I'd like to extend a warm welcome to Laney Smith, author of The Time Capsule Series! She was kind enough to join us for an interview today :)
Tell
us a bit about your books. What do you like writing about?
I like writing about things that inspire reactions
from the readers. I want to make them feel like they’ve had an experience when
they step out of one of the worlds I put in pages. No one wants to read a book
and walk away feeling as though they gained nothing. I want the readers to walk
away from their time with me and feel like they really experienced the story.
So, I like to write about anything that will “check in” with the reader and
remind them that they are having an experience, not just killing time. I want
them to crave more. Therefore, I write
about things I would want to read.
Do
you have a favorite book you’ve written or a favorite character?
This
is tough. I love all of the books for their own reasons. Each one has pushed me
in some way that made me better than the book before it. I like One Year’s Time
because I did it! I finally finished a book. But, I also love that one because
it is falling in love. I wanted to write it so that the reader could get to
fall in love, right along with the characters. I like In Their Own Time because
there are several clever revelations in that book that are so much fun, I
envision the reader to be laughing, smirking, feeling surprised, and definitely
feeling amused. That one feels like so much happens that it makes me realize
this whole journey has been a gift, handed to me. I’m so proud of how well that
all came together and answered so much, yet opened so many doors at the same
time. By the time readers make it to the end of this book, there is a definite
passion for this story and these characters. I absolutely love this book for
that bond it has afforded for me to share with the readers. I love Derrick’s
Time because it is almost like sitting in a confession booth with Derrick
Decker, the main male character of the Lock Creek: Time Capsule Series. He’s
not perfect, but he’s loveable. He’s made mistakes, but he’s learned from them.
This book shows that we almost lost him to the wild side, but he found his way
back to us. Then, the fourth one, Time of Death… There are no words to express
the passion I feel for this book. I have never experienced anything like this
in anything I’ve ever written. It is a darker look at Lock Creek. There is a
scene in this one that I thought would kill me. I cried for two weeks. It may
sound crazy, but if I think about it too much, I cry still. It pulled my heart
out of my chest. I love it because this was the most challenging book to date,
for a number of reasons. It was emotional. It was intense. It was daring and
bold. The writing process for this one was entirely different than any of the
predecessors. This one is my pride because I know the torture it put me through
in every way. I love it and this one is just unreal. I can’t wait to see what
the follow up for this one will be. But, I have a hunch that it will be a more
relaxed, less emotional sequel this time.
As
far as a favorite character, I love Derrick Decker with all that I am. I laugh
as I say that. But, he’s an amazing character. I use this metaphor all the time
because it’s the best way I can relay how it works for me. When I write, what
happens in my mind is like a vacant room with a desk by a window. There is a door
to the room. Beyond the door, there is a hallway where people mingle and pass
in transit from point A to point B. Every now and then, one of those “people” sticks their head in the
doorway to talk to me. They are a character with a story to tell. So, I listen
to them, and write what they want to tell. Sometimes, they butt in front of
each other, interrupting the story in progress. So, I work with whichever story
has the pushiest character. When Derrick Decker wants to tell a story, he’s far
more subtle and polite about it. He’s got a cockiness about him, I’m pretty
sure that is because he knows he’s my favorite. He doesn’t have to push and
shove. He’s the king of my character world. So, he strolls up with a cocky
smirk, he usually leans against the doorjamb and I stare at him for a second,
excited that he stopped by. He says some random, ornery comment and then we get
to work. I love those days because I don’t have to try to fight for a
storyline. After Derrick Decker makes his grand entrance, the story starts
playing in my head like watching a movie. So, the struggle, then, becomes
capturing it all as fast as I can. I love when I see Derrick in my metaphorical
doorway. I know that sounds nutty. But, that’s why he is my favorite character.
Where
do you find inspiration for the next story?
Honestly, it usually just happens. My mind is like a
stack of papers that got placed in front of an opened window on a windy day.
They just swirl around all the time. Some play out, and some are short lived.
Sometimes it is a great idea today. Tomorrow, I may roll my eyes and try to
figure out what I was thinking. I just try to grab what I can and let go of
those things that just don’t develop. But, I think you feel it when it’s
something tangible and I think you know when it happens.
What/Who
influenced you to write?
My friends and family have told me for years that I
need to write. I usually shook my head and went on about my business. I love
writing. I just never thought writing a book was anything I would ever do. There
were signs all throughout my life, trying to tell me I should be a writer. I
just ignored them. It is kind of surreal when everything lines up just right
and you finally get all the things you had missed before. You feel something
unlike anything else. I felt it and I wish that feeling off on every person
that walks the earth. It’s pretty amazing!
Do
you listen to music while writing? If so what kind of music inspires you?
A lot of times I do. I can’t say any particular type
of music inspires me. I can be anywhere in the world and hear music from
various sources. Sometimes it happens where I hear a song somewhere, somehow
and mental images start popping in my head. I try to capture the song that
inspired those flashes, and I listen to that song over and over again until
I’ve written the scene that song inspired. In terms of picking a song, or songs
to listen to while I write, it doesn’t work like that for me. If there isn’t a
song inspiring a scene, I’d rather have silence.
What
are you reading right now?
This week I’m reading Ebony Sea: Origins by Marc
Meiner and Elderberry Croft The Complete Collection by Becky Doughty. I was looking for a passage in one of my
favorite Stephen King books a couple of weeks ago and ended up watching the
movie and now, I’m also re-reading that book, too. So, my eyes are going to
fall out pretty soon.
If
you could travel anywhere in the world—without worrying about the cost—where
would you go?
My friend lives in Canada and she posted a picture
of Banff, Alberta. I’d go spend a snowy weekend there. Seems like it would be a
beautiful place to sit by a cozy fire, watch the snow and feel small in the big
old world. I’d also go to Keystone in Colorado for the same reasons. Then, I’d
probably round out the trip on a warm, sunny beach where I could listen to the
earth breathe.
Is
there anything you’d like your readers to know about you or your novels?
I hope you’ll all check out the Lock Creek: Time
Capsule Series. I look forward to hearing from you and meeting you when I’m out
there, signing your books. I hope reading it is as much fun for you as writing
it was for me.
Where
can readers find you online?
Twitter:
@OYTLaneySmith
Instagram:
www.instagram.com/author.laney.smith/
Lock Creek: One Year’s Time is the first book in the Time Capsule series. This book is anything but your typical love story. This romantic mystery will keep you guessing with unexpected twists and turns, making this lively story fun and engaging. With realistic characters, a charming setting and an intriguing story, you will find yourself longing to escape with your “friends” in Lock Creek. This first book will introduce you to these characters and allow you to have a bond unlike any other. You will be excited, mystified and entertained as this story plays out in vivid color! And, remember, this is only the beginning! Welcome to Lock Creek!
Buy the series here
About the Author
Laney Smith has enjoyed writing her entire
life. She had her first poem published in 1995. Since then, she has
written multiple stories for local newspapers. She is the proud mother of
two wonderful, brilliant and talented young men and has two younger brothers.
Though she currently resides in California, she has lived in places such as
Arkansas, Texas, Mississippi and Colorado. This has given Laney an
exciting opportunity to experience aspects of life that she uses to create
settings, characters, and even ideals. Through the encouragement of
friends and family, Laney has now decided to pursue her hobby on a more serious
level. Thus, “One Year’s Time” was born (the first book in the Time
Capsule Series) and it is with great pride that she brings this fun story to
you.
