Brad Smith

It's been described as "country noir" and that's a term I like. I usually focus on blue collar stories, often set in rural locations. I also tend to gravitate to underdogs. There's something satisfying about creating a character who wins against all odds. I wish it would happen more frequently in real life!

I grew up in a tiny hamlet in Southern Ontario. It was a railroad village and at one time many of the inhabitants worked on the railway - Canadian National, New York Central or T H & B. I was exposed to those workers, as well as farmers, mechanics and builders from an early age. My grandfather, uncle and father all worked on the railway. I eventually worked there as a signalman myself, as well as working as a farmer and carpenter, so I have always been exposed to people who work with their hands and who are very pragmatic and practical when faced with life's little (and big) problems.

A voracious reader. I recall reading Scott Young's hockey books for young readers, as well as the Hardy Boys mysteries and western comic books. My mother read to myself and my siblings from a very young age. She passed away last year at age 92 and never stopped reading.

My novel, THE RETURN OF KID COOPER, won the Spur Award for best western novel in 2019. I always wanted to write a western but put it off until I knew I had it right. I always thought I'd get just one shot at it so it had better be good!

Charles Portis, John Steinbeck, Robert Stone, Richard Russo, Mark Twain.

Out Of Africa. I love the imagery and the period and the style. The setting in that era reminds me of the American west, another favorite time and place of mine.

Probably Virgil Cain in my 3 book series - RED MEANS RUN, CROW'S LANDING and SHOOT THE DOG. Virgil is a jack of all trades, similar to myself, and also a very practical man, if a tad on the stubborn side. (I wonder we that comes from!) People ask if he's me and I'm always obligated to reply that he's a better version of me.

A Different Drummer Books in Burlington, Ontario.

A small front room, surrounded by windows. Ancient roll top desk of solid oak, and a woodstove sitting conveniently 6 feet away.

My living room, on a plush leather sofa. I live on a quiet country road so there are few distractions here.