Meet Jacqueline Smith: Author

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

Hi Jacqueline, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I think the simplest answer to this question is that writing found me. I’ve been writing for fun my whole life. I still have little books that I “wrote” when I was four or five years old, illustrated on construction paper and bound together with staples. As I got a little older, I discovered the world of fanfiction and fell easily into writing my own. I may or may not have even published a story or two, but if you happen to find them, I’ll never admit it! I eventually began writing my own original stories, but even then, I didn’t see myself pursuing a career in writing. I never even considered it even though I spent all of my free time either writing or daydreaming about stories to write. It wasn’t until the spring break of my junior year of college that I realized that I could take my passion for storytelling and turn it into something more. I spent the entire week on the couch, sick with a terrible sinus infection. To keep myself entertained, I read a stack of romance novels that I’d recently purchased from Half-Price Books. I can still remember the exact paragraph I was reading when I suddenly thought to myself, “Hey… I could do this.” Once I realized it was what I wanted to do and once I realized I had the courage to pursue it, I never looked back.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am the proud author of thirteen books, three series, two stand-alones, and a collection of short stories. I write ghost stories, young adult, romance, and suspense. I’m currently working on an adult rom-com and a new young adult romance. My most recent publication is a suspense novel… called Trashy Suspense Novel. It tells the story of Eloise, a single mother who owns a book shop, and Daniel, a world-renowned horror novelist. Their small mountain town is said to be haunted by a monster called The Bogman. It was by far the most challenging book I’ve written to date, but I am so very happy with how it turned out. I’m very proud of it. I would never have gotten to where I am today without the love and support of the people around me, particularly my family, my fellow writers, and of course, my readers around the world. There are times when it isn’t easy. I think anyone pursuing a career in the arts will inevitably face hardships, financial uncertainty, and perhaps worst of all, self-doubt. I’ve learned so much in the past seven years that I’ve been a published author and I’m still learning every single day. It’s easy, however, in the sense that I’m doing what I love. Even if I never planned to publish another book, I would keep writing.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Oh goodness. Well, first and foremost I would have to say the Dallas Zoo. I love the animals; the elephants, gorillas, lions, and hippos especially. And I love the zoo’s commitment to wildlife conservation and saving endangered species. I would also highly recommend the Dallas Arboretum, especially once Dallas Blooms begins. I can’t get enough of the Arboretum in the spring. Neighboring White Rock Lake is also a wonderful place to spend an afternoon. And White Rock Coffee, right across the way, is my absolute favorite coffee shop in Dallas. I can’t recommend White Rock Coffee enough! The Bishop Arts Distract is also well worth a trip. With a variety of restaurants, shops, and boutiques, anyone visiting Dallas should spend an afternoon exploring Bishop Arts. My favorite restaurant in Dallas isn’t actually in Dallas proper. It’s actually a little ways north in Richardson. It’s called the String Bean and their home-cooked food is literally comfort for my soul.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to give a HUGE shoutout to my dear friends and fellow authors Miracle Austin, Margie Longoria, and Katelynn Renteria. They are three of the most wonderful, talented, and intelligent women I know.

Website: http://www.windtrailpublishing.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacquelineesmith/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqueline-smith-18b39253/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jackiesmith114
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JacquelineSmithAuthor/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPou1xxX6olAryD91i7w4zg/featured

Image Credits
Images 1 and 5 Photo Credit is Claudette Peercy Original picture is Susan Smith