Author Interview: JB Smith
Q&A with the contributors from the latest issue of Hinterland - and news that our submissions window is closing very soon.
J.B. Smith is a freelance writer covering science, nature and culture, taking in everything from neuroscience to the Moomins. He has written for the i Paper, New Humanist, Psyche.co and many more besides. Hailing from Shropshire but now based in South London, Joe spent much of his life DJing at raves and rock climbing. He recently completed an MA in Creative Writing at Birkbeck University, where he focused on creative non-fiction and fiction for younger readers. His piece ‘Between Falling and Flying’ appears in Issue 17.
What’s the last thing (except for this!) that you wrote?
The last thing I wrote for fun was a scribbled list of the plants I saw on my morning walk: ragwort, dog rose, blackthorn, yew.
What’s a recent discovery that you can’t keep quiet about?
Song for a Dark Queen by Rosemary Sutcliff — it’s a dark, lyrical, heartbreaking retelling of Boudicca’s doomed rebellion against the Romans for children aged nine to ninety.
Words to live by…
Ignore the use-by-date — trust your nose
Tell us something about yourself that surprises people...
When I was 10 years old I browbeat my parents into getting me bagpipe lessons. I have no Scottish ancestry. I gave up after three weeks, much to the neighbours’ relief.
What’s your piece in this issue about?
A lecture on time by Julia Bell triggered a flashbulb memory of the temporal elasticity I experienced when falling down a cliff. I picked away at that memory and this piece about rock climbing, addiction and male friendship came tumbling out.
Submissions Closing Soon
Just a heads up — our current submissions window closes in two days, so you’ve just got time if you’re quick to submit your full-length (up to 5000 words) and flash (1250 words) non-fiction pieces. Although we’re open to submissions on any topic, we’re particularly interested in pieces that address the theme of nurturing, parenting and relationships with one’s parents.
You can read the submission guidelines and submit here. Both submission calls close at midnight on 31st October (spooky!).