by 
Circle of Books Interviews
Author Brian Smith
– When did you start writing books, what moved you to start writing?
I wrote my first book, “Off the Record,” when I retired from publishing my own weekly newspaper on Tasmania’s remote West Coast, as I believed such an experience was well worth recording. My next book was, “Convict Connections,” a story about a convict woman and a marine who came out to Australia from Britain with the First Fleet in 1788 and founded the Harrison Family of North West Tasmania. I have a passionate interest in history, particularly family history.
– Tell us about your book. Why should everyone buy them?
My latest book, “Witness to a Miracle,” is a story about people who have, ‘drawn the short straw in the lottery of life,’ as I described it in the book, particularly that of my brother Rockney who was born with Downs Syndrome, as well as having a stroke at birth. Despite his hardships he lived until the age of 61. What happened to his body just two days before he died was totally unbelievable and can only be described as being a miracle.
A person would have to read the full story which covers reports of paranormal intervention in many people’s lives, but Rockneys experience has never been reported to have happened to any one else previously. A long and thorough search around the world in an effort to find an explanation has failed to do so. It is a story of intrigue and human sadness as well as deep family love that will leave you wondering about how little we really know about what is happening around us.
– What is your all time favorite novel/book? What makes it special?
My favourite book is ‘Passport’ written by Wilfred Burchett. It is special to myself because I was a personal friend of Wilfred and was involved in some of the occurrences he outlines in his book. I admired his honesty as a war correspondent as well as his integrity in his many books on world affairs.
– Tell us a bit about your writing process.
I enjoy writing historical non-fiction books. I usually write late at night and leave it untouched for a while before returning to edit it at a later date. My memory seems to return as I write much easier than when I try to relate a story orally.
– What author would you love to have dinner with?
I enjoyed many dinners and a shot of whisky with Wilfred Burchett. Dinners I sadly miss now that he has died.
– Tell us about your hobbies and passions other than writing.
I am now retired and enjoy walking my Staffordshire Terrier dog, Jax. I don’t walk that easily these days so I therefore ride along on my mobility scooter with Jax on a lead alongside me.
– We have many followers who would like to start writing a book or are already writing their first novel, any advice for these brave people?
If you have a passion for writing don’t let anybody put you off. Writing is good for the soul and keeps the brain active. Keep at it and your love for words will give you much pleasure. Don’t write for money, write only for pleasure. The rewards will come.
– How often do you write, daily, every other day or?
I try to write daily, if I don’t write I get withdrawals.
– What are you reading at the moment?
I am reading three books at the moment, ‘Jock Harper- A Scotch Tasmanian’, ‘Tasmania’s Convicts’ by Alison Alexander and ‘By Sea and Stars’ by Trent Dalton.
– How is it to be an author in your country? Do you have a good support from the local public?
Being an author in Australia is as competitive as most other places in the world. I think my local public give me reasonable support.
– Certainly you have had some interesting episodes as an author, fans related or others, share one of them with us.
Being an author doesn’t draw fans as much as being a sporting star, but most authors I know are more likely to be introverted than extroverted, and that suits them fine. I am not an exception. I think we all love observing others.
– A final message for our circleofbooks.com readers.
Authors are of course story tellers, and we all need readers. It is our job to make our stories entertaining and enjoyable to read and the readers will come if they know the book they want to read is out there. I hope this book, ‘Witness to a Miracle,’ turns out to be one that the readers will enjoy by stimulating their tolerances and thoughts about spiritualism and the paranormal.
Thank you Brian Smith. We at circleofbooks.com wish you much success!
Click here to visit the author page here on Circle of Books.