Author Interview with A.K. Smith
Welcome to today’s interview with acclaimed author A.K. Smith. A.K. spends her days near the magical Sea of Cortez in Mexico, drawing inspiration from the shimmering waters for her delightful children’s picture book series featuring Glowy the fish. Through Glowy’s captivating adventures, A.K. shares important lessons about kindness and empathy, all while treating young readers to fun facts about the marine world. With seven books currently available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble, including a prequel that is free for all on Amazon, A.K. Smith’s series is bound to enchant and educate children of all ages. And when she’s not captivating young minds, A.K. also delves into the world of gripping suspense novels for adults. Join us as we delve into the creative mind behind these enchanting stories and learn more about A.K. Smith’s writing process and inspiration.
What drew you to writing your preferred genre?
Living on a tiny island in the Sea of Cortez, surrounded by such incredible marine life, you can’t help but feel inspired to write about the sea! The initial spark came from experiencing the magic of bioluminescence; it made me realize how much I wanted children to learn about the ocean’s wonders, its amazing creatures, and the importance of taking care of it. Jacques Cousteau famously called the Sea of Cortez ‘the world’s aquarium,’ and I hope my books, particularly the Gloi the Fish series, can bring more awareness to this special place and encourage a love for all the great wonders of the sea in young readers.
Describe your writing space.
I’m incredibly fortunate to have a room dedicated entirely to my writing. One wall is lined with beloved books, but the real heart of the space is the sliding glass door that looks out over a saltwater lagoon here in Mexico. I find inspiration every single day watching the fish jump and the shorebirds fly past. There’s something about being near the water – if I’m not actually on it or in it, simply looking at it fuels my creativity immensely. It’s my peaceful haven for crafting stories.
What are common traps for aspiring writers?
I believe one of the biggest traps for aspiring writers is simply the hurdle of getting started. There’s often a desire to write, but uncertainty about where or how to begin can lead to paralysis. Sometimes writers get caught up in thinking it has to be perfect right away, or they worry too much about potential criticism before they’ve even put words on the page. This fear of the blank page or of not being ‘good enough’ can unfortunately stop potentially wonderful stories from ever being told.
What advice would you give a new writer, someone just starting out?
First, just begin! Don’t wait for perfection. Set aside dedicated time, even if it’s just 30 minutes a day – set a timer and write. Gather your ideas, let them flow without judgment initially. Second, don’t fall into the trap of thinking you have to go it alone. Seek out other writers! There’s a wonderfully supportive community out there, whether it’s online, in your city, or at local writing groups. In my experience, writers genuinely want to help each other succeed – it’s very much a ‘pay it forward’ community. Most importantly, listen to your own voice and write the story that’s truly in your heart.
How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
Publishing my first book was a tremendous confidence booster. Knowing that a publisher believed in my story and my words enough to invest in bringing it to life was incredibly validating. It shifted something internally, making the blank page for the next book feel a little less daunting. Furthermore, going through the entire publishing process – from editing to cover design to marketing – was an invaluable education. It gave me a much clearer understanding of the journey a book takes after the writing is done, which as I learned is jut the first step of many in being an author.
Are there any authors or books that helped you the most when you were writing your (first) book?
For aspiring novelists, I often recommend reading “Writing the Breakout Novel” by Donald Maass; it offers fantastic insights into crafting compelling fiction. However, beyond specific books, the greatest help came from the community of authors I connected with through writing conferences and writers’ groups, especially here in the Phoenix area. There wasn’t just one author, but rather the collective wisdom, motivation, and encouragement from fellow writers that truly helped propel me forward in my writing career and navigate the challenges of that first book. Their support was invaluable.
What are the words you live by?
“The words that guide me most stem from the question: ‘What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?’ This quote resonates deeply because it cuts straight through the fear – fear of failing, fear of the unknown – that can keep us from even starting. It reminds me that potential often lies hidden behind the things we’re most afraid to try. We can’t know what’s possible unless we dare to attempt it, even if failure seems likely.
Putting this into practice felt very real when I started pitching my book at writing conferences. I was terrified, convinced I didn’t belong and didn’t know the ‘right’ way. But that question prompted me forward. Connecting with other writers there was transformative. They didn’t just offer inspiration; they showed me that trying was the victory, and that learning to fail—and get back up—is an essential part of any meaningful endeavor.”
What is your favorite quote from your book?
My favorite quote is,” because the brightest light of all comes from sharing kindness with others. Get your glow on.” I think if we all had our glow on with kindness the world would be a different place and I think children need to learn this from very young age that quite simply kindness does glow!
You can find out more about A.K. Smith here>>
A Book by A.K. Smith
Want to read some of A.K. Smith’s work? Keep reading to learn about Glowy and the Mermaid Who Loves Sparkles.
Deep beneath the sparkling waves, meet Glowy, a special bioluminescent fish whose gentle light brightens the ocean! When she encounters Glitter, a dazzle-loving mermaid who collects everything that shines, their magical underwater adventure teaches an important lesson about friendship and kindness.
Perfect for young readers ages 3-8 who adore:
– Mermaids and ocean magic
– Sea creatures and marine life
– Stories about friendship and kindness
– Beautiful underwater adventures
– Picture books with heartwarming messages
“Who knew a fish named Glowy could bring out kindness?” Join Glowy and Glitter as they discover that true friendship sparkles brighter than any treasure. This enchanting tale shows that “Kindness Glows” in unexpected ways!
★ BONUS: Includes FREE monthly access to underwater-themed DIY crafts and coloring pages! “Get Your Glow On” with fun sea creature activities perfect for creative young minds.
Can be enjoyed as a standalone story or as part of The Sparkling Adventures of Glowy the Fish series. Dive into this shimmering adventure that will delight young readers while teaching valuable lessons about respect for nature and the importance of being kind.
Purchase Glowy and the Mermaid Who Loves Sparkles here>>