SE Smith talks with Readers
I had my first Meet the Author webinar in June of 2013 and the recording is below. I thoroughly enjoyed chatting with my readers and we covered all sorts of questions and just about every book I have written.
Highlight Questions from my first Meet the Author webinar. These are just a few of the questions I answered.
I love the current series and want more in them, but am curious about what new stories are trying to get your attention.
My head is always swirling with different stories. I actually have several that have been getting stronger and stronger until I know I will have to stop and write them. One is about a group that live in the Appalachian Mountains and are called elementals. I have additional stories for the Heaven Sent series, time travel, and a teen and children’s series in my head.
How on earth did you come up with the… um… er…blush… anatomy for the Zion warriors? Hot! Whew!
I have a very vivid imagination! LOL. I’m not really sure how I came up with the idea, truthfully. As I say, the characters tell/show me what to write. That was what Kordon looked like and who was I to argue with a man like that?! I have to admit, he was very, very hot!
How do you manage to write several novels simultaneously and not muddle them up?
I’ve always thought of my mind as a huge file cabinet, where I store stories and pull them out when I want to read them. Much like you do when you are on your Kindle or your bookshelf. Are they organized, no – much like everything else in my life I consider myself one of those that function with organized chaos. But, each world comes alive as I revisit it and everything falls into place. It was wild because there are several books that I did write at the same time, hopping from one to the other. Hannah and Gracie were two as well as Riley and Star.
How did you get started writing?
That is a great question. A long story short, the school district I work for was reorganizing. I had been with them for 15 years as both a teacher and as a TSS. One day I go in and they say, everyone is gone, you have to reapply for your job! Talk about a shock to the system! I was rehired and I do a wonderful job and enjoy what I do but it also put me into a rebellious mood of wanting to escape the ‘real’ world for a while. I began reading – a lot. Soon, I was having a difficult time finding a book that satisfied me. I wanted to read about a certain type of female who was strong, fragile, brave, scared, namely one that was real to me and I wanted to read about an alpha guy who was strong, vulnerable, willing to learn and who wasn’t afraid to admit he was in love even if he wasn’t sure what to do about it. After reading some books that were not that great and a few that I wanted to strangle the heroine/hero, I thought about all the stories in my head and decided I could always write them down for my own pleasure. I wrote Lily’s first as her story kept playing over and over in my mind. Abby’s came next followed by River. After I wrote them, I broke down and told my sister about what I had done and she asked to read them. I gave her River first and she fell in love with it and told me it was as good as the books she was reading and I needed to publish it. I sent River to a publisher and they said it was good but not what they were looking for. Depressed, thinking no one would want to read any of the stories, I just kept writing for my own curiosity to see what happened next to the characters. After sitting on the growing pile and my sister begging me to publish so she could share them with her friends, I took my courage in my hands and started researching. I found out about KDP, researched more, couldn’t find out how to do the covers, couldn’t find anyone to help with the covers, tried to learn how to the covers, while working full time in a job that was now 8 schools instead of 1. Late on a Sunday night, I put what I had together and published the books I had written. I was shocked that more than my sister and a couple of her friends bought them. Yes, I almost quit when I was slammed for grammar/spelling but instead, I went back through the books and did more research. It has been a huge learning curve as I was doing all this on nights and weekends. After three months and a growing number of readers, I finally told my husband what I was doing. (He thought I was either reading or writing a lot of emails, he had no idea I was writing books). You know the rest! – )
What do you love most about writing? And on an opposite note, what do you hate?
Seeing the characters, their worlds, and what happens to them. It is almost like a relief to let them out of my head. I get a little down after each book because it is almost like saying goodbye (I guess it is like having a dragon and symbiot with me all the time and suddenly losing that feeling). I won’t say I hate the paperwork involved, it is just overwhelming at times. There is a lot to being an indie author. I love the freedom of not having someone telling me what to write, when to write, and how it should be done but there is a lot to coordinate on the publishing side.
Just want to say how much I am enjoying your books – not really any questions.
That is what gives me the strength to keep writing. If it gives someone else the same pleasure and a way to escape from this world for a little while than it is worth the hours it takes to write out one of my stories.
Will we see more of the Eastern Mointain Clan? (Cosmos´Gateway)
Yes, Merrick, Core and the others will have stories as well as Lan, Brock, and Derik.
Do you have some new series in the works?
The Elementals. I can’t wait to write about them. I also have a teen book and a children’s series I want to write.
If you were given an opportunity to change a personality of any character(s) in any of your books who would it be and why?
That is a tough question. Each of my characters talk to me and even the ones I would change I don’t think they would. The only character that I didn’t really like his personality at first was Jonathan Tucker. He was a bit too arrogant for me. But, he turned out to be an okay guy. Then, I had to think of the time period he was living in. As far as the women, I like all my heroines. I was a bit worried about Star at first. I was afraid she would be a whiny wimp but she proved me wrong. This goes to show I don’t know the characters any better until they are written down.
When will the blue guy from star’s story be out?
Risteard and Ricki will be out either later this fall or spring of 2014. I have a lot of stories going on right now.
What other characters will get their story told?
Jarmen, Kev Mul Lar, Ajaska and more as the characters come alive. I even might write a short story for the Frenchmen! – ) Oh, and Madas and Gril!
Out of all your books who is your favorite male character and why?
Kordon was the first name that came to mind. I think there is just something special about him. He is this tough guy and in tight control but the way he reacted and treated Gracie was awesome. His love for her came through but also his willingness to learn and grow and accept the deep feelings he had for her. Plus, I loved the way he handled Violet at the end. LOL. He was her hero!
In one of your earlier books the heroine was a captive, ordered to select one other prisoner. She chose four (I think). They escaped. There is a great scene where she is in the command section of a ship directing her guys about blue guys. It is laughing out loud funny, I can’t find it. I think it I’d #1 of a series. The prior series is about other women please guide me to this book.
LOL. Choosing Riley: Sarafin Warriors Book 1. Poor Vox doesn’t stand a chance.
I was just woundring if you could tell me what you mean by Easter Eggs at the end of your books and on Facebook and were to find them ? Are they like bonus senc . Sorry to bother you just don’t want to miss any thing . Love your books .
Hi Robin. Easter Eggs are pieces of clues that tie one book or series to another. A good example is in Gracie’s Touch: Zion Warriors Book 1, Gracie is thrust into the future. In one of my other stories (Dragon Lords), Aikaterina had admonished Arilla and Arosa for interfering by opening the fabric of time-linking back to Gracie’s story. There is another Easter Egg when Phoenix pauses and looks at a distant galaxy in the Monster’s Caress-she feels drawn to it. That moment will link to the Zion series as well in a future story.
I was just cheeking to see if Jabirs Very Special Christmas Gift had come out in paper back yet ? I haven’t seen it . Just don’t want to miss it . I have all your books and love them .
Not yet. I’m going to have to combined Jabir’s story with several others first. <3
Will the Dark Prince’s Prize be coming out soon? What book will be following the story of Adalard’s story?
Hi Sandy. I’m almost finished with Adalard’s story.
Just woundring if A Mate For Matrix and Jabirs Very Special Christmas Gift will come out in paperback ? I have all your books in paperback but theses 2 . I re bot Roam’s Valentine Wish in paperback all ready .
Hi Robin. Yes. I’m going to expand A Mate for Matrix into a full length story first. I’ll work on Jabir’s paperback today and try to get it finished and uploaded! Thank you for the reminder that I haven’t done that.
Just woundring if A Mate For Matrix _ Jabirs Very Special Christmas Gift and Roam’s Valentine Wish will come out in paper back ? I have all your books in paper back but these 3.
Yes, I’ll work on Jabir’s story. Roam’s just released in paperback.
Thank you so much. Your event list for the Dragon Lords is great. There were times, I laughed so hard, the children and the Father’s fainting. I also cried, Christof’s story 😭
I will be reading these again 💗
Thank you, Sherry. I was ugly crying multiple times when I wrote Christof’s story. His heart is so huge. <3
Will the Great Easter Bunny Hunt be in eBook?
Is The Dark Prince’s Prize still coming out this month and will it come out in paper back at same time ? I haven’t seen it yet any were . If not when don’t want to miss it .
Hi Robin. I’m still writing because they are still talking! That is a good thing, though. <3 It is almost finished.
Are there going to be more books in the more than human sires?? I have been waiting sooo long for Mitchell’s story.
Yes, I have Mitchell’s story on my list to write this year. ❤️💖
Will Katarina meet her sister?
I honestly won’t know until I write her story. My characters guide my stories when I write. ❤️💖
Is The King’s Quest going to come out in paper back like all your other books ? Just woundering Love all your books .
Hi Robin. Yes, and I already have the audiobook completed as well. Once I get the rights back, I’ll be re-releasing the ebook, paperback, and audiobook.
Is The King’s Quest coming out in paper back like all the rest of your books ?
Yes, I’ll be releasing The King’s Quest as soon as I receive the rights back in paperback and audiobook.
I loved the Dust series, any chance of have more books about his adventures? Being a native Oregonian and attending Mt. Hood Community College I was delighted to see that Dust’s aunt and uncle were living there.
I hope to have Dust Storms out this next year. My dad lived in that area when he was growing up and was part of a climbing club. Mt. Hood was one of the mountains he climbed. <3 I have photos of my brothers, sister, and I playing in the snow. LOL.
Thanks for letting me know . I will watch for it next month .
Hugs, and thank you for understanding! <3
When is the waking the golden goddess coming out
Hi Kathy, I hope to have Aikaterina’s story out this coming year. Let’s hope that the pandemic ends so my hubby can start roaming again! LOL.
Is The Dark Prince’s Prize still coming out this month and will it be in paper back ?
Hi Robin, I’m writing The Dark Prince’s Prize at the moment. I will have to push the release back to next month. They are being very talkative. LOL. Yes, it will be available in paperback and I’ll have the audiobook in the queue as well to be completed.
Are there plans to write any more books in the Dust series?
LOL. One of my older sons just came by and picked up Dust and Dust 2 for a friend. Yes, Dust Storms will be the next story.
I have just finished re-reading the “Valdier” series. Has the book “Waking a Golden Goddess been published yet? I really enjoy this series, and I’m hoping more books are coming. I also love the Sarafin and Curizan series.
Hi Denise, Aikaterina’s story isn’t out yet. My next book will be a Curizan story (Adalard’s story—finally!).
Finally! I have been waiting for the Curizan stories (Adalard). Wondering when it’ll be published.
Look for Adalard’s story in December. I read a snippet of it to readers last night. <3
I thoroughly enjoyed the Project Gleise 581g books very much but I wanted to see the stories of the women. Please tell me that there are more coming.
Susan has a few other stories to write first as her series worlds come together but there are more Project Gliese 581g stories coming.
Cheers Narelle
Have you written ‘Waking the Goddess’ yet? I have looked for it and cannot find it. I am so hoping you will if you haven’t. I love the Valdier and all their adventures. I also love the Curizan and the Sarafin. I haven’t read your other books yet, but am going to read about Gracie next. I love your books so much that the ones I have read, I read over and over again.
Joyce, you have made Susan’s day! She loves hearing from readers about how they read and re-read her stories! Susan is currently head down writing a story and as soon as she comes up for air, she will see your comment. Susan’s next books on her writing list after The Monster’s Caress are:
* Dark Prince’s Prize: Curizan Warriors Book 2 (Adalard)
* Rorrak’s Revenge: Zion Warriors Book 3
* Jarmin’s Jane Doe: Lords of Kassis Book 5
* Waking a Golden Goddess: Dragon Lords of Valdier Book 12 (Aikaterina)
Cheers, Narelle
PS Gracie’s Touch is my favorite S.E. Smith book 😀
Hi… Gracie’s Touch is my favorite book too. I’ve read and listened to it several times. I really hope Gracie features heavily. I’m dying to know how a return to Earth goes. I’m from NYC and I’m convinced those subway tunnels would have survived 800 years. It’d be cool if Gracie left behind a hidden buried time capsule.
Please thank Susan for keeping us entertained during quarantine!
Hi Christine. I think you are right about the subway tunnels. I think of the old Roman waterways and have to believe the tunnels would still be there. Gracie will be back. I’m writing Adalard’s story and then I’m back to Gracie’s world with Rorrak!
Joyce, I recommend The Alliance. You’ll love it too.
What happened to the dragonling short story set at the beach? Between it and the Valentine’s story, I couldn’t choose a favorite.
Hi Rachel, it is in my free reads still and I also have it available in the Coloring Book along with the breakfast run and lots of coloring and activities.
And where can I find free reads?
Hi Rachel, here is the link! https://sesmithfl.com/free-books-reads/
I am anxious for the audiobook for Saving Runt, do we have a release date?
Hi Sandra. Not much longer!
Saving Runt- 3/18/2020 for the audiobook. Paperback and ebook have already been released.
Rescuing Matting- 3/31/2020
We’re is jarmen,s story
Hi Jeraldine, Jarmen’s story is two books out. <3 Not long in the grand scale of things. I may have to hid in your closet to escape the distractions though. LOL. You can toss me scrapes when I growl.
Susan,
Karen’s story has already came out? I didn’t see it in Google
LOL. Hi Mag. I have so many stories out, can you point to the series so I can make sure I have the right character/book?
Hi there!
Just finished reading Kordan and Gracie’s story Yet Again lol! Re-read Krac’s and Skeeter’s book again too. They are definitely in my top 10 re-read. My question is, when is the next one being written? Am desperate!
Hi Justine. I’m finishing up the Seven Kingdoms series (I have this one and one more), then I’m writing Adalard’s story then Rorrak’s. So three and a half books. Expect it this coming year.I’m excited to get back to Gracie’s world!
Dear Susan after a couple of years I read Zion Warriors and Lord of Kassis again what happen withJarmen’s Jane Doe and Rorrok’s Revenge ?Please Please Finish the Books I hate cliffhanger I love your Books and have all of them .Thank you Melitta Dickinson PS I will be 80 years old in 2 Month
Hi Melitta. I will be working on both very, very soon. I have two more book in the Seven Kingdoms to finish then I’m on them. If I drag it out, does that mean you can’t go anywhere? If that is the case, expect a LOT more stories so you’ll have to stick around!
Will you be writing anything else about the Curizans?
Hi AlBertha, yes, I have Adalard’s story coming up. 🙂
Sorry, I meant to say Jarek, the chief of security for Kalen’s ship.
LOL. I got it. And yes, he and the other trackers will have their stories.
I am loving the Dragon Lords of Valdier series. I am on the fourth book, Ariel and Mandra. I must say they’re addictive. Which characters’ stories will you write next in the series? I would love to see a story about Tarek (Chief of Security for Kelan’s ship) as well as more stories about the trackers. I’ve really fallen in love with this world and these characters.
LOL. You are in for a delight — especially when you start getting into the Dragonlings’ stories as well. Aikaterina’s story is going to be next, but you still have a ways to go! Also, don’t forget the Sarafin, Curizan, and Marastin Dow stories that go with it.
My favorite book is Gracie’s Touch. Will there be more in the series and will Gracie return to Earth?
Hi Gena. Thank you. Gracie’s story is probably my favorite story I’ve written, but don’t tell the others that. LOL. I’m not sure if she will return. It depends on if she tells me she should. I do know there are many more books to come in the series and I plan on writing the prequels of what happened to Adam, Chance, and the other two men in the Freedom Five.
Hello! I have read some of your books and recently fell in love with the project Gliese series. I see book three was published in May of 2018. Does that mean Julia and mei will be out soon? Thank you for your wonderful work!
Susan does not have release dates for the two remaining Project Gliese 581g books however they are on her list of books to write.
Cheers Narelle
I love all the series but I am curious about if you will have any more Ella and the Beast books?
Hi, Susan loves this series too and it itching to write Mitchell’s story. She has it on her list to write in 2020.
Cheers Narelle
Oh no – sooner please
LOL. I’ll try, I promise! <3
In Dagger’s book the couple have to land on a world and they meet the French men and the mystery captain. He is searching for a female. Will we have his story?
Hi Kathy. Yes, the title to that book will be Jarmen’s Jane Doe. It is on my short list of books to write!
When will we see Roarrk’s Revenge from the Zion Warriors series?
Hi Deb. Yes, Roarrk’s Revenge is on my short list. I’m about two more books away from writing it.
Dear Mrs Smith,
You have had me hooked since I’ve read your first book I now know every book that you have it written including your Magic series but I’m kind of curious why can’t I find my copy of the second Great Bunny Hunt Easter version of the baby dragons I had purchased it got a new phone and when I re-downloaded it I could not find it I actually cannot find it anywhere not even on Amazon or any other ebooks I know I’ve read it I know I owned it you wouldn’t happen to know why I can’t find it would you also what happened to the 1.2 Tia’s Brothers book I just can’t say it email me back and let me know how to find it.
Hi Marie. Tamblin’s book isn’t out. You might be thinking of The Dragonlings and the Magic-Four Leaf Clover. Tamblin is in that book. I’ve included a link and will also send it to you for The Great Easter Bunny Hunt. https://sesmithfl.com/great-easter-bunny-hunt-book/
Hi i would like to thank you for the many hours of enjoyment i got from reading your books but i would like to know when waking the golden goddess comes out ?
I am so looking forward to it
Waking the Golden Goddess will be the next book in the Dragon Lords series for those that read this and what to know. Expect Aikaterina’s story the first part of next year.
S E, please take Care of your self.
Thank you, Rosemarie. I keep trying, but I’m not very good at it. It is currently 5:30am and I’m awake with the birds. LOL. Still, it is a beautiful morning so I can’t complain!
I hope that u get to feeling better. I love all of your books and can’t wait til u have another out. I have read all of your books that I have multiple times I enjoy them so much. Be healthy and safe
I really enjoyed the story and can’t wait for the rest. I have been hooked on these book as well as the Magic of New Mexico. When is freedom of the defiance and Maikoda’s Gift coming out?
I am so glad you are enjoying my stories. I do not have release dates yet, I’m sorry.
Hello I had preordered saving runt from amazon but they cancelled my order say it was not available do u know when it will be released so I can order it I have been waiting for it I know you have a lot of things going on I don’t want to miss the release date
I have not yet released Saving Runt as I am still working on it. My health is not 100% and I am not writing as fast as I used to.
Hi I just finished reading the alliance series . I can honestly say I am addicted to the trivators. LOL I would like to know when is jags story coming out.
Jag’s story is on my short list of upcoming books to write but I do not have a release date for him.
Is there a book about the Goddess from the Dragons of Valdier on Earth?
Aikaterina’s story is on my short list of upcoming books to write. I have the perfect match for her!!!
I love the gliese 581 series. Where can I get Honor Bound? I
I am so glad you are enjoying my Project Gliese series. I love all the characters in them. Honor Bound is not out yet and I do not have a release date for it, I’m sorry.
Hi. Just finished Heart of the Cat. Loved it! I am somewhat addicted to all your books. My favorite series is cosmos’ gateway.
Would like to mention…no white siberian tigers. White tigers are bengal tigers. The only known white “siberian” tigers are actually siberians crossed with bengals. There are stories claiming that true siberian white tigers have been spotted in the wild but they’ve never been corroborated. At least so far. I learned this from some random “did you know” type thing and not believing it i looked it up. Wikipedia was my first source as it is usually the first thing to pop up on google but i also found info from wild cat sanctuary and a few scientific journals online. And maybe something from discovery channel? I don’t remember for sure.
Ok done with the random information spew. Can’t wait to read more of your books. You are a fabulous writer.