John W Smith
Born: East St. Louis, Illinois
Connection to Illinois: Smith was born in East St. Louis. He spent a major portion of his youth in Illinois and currently lives in Highland. Biography: John Smith is a features and short story writer who has grown into longer works. His professional career began as an award-winning military journalist. He is the author of numerous works, including the award-winning book of short stories, Dark Dreams. Other works include Nightmares of a Mad Man, A Dark and Stormy Night, an anthology, and three Kindle short stories, Spirit Dagger, Colonial Scum, and Hungry Things. John has been an avid reader of dark fiction since an early age and has used books, magazines, and movies to encourage his imagination. Tainted Blood is his first novel. Smith began reading at an early age and soon discovered a love for science fiction and horror. He devoured book after book about vampires, shifters, and dragons. John holds a degree in journalism from the University of Memphis. His military career included twelve years in Public Affairs. It was there that he honed his writing skills and won multiple awards. After retiring from the Air Force, he bought a Harley and volunteered with politically active motorcycle organizations. He wrote stories promoting motorcycling, which were published throughout the state of California. He now lives back in Illinois.
Awards:
Selected Titles
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Death's Retribution ISBN: 0989181073 OCLC: 1051238604 Well Read Press 2018 Sylvia Devlin, a black widow, attending her sixth husband’s funeral meets an apparition as she stands alone at the grave. Convinced her imagination was working overtime from the stress, she leaves the graveyard, and the mysterious being behind. Maintaining the pretense of the grieving widow until the reading of the will, Sylvia visits her dead husband every day. But with each visit, she is taunted by the phantom, who knows all her history and guides her into an experience she will never forget.Sylvia discovers her husband sold the foundry and created a new will before he suddenly became ill and died. Now she must stay in the dirty, small town in order to receive the cash rewards she so hungers for. In addition, she must allow the new owner into her home and treat him as a special guest when he comes to inspect the plant and the books. Delayed in arriving, Sylvia waits to see what kind of person would invade the solitude of a grieving widow. She puts on a pleasant face and treats Mr. Erich Mott with respect. When she discovers he is single, Sylvia sets her sights on husband seven. |
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Heart of a Dragon ISBN: 0989181081 OCLC: 1088558415 Self Published 2018 Enter the twisted mind of John Smith with his newest published work. A short story titled Heart of a Dragon. Sherman Davis is a mild-mannered, corporate lawyer with a beautiful, demanding wife. Lenora rules his life with an iron fist yet lives her life the way she wishes. One afternoon, as Sherman is following his wife through the local mall, a dragon puppet in a toy store catches his eye. Stopping, he studies the creature and is surprised when it begins to tell him its life story. Talon has been around for hundreds of years. At one time he was a powerful dragon but was cursed by a witch and is now a toy. Over the years, he has suffered humiliation and torture. He seeks a friend, and Sherman is a very good candidate. With little convincing, and defying his wife's wishes, Sherman adopts Talon.T hus, begins the Journey of a docile man and a wise dragon that leads to profound discoveries and everlasting friendship. |
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Nightmares of a Madman ISBN: 0989181006 OCLC: 900165479 Well Read Press 2013 A collection of short stories both macabre and entertaining that are certain to keep you reading. This collection, inspired by horror greats, explores the narrative of our nightmares. Experience these stories from the dark side of the mind -- that only surfaces in our dreams or imagination. Will you sleep with the light burning in your room? Can you lay down to rest without looking under your bed or in the closet for those shadows that slither while you sleep? |