Why I Wrote Dust

Dust

By S.E. Smith

In a previous article I talked about the unexplainable need to write a story. I’ve had that happen over the last few years: Gracie’s Touch: Zion Warriors Book 1, Voyage of the Defiance: Breaking Free; Choosing Riley: Sarafin Warriors Book 1, The Old Dragon of the Mountain’s Christmas, For the Love of Tia, and Dust: Before and After. These are just a few stories that hit me and wouldn’t let go.

The story for Dust came to me last October when I was sitting in the middle of a conference workshop. The speaker was talking about the Asian market and a bunch of other stuff. It was when he mentioned superheroes that Dust suddenly popped into my mind. It hit with such intensity, that I opened my iPad and began writing the story right then and there. I spent the next several days writing like crazy. My mind and heart fell in love with the character of Dust and the crazy world that he woke up in.

When a story hits you with such intensity, you would be foolish to ignore it. It is one of those times when the story literally writes itself. You become invested in the world and the characters and you care about what happens to them. That is what happened with Dust. I knew it was crazy to start another series, but I didn’t care. All I could think about was what happened next to Dust and the unlikely group of friends he met along his journey.

Yes, I knew readers weren’t familiar with me as a Young Adult author and the sales wouldn’t be all that great should I publish Dust like I intended, but I didn’t care. Writing is not about the money, it is about the passion. If a writer tells you it is only about the money, then their stories are going to lack that touch of magic, that passion, that makes a story move from good to great. I live the lives of my characters when I’m writing them. I feel their pain, hope, and happiness. I share their grief and their joys. I also share this with my readers, pulling them into the worlds with me so they can experience that same sense of passion that I do.

The reason I wrote Dust is simple – I had to share his amazing journey and life with readers. It would have been a travesty to deny his existence because I thought it wouldn’t sale. The story may not be as popular as some of my other stories, but if you take a chance to let Dust, Sammy, Todd, Josie and the others capture your heart the way they have caught mine, then it is worth it. Open your heart, your imagination, and take a journey with a young teenager named Dust. You won’t regret it!

About S. E. Smith 

S.E. Smith is a New York Times, USA TODAY, International, and Award-Winning Bestselling author of science fiction, romance, fantasy, paranormal, and contemporary works for adults, young adults, and children. She enjoys writing a wide variety of genres that pull her readers into worlds that take them away.

2 Comments

  1. Jennifer says:

    Susan, I just wanted to let you know that I love ALL your books. I was hesitant about the newest “young adult” books, but as I have read and re read everything I took the chance. I’m so glad I did. You never disappoint. If you “have” to write because your heart and brain won’t let you go DO IT!! You have an amazing mind. I started audible recently and it’s so nice to hear the stories that I love. I want to be a character in ANY of your worlds. Thank you for sharing your gift. I hope the stories keep infiltrating your being.
    Always
    Jennifer

    1. S.E. Smith says:

      Hi Jennifer. Thank you so much for understanding. Each story takes on a life of its own. I would hate not to write it because it isn’t the ‘in’ thing to do. The story has really made a difference to several young readers. I think that is definitely worth it! If I can ignite a young mind and help them realize just how awesome reading is, then that is what matters. I can remember the story that did that for me. 🙂

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