Writing Dystopian Fiction with Author Susy Smith

Text the Bookcast and say "hi"!Welcome to Chapter 48 of the Okie Bookcast!My guest is  Susy Smith, author of Ascendant, the new book in her award-winning Asylum series, a set of dystopian novels set in Oklahoma that explore the intricacies of survival, freedom, and the dark side of human nature. In our conversation we talk about her novels and about starting her writing career a bit later in life. We also talk about setting books in Oklahoma, her poetry, and her important work with the Kanza tribe in the area of language learning and retention. Connect with Susy: website | Facebook | TikTok | Instagram | TwitterOur review for this episode comes from poet Sydney Aerin. Sydney is a licensed therapist who is passionate about mental health education, disability awareness, and equality for all. You can find Sydney's performance and publication information on her Instagram (@sydneysometimes), including a couple of performances coming later in September at the Sunny Dayz Mural Festival  and Norman Arts in the Wind. You can also hear Sydney perform her poetry in Volume 5 and the upcoming Volume 6 of Behind the Rain, our audio anthology of Oklahoma poetry at okiebookcast.com/behind the rain. Sydney is reviewing Love Letters for Women, a poetry collection by another Oklahoma City poet (and Behind the Rain contributor) Kristen Grace. Connect with Sydney: InstagramMentioned on the Show:Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit - J.R.R. TolkienThe Hunger Games - Suzanne CollinsThe Walking Dead - Robert Kirkman and Tony MooreRobert FrostEdgar Allen PoeThe Inheritance Games series - Jennifer Lynn BarnesThe Brothers Hawthorne - Jennifer Lynn BarnesWhere the Red Fern Grows - Wilson RawlsA Wrinkle in Time and A Wind in the Door - Madeline L'EngleEmily of New Moon series - Lucy Maud MontgomeryConnect with J: website | TikTok | Twitter | Instagram | FacebookShop the Bookcast on Bookshop.orgMusic by JuliusH