In this episode, Mark Smith takes us through the process behind writing his novel The Road to Winter.  Mark talked about finding his writing voice in short stories, why and how he packs backstory into the first chapter, why he wrote the novel in first person present tense, the importance of pacing, dialogue, setting and keeping the writing process simple, and the writing mantras he lives by, including ‘What do I know and care about?’

You’ll find links to buy both paperback and ebook versions of The Road to Winter here.

ABOUT MARK SMITH

Mark Smith is the author of four young adult novels, including his critically acclaimed Winter Trilogy.. The Road to Winter was shortlisted for multiple awards and is taught in schools around Australia. The sequel, Wilder Country won the 2018 Australian Indie Book Award for YA. 

An award-winning writer of short fiction, Mark’s work has appeared in Best Australian Stories, Review of Australian Fiction, The Big Issue, The Victorian Writer, Island and The Australian.

Mark is also an in-demand speaker at schools and an experienced facilitator at festivals and book launches.

Website: https://www.marksmithwriter.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marksmithauthor/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/marksmith0257

For information about the Your Author Website course, go to https://www.writerscentre.com.au/store/courses/your-author-website/

To enter this month’s competition, head to Instagram or Facebook and look for the giveaway post.

This podcast is recorded on the beautiful, unceded lands of the Garigal people of the Eora nation.

Full show notes available at writersbookclubpodcast.com