1. Who are you?

I'm Rose Campbell Smith—a wife, mother and Scottish historical fiction writer who loves the sea. Whether I'm surfing, exploring Scotland's coastline or writing my next chapter, the sea has always been where I feel most at home.

2. Where did your love of stories begin?

With my granny. She was the best storyteller I have ever known and taught me that the simplest stories are often the most memorable. Looking back, I think that's where my love of storytelling truly began.

3. How did you become a writer?

It happened almost by accident. While studying Creative Writing with the Open University, I began writing what was meant to be a piece for my final tutor-marked assignment (TMA). That small idea refused to leave me and eventually grew into my debut trilogy.

4. Why do you spend so much time researching?

As a reader, I love discovering that a story is connected to real places and real people—it draws me in and makes the experience even more immersive. I suppose I write from a reader's point of view, hoping to create that same connection for others.

5. Why are you called The Saltwater Storyteller?

I found both my love of writing and my passion for surfing later in life. The sea inspires me, clears my mind and reminds me that every coastline has a story to tell. It seemed the perfect name to bring together my two greatest passions.

6. Where do you write?

Some of my favourite writing sessions happen at the weekend while I'm sitting beside my husband on the sofa as he watches football. While he's cheering on his team, I'm quietly trying to get my word count up!

7. What are you working on at the moment?

Alongside my debut historical fiction trilogy, I'm also involved in a local Coastal Connections community project called A Recipe for a Good Death, which explores life, legacy and the conversations we often leave until it's too late.

8. What do you hope readers take away from your books?

More than anything, I hope they love Ava as much as I do. If readers laugh with her, worry for her and carry her with them long after they've finished the book, I'll know I've done my job.

9. Who inspires you most?

The older the better! I'm endlessly fascinated by older generations, their memories, their stories and the wisdom they've gathered through life. They remind me that history isn't just found in books—it's carried by people.

10. What's your biggest hope as a writer?

To find my people. Readers who love Scotland, history and stories as much as I do, and who'll join me on this journey as my books find their way into the world.