UKZN Alumnus Publishes First Book

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Qualified Chartered Accountant and UKZN alumnus, Mr Christopher Smith, has published his first novel titled: Blood on the Range.

The book explores Smith’s childhood fascination with the Western genre through the story of Nathan Todd, a tough, hard-working cowpuncher whose loyalty, quick temper and sense of fair play often get him into situations that test his mettle and his ability to survive.

‘I read a lot of Westerns growing up and really enjoyed the stories of Louis L’Amour,’ said Smith. ‘He had such a passion for his genre and made you feel like you were living the story which is what I attempted to do with Blood on the Range. I want to bring back an interest in Westerns with my story and create a hero who was brave and strong but also with a lot of flaws and needing help to solve his problems, somebody that readers can relate to rather than an unbeatable action hero,’ said Smith.

The book - available on Amazon - took Smith two years to write and another year of editing before it was published. The financial advisor is already busy working on his second novel titled: Staring into the Shadows.

‘My latest novel is a detective story set in Durban in the mid-2000s about a serial killer on the loose and two detectives who have to track him down. I also have a fantasy novel in the pipeline and a sequel to Blood on the Range is also bouncing around in my head.

‘The best advice I can give to other writers is don’t procrastinate. Set yourself the goal of writing at least 300 words a day,’ he said.

Words: Thandiwe Jumo

Photograph: Supplied