Alissa Smith – Writer of contemporary fiction and twisted tales
Alissa has been an enthusiastic reader and passionate writer from a very young age. Throughout her childhood, and to this day, she is happiest with her nose buried in a book. She finds inspiration in the greats from Roald Dahl to Stephen King. The art of imaginative storytelling fascinates her.
With much encouragement from friends and family, she has embarked on the journey to becoming a fiction novelist. Alissa is currently editing her first novel in the genre of contemporary fiction. Centred around life in New Zealand from the 1960s to 1980s, the story may bring on spells of nostalgia from the past half-century. It follows a young man through his life with complex characters and creative endeavours. The book explores themes that appeal to a broad audience, from young adults to seniors. Alissa is fizzing to get her novel out into the world so that she can share it with others.
Alissa was thrilled to be selected as a recipient for the New Zealand Society of Authors Mentorship Programme 2020. This has been running since 1999 with some very positive outcomes. Sponsored by Creative New Zealand.
Raven Books
Raven Books is not only named after Alissa’s beautiful black cat called Raven, but also two literary references.
1. The Mad Hatter’s unanswerable riddle
Mad Hatter: “Why is a raven like a writing-desk?”
– Lewis Carroll, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
“Have you guessed the riddle yet?” the Hatter said, turning to Alice again.
“No, I give it up,” Alice replied: “What’s the answer?”
“I haven’t the slightest idea,” said the Hatter.
2. The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe
Let my heart be still a moment and this mystery explore…
– Edgar Allan Poe, The Raven
Keep up with Alissa’s writing journey!
Follow Raven Books by Alissa Smith on YouTube (don’t forget to subscribe!) so you can keep up with her experiences in her writing vlog.
In addition to the videos, sign up to her newsletter, or follow her on Twitter (@alissa_writes). She shares her challenges and delights, as well as documenting her writing and editing journey.
Thank you to everyone who has supported Alissa by following, subscribing, encouraging, assisting, reading, listening, contributing, and cheering her on. She couldn’t do it without you all!