I suppose having an active imagination and the desire to create something that people would enjoy. I’ve always been a creative person, whether it was music, art or photography, and I reached a point where I wanted to add writer to the list.
How did you feel when you got your first publishing contract?
I felt elated, like a lifelong dream had finally come true. If I recall, my feet didn’t touch the ground for three days. Even now, five books later, I still get the same feeling when a new one has been accepted for publication.
How do you categorize yourself: pantser or plotter?
Definitely a plotter. With me, an engaging plot is everything, whether I’m writing contemporary romantic comedies or mystery/thrillers. Even erotica needs a reason for the characters to get it on, unless your story is about the life of a professional escort.
What makes a book great in your eyes?
Colorful characters, realistic dialogue, believable yet imaginative situations and great atmosphere.
What is the biggest piece of your advice you can give a beginning writer?
When you find a good story idea that you’re passionate about, discipline yourself to sit down, write it, polish it, and don’t give up your dream of getting it published.
What influences your writing? And why?
This may sound odd, but my biggest influences have come from movies. I appreciate good cinematic story telling, especially anything scripted by Billy Wilder and Blake Edwards. When I think of what to say in certain life situations, I’m more likely to quote Billy Wilder than Oscar Wilde.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently developing a new romantic intrigue series, but with a twist: the only recurring character will be the male lead, with a different woman drifting into each installment for him to get involved with.
Who is your favorite all-time author?
I can’t fairly narrow it down to one, so here are four, in random order: Raymond Chandler, James W. Hall, Carl Hiaasen and—Shhh! Don’t tell anyone!—Mickey Spillane.
Are love scenes easy/difficult to write?
To get them right, I’d have to say they’re difficult. There are only so many ways you can describe kissing and what usually follows without being clichéd—the trick is finding new ways to tell it.
Do you write in one genre or several different ones? And why?
I write in the thriller and contemporary romance genres. I began as a writer of thrillers then decided I wanted to try something different, so I wrote my first romance. I like to alternate between the two to keep myself sharp. With the new series of romantic intrigue I’m working on, I think I’ve found a way to satisfy both urges.
If you could be anywhere right now, where would you be?
The Florida Keys, no question. It’s my favorite place to hang out and do research when I’m not parasailing or seeking out the perfect Pina Colada.
How do you deal with the dreaded writer’s block?
When I hit a dead end I put away whichever project I’m working on, take a few days off, then work on something else for a while.
Do you have another career besides writing? What is it?
My day job is working as a case manager for adults with disabilities. Although it’s very rewarding it’s also stressful, and writing provides a good release. Then again, so does a good bottle of twelve-year-old Scotch.
What’s your biggest reward in being a writer?
Mt biggest reward is having someone tell me how much they enjoyed what I’ve written. When they say I can’t wait to read your next one though—man, it doesn’t get much better than that!
To date, which is your favorite story? Which one did you have the most fun writing?
I’ve had fun writing all of them but it would be a toss-up between two. My favorite thriller was my third one, The Vendetta Factor, because I threw out the rules and added liberal doses of satire. My favorite romance novel to date is my upcoming release, The Sweet Distraction. I had a lot of fun with this one because I went primarily for laughs while telling a good love story against a subplot that became funnier the longer I wrote.
How do you go about developing your characters and setting?
My characters have to have flaws to make them believable. I don’t wish to offend anyone, but I’ve never been a fan of the knight on a white horse type of hero. I write contemporary stories and in the real world, those guys just don’t exist. I believe everyone has some event that shaped their personality, and it’s my obligation as a writer to use it to give the characters depth. As for settings, I try to stay away from locations or situations that have been overexposed. My two romances took place in Dayton, Ohio instead of somewhere exotic like Florida, and it was a challenge to make the Gem City look romantic.
If you had the opportunity to say one thing to your readers, what would that be?
For those who have read any of my books, I’d like to say thank you, and if you liked them, tell your friends they were written by Tim Smith. If you didn’t like them, say it was Nora Roberts.
Check out Tim’s webpage at: www.timsmithauthor.com