From Video Store to Bestseller: Miranda Smith on Writing Dark Fiction and Finding Her Voice

"Write the book you want to read. That’s when everything changed for me." — Miranda Smith

In this episode of Uncorking Story, host Mike Carlon sits down with bestselling author Miranda Smith, whose psychological thrillers and domestic suspense novels have captivated readers since her debut in 2020. From growing up in a video rental store to publishing 13 books in just five years, Miranda shares her journey, creative process, and the inspiration behind her latest horror-leaning novel, Smile for the Cameras. Whether you're an aspiring writer or a fan of chilling fiction, this conversation is packed with insight and nostalgia.

Miranda’s writing career began with a love of reading and evolved through trial, error, and genre exploration. Her breakthrough came when she embraced her passion for crime fiction and psychological thrillers. Smile for the Cameras marks a shift toward horror, inspired by her childhood in a video rental store and love of slasher films. Miranda’s productivity stems from working on multiple manuscripts simultaneously and treating writing as a full-time job. She emphasizes persistence, collaboration, and learning from rejection as keys to success in publishing. Writing starts as a solitary act but becomes a collaborative process involving agents, editors, and readers.

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