Jim Hirtle
Jim Hirtle
Zombies!
Zombies!
Zombies!
Wednesday 7th January 2026
Explore Stuart Smith's journey from dream to publication in this engaging episode on writing and zombies.
31 minutes
Inspiring
Informative
Honest
Motivational
Engaging
About this podcast
Author:
Jim Hirtle
Overview:
Categories:
Healing from Sexual Trauma
Comedic Journeys
Body & Mind
Spiritual & Personal Growth Journeys
Religion & Spirituality
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Episodes:
75 (View all)
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Get the buttons here!Zombies, Writing, and Indie Publishing with Stuart Smith
Episode Overview
- Stuart Smith shares his journey from dream to published author.
- Unique elements like hive mind behaviour add depth to zombie lore.
- Balancing writing with a busy life requires dedication and sacrifice.
- Self-publishing involves challenges in editing and marketing.
- Engaging beta readers can significantly improve book quality.
"Sleep's overrated, isn't it? I think my kids are 10 and 9 now, so I gave up on sleep a decade ago."
What remarkable journeys have people faced head-on against addiction? This episode of J Hirtle's podcast is a fascinating dive into the world of zombies and writing. With guest Stuart Smith, author of 'The Last Sanctuary of the Living,' listeners get an inside look at the creative process behind crafting a zombie apocalypse story.
Stuart shares how his love for writing was reignited through a dream and how that dream turned into a gripping narrative set against the backdrop of Tudor castles in the UK. Smith discusses the intricacies of character development, highlighting his main character, Sidney, a reluctant hero who finds himself thrust into leadership during a zombie apocalypse. He also touches on the unique elements he brings to the zombie genre, such as a hive mind behaviour among the undead.
But it's not just about the zombies; it's about the human element and the eternal struggle between good and evil. Beyond storytelling, Stuart opens up about his journey as an indie author, sharing candid insights into the challenges of self-publishing, marketing, and finding time to write amidst a busy life. His dedication to his craft is evident as he juggles family, work, and writing, often sacrificing sleep to pursue his passion.
If you're curious about what it takes to write and publish your own book or if you're just a fan of zombie tales with a twist, this episode is a must-listen. It’s an engaging mix of storytelling, personal anecdotes, and practical advice that will leave you inspired to tackle your own creative projects. So, what does it take to bring your dreams to life? Dive into this episode and find out!