EP 446 - Exercising Multiple Creative Outlets with Artist, Author, and Musician Meaghan Smith

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 Christmas
• One of Meaghan's favorite things about the snow
• How this song has gone on to become one of her most popular songs and now it's a picture book
• Studying animation at Sheridan College and the ongoing art that Meaghan has been creating all of her life
• The 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 musician
• Meghan's experience in "if you just show up" and try something, things can have a way of working out
• Painting in the hotel rooms and green rooms while traveling as a musician as a way to alleviate her anxiety
• The additional stationery line that Meghan has which includes greeting cards
• How the manager of Woozles bookstore in Halifax asked Meaghan if she ever considered writing a book
• Getting better at accepting things without needing them to be perfect
• The "grumpy little cat" who is present throughout Meaghan's IT SNOWED book
• How snow can be such an interesting substance and the way Meaghan wanted to capture all the magic of it in her book
• How the book follows the lyrics of Meaghan's song, but also goes through the entire day for the kids in the story
• The way snow can make us all feel like kids again
• Meghan's current bread-and-butter writing custom songs for people 
• The Christmas concert Meaghan is doing Dec 19th and 20th in Halifax
• The second book Meaghan is working on for Nimbus based on a song she wrote for her baby when he was still inside her body
• How Meaghan divides up her work day and the various creative forms of expression that she exercises
• And 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 Smith
• Manuscript Report (Mark's affiliate link - use MARK10 to save 10%)
• Buy Mark a Coffee
• Patreon for Stark Reflections
• Mark's YouTube channel
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