carefully structure my thoughts and ideas.
What is your editing process? Do you hire an outside editor? When I need an outside editor, I find a professional. However, I often do the bulk of the editing because I know how I want the words to look, feel and sound. Clarity, simplicity, logical flow and the right tone are essential.
How do you decide on your book covers? Do you outsource? Sometimes the book covers are from personal, memorable experiences, for example, a holiday. The cover of 2024… Your Year of More was created from scratch, and the vibrant red and yellow colours were selected to motivate the reader to take action in their life.
How did you come up with the title of your latest book? So often, New Year’s resolutions focus on people wanting more of something. The word “more” got stuck in my head, and I liked the focus to be on now. Now is 2024, when the book is well-known to readers. 2024 also rhymed with more, so it felt good.
What route did you take to get published? Describe your experience. I published 2024… Your Year of Moreindependently because it provided me total creative freedom to do as I wish.
Have you ever tried to get an agent? If so, what steps did you take? I consider myself and my writing niche, so I am not a typical candidate for a literary agent who may prefer a mainstream title or author.
What kinds of things do you do to promote your book? I gave thousands of copies of my first books away for free. It garnered ratings and reviews. It helped build up a loyal readership that continues to grow daily. These days, I am regularly featured in the book blogger community. 2024… Your Year of More has been performing well in book contests. I sought numerous editorial reviews and featured these widely online.
Have you ever had a book-signing event? Tell us about your experience. I have not yet, but I will in the future!
Have you taken writing courses? I have written communications exams and taken communications courses. I enjoy writing straightforward English, so much editing time goes towards simplifying the language used. The focus is on relating with the reader and creating clear and concise messages.
Do you belong to a writer’s group? If so, is it in-person or online? Tell us about your experience. I am a member of Goodreads groups. It is a fun experience when a fellow author reviews my book or asks me to review theirs.
Are you in a book club? If so, tell us about it. Is it in-person or online? Friends or acquaintances? Yes, I am in a book club that contains friends and acquaintances. My favourite thing about the book club is hearing each person’s honest reading experience. When people share, it is an opportunity to relate and connect.
Do you ask friends/family to read your WIP? I don’t, but I keep them informed about progress because they appreciate regular updates.
Name three unread books on your bookshelf. 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die, Lonely Planet’s The World, and Jamie Cooks Italy
What is the last book you read? Lately, I have been enjoying puzzle books and travelling books!
How many pages do you think a book of fiction/nonfiction should be? It should not be too short or too long. The sweet spot is different for each book. My book is 114 pages long, and it felt right.
What is the riskiest or wildest thing you’ve ever done? The Otter Trail Hike in South Africa. It felt risky because I was not used to carrying a heavy bag on my back for five days while hiking up and down hills. In the dark, it felt surreal to be next to the wild ocean while it rained and the wind gushed. Being away from everyday creature comforts like my favourite couch, and coffee felt wild!
What is the hardest thing you’ve ever done? The hardest thing for me is to be highly determined and motivated, which feels authentic, even while being acutely aware of loved ones’ health problems and general suffering in our world.
What advice can you give to new writers entering the writing and publishing arena? Writing is an intense experience and often comes from a need to share messages and stories to relate with others. You process your feelings and thoughts by writing about what gives you goosebumps. When you receive positive feedback on your writing, take that as a blessing, but never expect that! Write a lot, and enjoy the process of creating something!
Website and social media links:
Amazon.com: Noah William Smith: books, biography, latest update
Noah William Smith (Author of How to Motivate Yourself in 15 Minutes) | Goodreads
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