Southern River’s own Kayde Smith, at just age 23, is set to make his debut as a published author with the upcoming release of Weeping Willow, a novel that brings to life the dramatic changes and life of late 19th-century Imperialist Russia.
Set in the cold, autocratic capital of the Russian Empire, Weeping Willow follows George Romanov, a young royal overshadowed by his elder brother Nicholas, who is destined to become emperor.
While Nicholas accepts his fate, George grapples with the possibility of change or death for the nation as he prepares for a future that may never come.
Reflecting on his achievement of successfully publishing a book, Mr. Smith said the process required some sacrifices but was worth it.
“I started it in my last year of university, and it was a good usage of that energy that was supposed to be put towards assignments and things when I was procrastinating, to actually use it up to something still productive,” he said.
“There were days when I probably could have gone out or just done something with my friends or whatever, but I’d rather sit there looking at the page and trying to discern what the best sentence to come next is.”
Smith had previously devoted a lot of energy to creative pursuits without achieving significant success; they were simply enjoyable activities for him. However, he sees this achievement as a fulfilling blend of career and hobby.
“Everybody has hobbies, and everyone spends a huge portion of their lives putting energy towards making something that is really quite beautiful to them, but they might only ever share it with a couple people.”
“So to have that be translated into something that can be seen by really a huge number of people if they choose to is something that is really quite exciting to see.”
Smith’s passion for literature began in his childhood when he wrote his own stories and developed a love for reading.
“I was one of those kids at school who would always read if I had finished my work or something like that, or sometimes during recess if it was raining, “he said.
“I loved going to (libraries) when I was younger; I think we went to the library once a week when I was in Thornlie Christian College.”
He believes there is something in the book for everyone, and it offers a unique perspective on a lesser-known historical period.
“It is an informative yet retelling of a seemingly unimportant part of history, but you might find yourself quite enthused by it.”
The book can be pre-ordered now through Shawline Publishing Group and will be released on September 25.
