Author Interview and Giveaway: Fourteen

As part of The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing House's Summer Blowout Tour, we had the opportunity to interview Fourteen author,C. M. Smith. Read Meagen's review of Fourteen HERE, and enter to win one of five (5) ebook copies of Fourteen HERE. 


When and why did you begin writing?  I began writing when I was around 14 years old, and I honestly have no idea why. It was just something that I decided I was going to do, found that the people who read what I wrote didn't hate it, and continued on. 


Do you have a specific writing style? Not that I'm aware of. I write what comes to me. 


What inspired you to write Fourteen? I just remember that I was driving home from getting ice cream with my family a few summers ago and this idea popped into my head of this girl that was only a little overweight getting hurt by the popular guy she'd had a crush on. I got home and immediately started writing. 


Is there a message or moral you’d like others to get from this story?  I'd really like for everyone who reads this to understand how truly beautiful everyone really is, despite their shape, color or size. 



Do you have a favorite character? Arianna.


Which of your characters are you most like? I don't think that I'm like any of my characters, really. I could only hope to have half of Anna's strength on a good day. 


Is there an underlying message in your story?  I wasn't aiming for one, but I guess it would be to not judge a book by its cover, so to speak. 


What was the hardest scene to write?  The ending. I struggled with that for what felt like years. 


Which book(s) have most influenced your life and/or writing career? I really adore Nora Roberts. The way she writes draws me in completely. 


Do you bring any of your experiences or parts of your personality (or those of people you know) into your writing? Oh yes. The best inspiration is from daily life.


Do you ever experience writer’s block? If so, how do you overcome it? I definitely do, and I usually overcome it by taking a step back for a little while. I try to write something new. If that doesn't work, I force myself to write a little more each day until I'm finally back into my groove. 


Are there any new authors who have captured your interest? I have so many books from so many new authors just sitting here on my nightstand, waiting for me to read them. Sadly, I haven't found much time to do so. 


Outside of family members, where do you find your biggest source of support? My friends have been absolutely amazing and so entirely supportive of my writing. 


Can you share a little bit about your next project with us? It's completely different from Fourteen, and that's about all that I can say. I haven't gotten very far with it, unfortunately.


Thank you for the interview!