Interview: Webb Smith

Little Thoughts Press Issue Eleven: Stirring Words with a sneak peek of the poem "Cats and Dogs" by Webb Smith, featuring artwork by Kim Wagner Nolan.

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Webb Smith is a retired firefighter from metro-Atlanta with a master’s degree in biomechanics. He has written, illustrated, and self-published three books that can be viewed at www.webbsmithbooks.com. His bucket list includes scuba diving with great white sharks and going to a Nippon League baseball game in Japan.

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Little Thoughts Press: "Cats and Dogs" has an infectious rhythm. When you’re writing poetry, how do you decide whether a poem will be rhyming and rhythmic or whether it will be more free-flowing?

Webb Smith: Whenever I jot down thoughts for a poem, a rhythm always seems to emerge. It’s like a catchy song that suddenly gets stuck in your head. In this case, it happened to be iambic. It’s never predetermined, but once it appears, I try to stay consistent throughout the poem.  

Little Thoughts Press: There’s a wonderfully exuberant feel to "Cats and Dogs" that leaves readers feeling joyful. How would you advise young writers to tap into their emotions as they’re writing?

Webb Smith: Great question! As we age, I think our emotions become “diluted” or cluttered with practical thoughts. We might still enjoy a fresh snowfall, but we also stress about road closures and shoveling the driveway. Kids are able to fully embrace their emotions. I often make a conscious effort to suspend practical notions and inhibitions. In other words, dance like no one is watching.

Little Thoughts Press: Our Stirring Words issue is all about odd, interesting, or inspiring words and phrases. What is your favorite word right now? Why do you love it?

Webb Smith: My family and I often invent new words. Recently, I started saying “Bluzya,” which is a mashup for “But I love ya.” If someone is having a rough day, they might hear me yell, “Bluzya!”

Little Thoughts Press: Why did you choose the word(s) you chose to feature in your Stirring Words piece?

Webb Smith: Topics such as the weather are extremely fun because the vocabulary can be scientific (precipitation), common (downpour), regional (plothering) or slang (gully-washer). I tried to put a bit of each in my poem (nimbus, billabong, cats and dogs). 

Little Thoughts Press: How did you get started writing kid-lit and what do you find most challenging and rewarding about writing for kids?

Webb Smith: As a career firefighter, writing kid-lit was a great escape. It’s been a “quiet hobby” for a long time. I love the wild imaginations that children possess and their willingness to “believe.” The most challenging part is editing and trying to comply with the unwritten rules of picture books. The most rewarding part is definitely reading with kids and watching their reactions. 

Little Thoughts Press: Which kid-lit authors and books were your favorites growing up?

Webb Smith: Green Eggs and Ham was the first book I could read by myself, so it will always be special. I also love There's a Nightmare in My Closet by Mercer Mayer and Matt's Mitt (Marilyn Sachs) about a boy and his baseball glove. 

Little Thoughts Press: And what about today? Any kid-lit writers you love and want to shout out?

Webb Smith: I really enjoy Jon Klassen’s work. Sam and Dave Dig a Hole, This is Not My Hat and The Skull are fantastic.

Little Thoughts Press: What advice would you give to young writers?

Webb Smith: Writing is often solitary. The rest of your life shouldn’t be. Make lots and lots of friends from all walks of life. Play games, hold conversations, appreciate differences, go on adventures, find joy in the small things, and never, ever stop learning. That way, you’ll have plenty to write about.

Little Thoughts Press: Is there anything else you wish I had asked? Any upcoming projects, publications, or other news you'd like to share?

Webb Smith: I truly appreciate the opportunity to be a part of Little Thoughts Press. Magazines like this are incredibly valuable. I have a dozen manuscripts that I’m currently shopping around. I’m also working on a second book of silly poems that I hope to self-publish in 2026. My first book of poems (Spoiled Endings: Tales of Mishap and Misfortune) is still available on Amazon or my website (www.webbsmithbooks.com). And, of course, I plan to send more submissions to Little Thoughts!