Beth “B.R” Smith
@brsmithbooks.bsky.social
I write books about strange weather, murder and the places people drink coffee. Occasional painter of things. Rep: Amanda Jain at BookEnds Literary. https://linktr.ee/brsmithbooks
Sorry I’ve been AWOL, I’ve been buried in a book. This one, in fact. It was meant to be an easy job, cleaning out an old lady’s house. Except, the locals think the house is haunted, the previous owner may have been murdered, and there’s a body in the boat house with Kit’s real name carved into it…
Writer pals, as we venture into “best of” list season, remember to focus on your other accomplishments. That new draft, the books you’ve read to hone your craft… Maybe the new thing you’re doing outside of writing (these are so important!) Zero in on what you can control, and keep your head up. ❤️
I had one of those days where the words just weren’t coming yesterday. Here are all the things I tried. I ended up making it over the next 10K interval in my current project and writing the beginning of the next one! #writingcommunity #writersky
I gave myself full permission to just rest and read for the day and so of course I keep finding myself sneaking words on my WIP on the side. It’s almost more fun this way. I’m cheating on my reading to write my book.
The horrors persist, but so do dogs. Sharing a snippet of my thriller WIP about a girl, her dog and a whole lot of trouble. #writesky #writingcommunity #thrillerbooks
Writing about what it took for me to let go of my on sub book and start a new one + the best advice I received about going on submission. #onsubmission #writesky #writingcommunity open.substack.com/pub/writersa...
What it feels like to let go of a book
The best advice I received about being on submission
open.substack.com
I may have just written the best pitch of my life. I will never top this. I am 100% maniacal laughter right now. The title is so good it’s breaking my brain. Some books are gift books. I’m convinced that this is one.
Hi, my name is Beth, and I don’t believe in guilty pleasure books. Give up the guilt. Enjoy the book. #Booksky
Introducing my #WIP THE TAXIDERMIST, a romantic horror mystery described as THE HUNTING PARTY X RIP VAN WINKLE. Illustration: own work. Background image: provided copyright free by Birmingham Museum Trust. #RT #MiseryPit #A
Everything is uncertain and everything is terrifying and every night I sit down and write imagining that, word by word, I am building a better world. #writingcommunity
My video this week on Last Chance Writer’s Club is about finding joy in your creative process again. 🍁💛 If you watch it, I’d love you to let me know one of your ‘joy notes’ for today. #writingcommunity youtu.be/XY1jc8YBrBA?...
My WIP has taken a turn, as WIPs tend to do, and I’m now describing it as: THE HUNTING PARTY x RIP VAN WINKLE. I am so excited to submit my last assignments so I can dive headfirst into this deliciously spooky book!! #writesky #writingcommunity
This week on Last Chance I’m talking writing to your strengths. This was honestly the most transformative practice for me - to actively seek out the gold in feedback and use it to be even better at what I’m good at. I hope this discussion serves you, too! youtu.be/YmxwcmDxddQ?...
Art + words from my WIP about a doomed reader’s retreat. I’ve never painted in a journal before, and I think I’ll have to continue. It makes me so happy!
I’ve been searching for ways to give back to the #writingcommunity that has supported me for so many years, and what I came up with was this: The Last Chance Writer’s Club.
Quick after work oil painting. The sea wolves were calling.
The most important job of a first line… is to set up the next line. I actually think a first line that is too beautiful, too stunning, that holds you too much in thrall, actually prevents that so-important momentum at the beginning of a book. #writingcommunity #writesky