We recently had the chance to connect with Simone Snaith and have shared our conversation below.
Simone, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What is a normal day like for you right now?
I have two part-time jobs and I frequently pet-sit as well, so sometimes it feels like I’m running around too much. On a normal day, I end up squeezing errands and cooking in between it all. But it’s always important to me to find time to read and listen to music.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am an author of Fantasy books for adults and young adults. I’m inspired by ’80s fantasy films and books, fairy tales and legends, the supernatural, and monsters. I tend to lean towards magic and wonder, but with a touch of a gothic sensibility. My YA Fantasy novel entitled “Between The Water & The Woods” is available through Holiday House Books wherever books are sold. I also have several self-published novels available on Amazon.
I’m also a singer/songwriter and I have a band called Turning Violet. I love rock music from the ’80s and ’90s, punk, new wave, goth, indie rock, and more. Music frequently plays a role in my books, especially my most recent adult Fantasy novel for which I’m currently seeking an agent. The protagonist is a tavern singer, so I enjoyed writing lyrics for her original songs and the folk songs from her world.
Last but not least, I’m also a character in an online puppet series called Other Monsters. Created by my husband Robert Blackburn, it’s for all ages and especially tailored to anyone who feels like they don’t fit in, especially due to neurodiversity. I play a version of myself whose apartment has been taken over by furry monsters from another dimension.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
I was a fairy or an elf who was supposed to find the right secret door and escape the ordinary world. Unfortunately, I’m still here. Now I understand that we have to create our own magic and the best way to do that is through the arts.
When you were sad or scared as a child, what helped?
Books, music, and movies, just like they do now. But I was also blessed with a loving family who helped as well!
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What important truth do very few people agree with you on?
A few years ago, I discovered a term that fits the unpopular political views I’ve held my whole life: Democratic Socialist. I’ll quote the wonderful Ursula K. Le Guin: “We live in capitalism. Its power seems inescapable. So did the divine right of kings. Any human power can be resisted and changed by human beings.”
I also believe that if humans can survive without killing or harming animals, then that is the right thing to do. That’s why I’m vegan.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What will you regret not doing?
Living in a cabin in the deep woods. It might still happen one day! But it seems unlikely (and impractical).
Contact Info:
- Other: www.linktr.ee/othermonstersbsky.app/profile/simonesnaith.bsky.social
