Author Express brings you an intriguing conversation with Kay Smith-Blum, an Austin-born, Seattle-based writer who transitioned from high-end retail to become an acclaimed author. Join Kristi Leonard as they explore the compelling backstory of Kay’s novel Tangles, which sheds light on the Hanford nuclear site controversy. Be enthralled by Kay’s unique journey from a successful career in fashion to crafting a story rooted in deeply researched history and personal accounts. Find out what it was like for her to weave intricate narratives and how she channels her twin sons' gardens and lap pool sessions into overcoming writer's block. This episode is a must-listen for those wanting to connect with the human stories behind historical events.
Kay Smith-Blum is a former business owner and Seattle School Board President. An avid gardener, Smith-Blum founded Environmental Endeavors, the first greenhouse program in Seattle Public Elementary Schools. A fan of mid-20th-century history, Smith-Blum has penned two other manuscripts set in Texas, but the recent upheaval over leaking radioactive waste tanks at the Hanford Nuclear site drew her in. A meticulous researcher, Smith-Blum felt compelled to write the Hanford story in a way that would educate and entertain readers. The result is her debut novel, Tangles, named Book of the Year by the Literary Global Book Awards and Best Debut Fiction by the American Writing Awards 2024. Smith-Blum’s published short works may be found in multiple literary journals. A companion short story to Tangles is included in the 2024 award-winning anthology, Feisty Deeds that Smith-Blum co-edited. Named the Western WA Woman Business Owner of 2013, Smith-Blum has lived in Washington State for four decades. A sunrise writer, she works out her writer’s block in her sons’ gardens and the nearest lap pool.
Learn more about Kay Smith-Blum:
Website - www.kaysmith-blum.com
Instagram - @discerningKSB
Facebook - Kay Smith-Blum
Interested in meeting Kay in person?
If you are in Washington state you can catch her for an Author Signing at Barnes and Noble in Totem Lake on Feb 8, 2025 from 12:00 pm- 3pm PDT.
Support your local bookstore & this podcast by getting your copy of Tangles at Bookshop.org
A little about today's host-
Kristi Leonard is a modern Renaissance woman deeply rooted in the book world. When she's not immersed in crafting novels, she's orchestrating writing retreats through her business, Writers in the Wild, or lending her voice to non-fiction audiobooks. She leads the Women’s Fiction Writers Association as the president of the board, and interviews her writer pals as one of the hosts of the Author Express Podcast. She will start querying her first book in 2024.
Beyond the realm of words, Kristi embraces the Florida sunshine by hiking with her writer-hiker group and leisurely walks on the beach. She and her husband juggle a couple side businesses and take turns sharing the couch with their goofy Golden-doodle, Maddie. Kristi enjoys travel adventures with her twin sister and living vicariously through her grown children. You can learn more about her and connect at: https://linktr.ee/kristileonard.
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