Meet Lucy Smoke | Romance author

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lucy Smoke and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lucy, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
People say “Love what you do and you’ll never work a day in your life,” what I’ve found to be true is that when you love what you do, you’ll work the hardest you’ve ever worked because you love it.

My work/life balance has shifted over the last 8 years of my career as an independently published author. I started this when I was in graduate school and was unable to devote the amount of time I know do to my business and creative career. I eat, sleep, and breathe my career. I love it and even my hobbies outside of work often revolve around subject matter that is close to or directly related to my job.

The thing is, it doesn’t feel like a job most of the time. Of course, whenever edits are due, I regret everything and want someone else to take over. Otherwise, though, this career and the choice to write and create stories that can be therapeutic or an escape from the real world is something I wouldn’t change for anything.

In general, I’ve gone through waves of 90% work 10% life or 60% work and 40% life. It depends on the time of year, what I’m writing, and if I’m traveling for an author event or signing. All in all, however, it was a friend of mine that pointed out–there’s nothing wrong with work being your 100% if you love it. I’m not working for an organization or corporation that only sees me as a bottom line or a cog in the machine. There’s nothing wrong with working to make a living, but I knew at a young age that this was my passion. I’m incredibly grateful that I’ve managed to make it a living as well.

Work is my life, but that life doesn’t feel empty or exhausting. It’s fulfilling and exciting. It’s because of what I do that I get to travel to new places and meet new people who enjoy the same thing I do. I’m overwhelmed by the support of readers and other authors in my industry and I have no compunction about saying that work is my life, especially when that life makes me so happy.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
When I was a child, I had three paths in life. Actress. Archeologist. Author. It’s only ironic that they all start with “A” and that was definitely not planned.

I realized that, though I could cry on command (thanks to massive teasing from my aunt because I wanted to prove to her that I could), stage fright is a thing and memorizing lines sucks massive monkey testicles.

In sixth grade, I became obsessed with the idea of becoming an archeologist–this was, of course, exacerbated by my love of The Mummy series and Indiana Jones. Unfortunately, the reality of archeology is a lot of time spent outdoors and a lot of waiting. I am both impatient and have ADHD. So, my skills at remaining fixed on something often lasts for about 3 weeks.

In the same year that I wanted to be an archeologist, I received a book as a gift from a school teacher. This book made me scream, cry, and in general, forget some pretty gnarly issues going on in the world and at home. The ending of this book made me feel hollow and empty–like I was coming down from a particularly intense high.

I’ve been chasing that high ever since.

Being creative isn’t about being the most knowledgable about things. It’s not about being the most different or unique. It’s not about how fancy your ‘art’ is or whether or not people will buy it. Being creative and artistic comes from somewhere inside of you.

I still ended up going to college and receiving both a bachelors and a masters in Language, Literature, and Professional writing. What I learned from that is incredibly important: You don’t need any sort of schooling to be successful or to understand art. (also, student loans are forever. Avoid them.)

Now, obviously, nothing gained easily is of much value. This career of mine was built from a stubborn dream and an unwillingness to stop. That’s how most people become successful though. Not schooling, or loads of accreditation. Sure, for some careers, those are needed–but to get to those, everyone needs to have the same thing: spite.

Okay, maybe not spite. But for me, it was basically spite. I was told that being an author was “unrealistic” and “What’s your back up plan?”

This is my Plan A, B, and Z. I haven’t wanted anything else since I was 10 years old and I’m still obsessed with the stories I create today. Personally, I love the fact that I’ve managed to prove all of the naysayers wrong. It’s not “unrealistic”, it’s just hard. Harder for people who don’t have the dedication.

So, with that said, I encourage anyone who wants to pursue a creative career to do so. Without art and creativity, the world would be a dull and boring place. Life would be meaningless. It’s in art that we find love and life. Therefore, it will always be needed. Set backs are fine, second jobs are fine. So long as you’re happy and fulfilled, who cares where your journey takes you?

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m not entirely sure which area this is referring to, but if it’s in concerns with where I currently reside–I’d say small places. There’s nothing wrong with a good chain restaurant, but I love the little locally owned cafes and breakfast places and candy shops that are everywhere. A good crepe place or a donut food truck. Beaches and lakes and thrifty antique shops.

My friends and I often play a game when we’re people watching. We love sitting in places where there are lots of people and quietly observing them. Once we’ve watched long enough, we come up with their entire backstories and life. However, we always have to have a reason for the stories that have something to do with what we’ve observed.

For an example, if we see a young woman in a red dress with a small dog, we might say ‘oh, she just got that dog’ Why? ‘her clothes are completely clean and there are no random dog hairs all over it’.

It’s a fun way to pass the time and really observe our surroundings while taking in the scenery.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
In general, I’d say that there are two groups that my success or strength to even start the process of becoming an author stem from. Other authors and readers. Were it not for the readers that buy my books or the other authors that have helped and uplifted me along the way, I would not be where I am today and for that, I am eternally grateful.

Website: https://lucysmoke.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorlucysmoke/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LucySmokeAuthor

Other: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Lucy-Smoke/author/B073Y39DRG

Image Credits
All photos are owned by Lucy Smoke LLC