“Deliveries is all about human drive and determination, to persevere through adversity no matter the consequences to one’s self or the trouble that might brew up from decisions made, past and present, good and bad.”

– Paul Smyth

Paul Smyth, the talented author behind the novel “Deliveries,” winner of the BREW Readers’ Choice Award Action Fiction Thriller of 2021/2022, takes readers on a thrilling journey through the skies and into the depths of human determination. Born and raised in Ontario, Canada, Smyth’s love for airplanes began at an early age, as he soared through the clouds alongside his father, a private pilot. With a career spanning 35 years as a commercial/news videographer in Alberta, Smyth’s passion for flight only intensified, culminating in the creation of his debut work of fiction that beautifully intertwines his love for aviation with the complexities of human nature.

Set against the backdrop of Canada’s breathtaking landscapes, Smyth’s protagonist, Paul Jackson, faces the challenges of operating an air charter company with unwavering passion and determination. As he takes flight on a fateful journey to deliver cargo to a rustic hideaway, Jackson’s commitment is tested amidst poor weather conditions and unforeseen obstacles.

As Smyth continues to engage with readers and promote discussions around the topics explored in “Deliveries,” he remains committed to sharing his passion for flight and storytelling with audiences worldwide. Does he have plans for a sequel? Let’s find out about that and more in this exclusive interview with Paul that touches on his impact on the literary landscape – one that promises to endure and to inspire readers to chase their dreams and embrace life’s journey, one flight at a time.

SM: Congratulations on winning a BREW book award! Can you share how your book highlights important themes or issues?

PS: “Deliveries” is all about human drive and determination, to persevere through adversity no matter the consequences to one’s self or the trouble that might brew up from decisions made, past and present, good and bad. It’s about flying, family and friendships, foes, and the resolute determination to push ahead when all signs show the exact opposite.

SM: Your book has been recognized for its excellence when it won a BREW book award. How do you hope this recognition will help amplify the message or themes of your work?

PS: It was such a thrill and a pleasant surprise to win a BREW Readers’ Choice Award title. Since writing “Deliveries,” my single hope has been that anyone who cracks open the cover and reads the story, will end up with a broad smile on their face. As a new author, the BREW award is a wonderful addition to a story that took me seven years to write. I hope that when a potential reader sees the gold award beside my book, that it might be the encouragement needed for them to take a chance on a story that I believe they won’t be able to put down until the last page. “Deliveries” is suitable for anyone from age 10 to 100, so its audience is broad indeed.

SM: Your book stood out among many others to win this prestigious award. What do you believe sets your work apart in terms of addressing significant topics?

PS: When trouble bubbles up right from the first chapter of “Deliveries,” and believe me, it does; the white-knuckle story takes place inside of 24 hours, all 588 pages! The concept of family sticking together through calamity, friendships that last for generations throughout life and death situations, and people binding together to step out of their comfort zones towards a common goal; these are all topics that nearly everyone on planet earth periodically endures. “Deliveries” covers lots of ground, and air! It’s a story that brings hope, and will, I believe, leave each reader with a warm heart and a yearning for more!

SM: Every book aims to showcase impactful stories or themes that resonate with readers. How do you think your book accomplishes this goal?

PS: “Deliveries” isn’t just a flying yarn. It’s a wild-ride story about a great many people coming together to achieve a goal that results in truth and love and endurance. It’s about the connectivity of family and friends, and the glue that holds human beings together when the going in life gets extremely tough. It covers bad guys and good guys; a global condition that affects us all at one time or another. We all have decisions to make each day, and “Deliveries” will leave you thinking about which fork in the road to take.

SM: Can you discuss the key messages or themes in your book that you believe are particularly relevant in today’s society?

In today’s society, we are seemingly inundated with the concepts of greed, self-centeredness, the pursuit of things that purportedly bring us happiness, joy and the innate desire to ignore the angel on our left shoulder in favor of the devil on the right. Deceit is an easy concept as long as it doesn’t hurt anyone or cause undue hardship. “Deliveries” covers a hornet’s nest of the human condition of thinking only of one’s self, and yet, it also bleeds hope that each of us can change and make a difference no matter how small your part is. We can all choose the right path, even if we come upon it the hard way.

SM: How do you plan to continue engaging with readers and promoting discussions around the topics explored in your book as a BREW Book Award winner?

PS: Interviews such as this, go a long way to engage readers with a newbie author and his inaugural book. It’s a joy to talk about “Deliveries” and why I wrote it in the first place. I enjoy using social media platforms and several book-related websites, my own included, to engage people and to let them know that they have stumbled upon a book, that I’ve been recently told, is like no other. This book is special to me, as are all the characters. Each chapter reveals new things; insurmountable problems, solutions, remorse and the restoration of spirit and what being human is all about, that no matter the pickle you might be in, there is always a way out if you are bold enough to take a stand.

SM: What do you hope readers will take away from your book after reading it?

PS: As the author of “Deliveries,” it is my true hope that each person who reads this story will not only be left with a pounding heart and white-knuckles, but also the resounding idea that even though we each make mistakes and sometimes do things that we know we shouldn’t do, there is always a chance to come clean and make things right with those you love and care about. Isn’t that what each of our lives should be all about?

SM: A book is potent when it encourages meaningful dialogue and reflection. How do you think your book inspires readers to engage with important issues and ideas?

PS: I think I’ve likely already discussed this in the previous questions, but suffice it to say that each of us deals with a cornucopia of problems, stresses and life issues. Daily life isn’t always a walk in the park. We can be perfectly fine and happy one day, and in total chaos and despair the next. Deliveries is thought-provoking to say the least. The book, I believe, will hit each reader in a different way and hopefully leave them thinking about their own life and the daily decisions they need to make.

SM: In what ways do you envision your book making a lasting impact or contributing to positive change in the literary landscape or society as a whole?

PS: “Deliveries” is simply a fast-paced story, stem to stern. It deals with life and family, good and evil, fear and courage. I’m not certain my novel will leave a lasting change in the literary landscape or society per say, but I do hope that people will enjoy it to the hilt should they grab a copy of this fictional tale.

SM: As a BREW book award winner, what advice would you give to aspiring authors who hope to create impactful and thought-provoking work?

PS: I never dreamed that I could ever author a book, but at age 59 and seven years of casual writing, I had 43 chapters and 588 pages of eye-opening fiction, sprinkled with a hefty measure of real-life experiences from yours truly. I fulfilled a dream to write a book that others could also enjoy. My advice to aspiring authors? Never, ever give up. Keep at it and above all else, write to please yourself first. If your writing makes you smile, laugh or cry, then you are on the right track. Write from your heart. That’s what people want to read, fiction or otherwise.

SM: Do you have any message, news, or announcement to share to our readers?

PS: I am currently working on a sequel to “Deliveries.” It’s in the editing and beta-reader stages, and I hope to one day get it bound and published. One of my readers told me that they read “Deliveries” three times and that they can’t wait for the next. It’s people like that who inspire me to keep going and not to give up the hope of a second book, and another dream fulfilled. 🔆

“Never, ever give up. Keep at it and above all else, write to please yourself first. If your writing makes you smile, laugh or cry, then you are on the right track. Write from your heart. That’s what people want to read, fiction or otherwise.”

– Paul Smyth

To get a copy of “Deliveries” by Paul Smyth, click here.

Know more information about the BREW Book, Blog, and Poetry Awards by clicking here.

What aspects of this interview resonated with you the most in terms of highlighting human resilience and perseverance?

How do you think Smyth’s views on navigating difficult decisions and challenges contribute to the broader conversation about personal growth and overcoming obstacles?

What is your own perspective on the power of fiction to inspire and provoke meaningful reflection?

Do share your thoughts and reflections in the comments below!

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