David P. Smith

AM – This week we have David P. Smith, who also goes by Duir, with us!  We are going to be talking with him about this upcoming release, “Under an Expanse of Oaks, A Druid’s Journey”.  Thank you for joining us today Duir!

DS – Thank you very much for having me. Its an honor to be here.

AM – Please tell us a little more about yourself.

DS – Well I started my study of druidry at the age of 14 when I picked up my first book on the subject. When I turned 18 I joined the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids (www.druidry.org) and took their course which I thought was Fabulous. Since then I’ve branched out with the druid organizations I belong to and have learned quite a bit from each one. I’m currently a member of OBOD, The Ancient Order of Druids in America (www.aoda.org), ADF (www.adf.org), The henge of Keltria (www.keltria.org) and The Order of the Mithril Star (www.mithrilstar.org).

Along with my druid activities and studies I also teach at the Grey School of Wizardry (www.greyschool.com).

AM – What do you do at the Grey School of Wizardry?

DS – I am the Head of the Waters Lodge, Dean of the Department of Wizardry, a Professor of Lore and Instructor in many departments. Basic teaching and administration work really but I love it all and the students and faculty are great to work with. I am also especially fond of our Head Master Oberon Zell-Ravenheart.

AM – Tell us a little more about “Under an Expanse of Oaks, A Druid’s Journey”.

DS – “Under a Expanse of Oaks, A Druid’s Journey” is basically many things I’ve learned throughout my time studying druidry and it came to be because I wanted to share this. Druidry is a multi-faceted and rich experiential journey which I fell can be a stand alone religion or augment any religious or spiritual beliefs one has. The book contains information, things I’ve learned, guided meditations and practical exercises to help the reader experience druidry and its aspects for themselves.

AM – What was your inspiration for writing this book?

DS – Hmm.. Inspiration or Awen was the inspiration for this book. I have felt for a while a desire… a need to teach what I have learned and out of the blue the book reached out from the aethers and was born through my hands. I attribute the book truly to the Awen channeling through me.

AM – This is your first published book.  How are you feeling prior to it’s release?

DS – I am extremely nervous and excited. Though I feel if it reaches even one person and helps them develop or expand their views of druidry then I’m extremely successful. Of course I’d love to see it sell millions of copies… but I doubt that will happen to me its not about the money its about reaching out and teaching a spirituality that I love and live every day.

AM – What else are you working on?

DS – Well there is my day job, the greyschool and a few other book ideas I have on the back burners. I’m researching now for one book Idea and a few of the others are fiction book ideas so we’ll see where that goes.

AM – What do you think is the most important piece of advice that you would give an unpublished Pagan writer?

DS – Give it a chance. Put it down, refine your work and try to get it published. Keep trying… and if its really important to you even consider self publishing if all else fails. If its meant to be there it is… let it fly!

AM – Last question, where can people go if they want to know more about you and where can they purchase “Under an Expanse of Oaks, A Druid’s Journey” when it is released?

DS – Well it will be first for sale directly from the publisher. The publisher is Dreamz Work Productions LLC (www.dreamz-work.com), some time after it will also be available on Amazon.com, Kindle and Barnes And Noble’s Website.

AM – Thank you so much for your time Duir!  We wish you the best of luck with this first release, “Under an Expanse of Oaks, A Druid’s Journey” and in your future writing endeavors.