Karline Smith

I’ve finished writing a 16th century supernatural fantasy historical fiction novel. 94000 words. I must be crazy. Researched as I went along. I broke it apart. Scrapped half of it and started rewriting from the middle. First draft done.

Literary agents don’t like writers like me, published in the past, short stories, awards. I’m washed up, old and don’t have a ‘new voice’, right?

Just realised that mental illness and alcoholism are recurring themes in my writing—both in my first novel and the one I’m working on now. Never consciously noticed it before, but maybe it’s no surprise given their impact on my life and family. Funny how the subconscious works.

7/7 This year has been amazing for my writing, and I have no doubt that next year will be just as good. Stay tuned—there’s more to come.

the realities of aging and fatigue. 6/7 Despite everything, I’ve stayed the course. The novel is now nearing completion, and I’m beginning to think about finding an agent and publisher. It’s been a tough journey, but it’s also been incredibly rewarding.

1/7 I was commissioned to write two short stories, with the expectation they would be published in 2024. I was excited about the opportunity. For a while, I didn’t hear much, which was unusual since updates on rewrites and edits are usually timely.

My writing is my identity. I write what I feel. If you don’t get it that’s fine but don’t disrespect me or my intelligence.

Edie’s story in The Whistling Bird echoes the struggles of 1950s London, racial tensions boiling. Enter Claudia Jones—activist and founder of the first Caribbean Carnival in 1959. Her legacy? Turning pain into celebration!#ClaudiaJones #NottingHillCarnival #HistoricalFiction

The full @McrLitFest programme has just dropped and it's packed full of ideas to inspire, move, challenge and reimagine the world through literature. 📅 4-20th October Tickets open for priority booking from today, on general sale Thursday. #CityofLit manchestercityofliterature.com/news/mancheste…

The cat had 9 lives, used 8 of them and didn’t meow in any of them #AQuietPlaceDayOne

Understanding the Windrush story helps me appreciate the sacrifices made by my ancestors. It reminds me of their strength and determination, values that have been passed down through generations.

Their journey wasn’t just about physical migration. It was about cultural migration as well, bringing vibrant Jamaican culture, music, food, and traditions to the UK, enriching the cultural landscape.

As a child of Jamaican heritage, the #windrush generation holds a deeply personal and profound significance for me. The thousands of Caribbean men and women who traveled to the UK aboard the HMT Empire Windrush in 1948 and beyond, invited to help rebuild the country after WWII

We did it!🎉 Thanks to everyone who made Voices of Resilience such a special evening ❤️ We’re totalling everything up but it looks like over £3000 from tickets and book sales raised for 🇵🇸 aid charities in just one evening! Amazing work everybody 👏

Get ready to meet incredible talents of Tade Thompson, @Temi_Oh , Gerald Vreden, and more! Immerse in compelling stories from @courttianewland , @peterkalu , @karline_smith & @LuanGoldie. The International Black Speculative Writing Fest 2-4 February: 🎫 👉🏽bitly.ws/ZaBC