Mark interviews Meaghan Smith about the new children's book IT SNOWED that she wrote and illustrated, which was inspired by her popular holiday song of the same name. This Juno-Award winning singer-songwriter shares her many creative passions for music, writing, and art. Prior to the interview, Mark shares a personal update and a word about this episode's sponsor. This episode is sponsored by an affiliate link to Manuscript Report. Use code MARK10 at checkout and save 10% off your own personalized report. In their interview, Mark and Meaghan talk about: The origin of Meaghan's song "It Snowed" and how quickly it came together once the inspiration struck her on wanting a seasonal holiday song for people who might not celebrate ChristmasOne of Meaghan's favorite things about the snowHow this song has gone on to become one of her most popular songs and now it's a picture bookStudying animation at Sheridan College and the ongoing art that Meaghan has been creating all of her lifeThe voice recording for an animation project in a studio in college that led to others recognizing her singing voice and an eventual career as a musicianMeghan's experience in "if you just show up" and try something, things can have a way of working outPainting in the hotel rooms and green rooms while traveling as a musician as a way to alleviate her anxietyThe additional stationery line that Meghan has which includes greeting cardsHow the manager of Woozles bookstore in Halifax asked Meaghan if she ever considered writing a bookGetting better at accepting things without needing them to be perfectThe "grumpy little cat" who is present throughout Meaghan's IT SNOWED bookHow snow can be such an interesting substance and the way Meaghan wanted to capture all the magic of it in her bookHow the book follows the lyrics of Meaghan's song, but also goes through the entire day for the kids in the storyThe way snow can make us all feel like kids againMeghan's current bread-and-butter writing custom songs for people The Christmas concert Meaghan is doing Dec 19th and 20th in HalifaxThe second book Meaghan is working on for Nimbus based on a song she wrote for her baby when he was still inside her bodyHow Meaghan divides up her work day and the various creative forms of expression that she exercisesAnd more . . . After the interview Mark reflects on Meaghan's multiple creative outlets and the various ways that authors, artists, poets, musicians can give a gift to the world born from their inspiration and passion. Links of Interest: Meaghan Smith (Website)It Snowed (Picture Book)Meaghan Smith: The Holiday Show (2025 - Halifax, NS) Friday Night Tickets (Fri Dec 19, 2025)Saturday Matinee Tickets (Sat Dec 20, 2025) Meaghan's OUR SONG "Wonder Woman" - An example of an OUR SONG written and performed by Meaghan Smith and Jason Mingo inspired by Liz Anderson Woozles Bookstore (Halifax, NS)EP 146 - Finding Yourself in Our Song by Meaghan SmithManuscript Report (Mark's affiliate link - use MARK10 to save 10%)Buy Mark a CoffeePatreon for Stark ReflectionsMark's YouTube channelElevenLabs (AI Voice Generation - Affiliate link)Mark's Stark Reflections on Writing & Publishing Newsletter (Signup)An Author's Guide to Working With Bookstores and LibrariesThe Relaxed Author Buy eBook DirectBuy Audiobook Direct Publishing Pitfalls for AuthorsAn Author's Guide to Working with Libraries & BookstoresWide for the WinMark's Canadian Werewolf Books This Time Around (Short Story)A Canadian Werewolf in New YorkStowe Away (Novella)Fear and Longing in Los AngelesFright Nights, Big CityLover's MoonHex and the CityOnly Monsters in the Building The Canadian Mounted: A Trivia Guide to Planes, Trains and AutomobilesYippee Ki-Yay Motherf*cker: A Trivia Guide to Die HardMerry Christmas! Shitter Was Full!: A Trivia Guide to National Lampoon's Christmas VacationI Think It's A Sign That The Pun Also Rises Meaghan Smith is a JUNO Award-winning musician, visual artist, and storyteller whose creative life bridges the worlds of music and fine art. Born in London, Ontario—known as The Forest City—Meaghan grew up drawing and exploring the woods and fields near her home. Her love of art led her to study classical animation at Sheridan College, later working as a storyboard artist before shifting her focus to music. That leap brought her to Halifax, Nova Scotia, where she now lives with her husBand, producer and songwriter Jason Mingo, and their two sons. Over the past 20 years, Meaghan has built a multifaceted creative career. As a musician signed to Warner Brothers Records, she toured internationally, sharing stages with artists such as Sarah McLachlan, Tracy Chapman, Ron Sexsmith, and k.d. lang. Her debut album The Cricket's Orchestra earned her the 2011 JUNO Award for Best New Artist, multiple East Coast Music Awards, and a Polaris Prize nomination. Her song Mirror, from her sophomore album Have a Heart, was a semifinalist in the International Songwriting Competition. Today,...
Show More
Show Less
55 mins