Q&A with Author CM Smith

Sometimes I look back into my brain to try and remember how I know someone, and my brain says, “Girl, who knows, it’s been so many years.” And then I think, no, it hasn’t, because I’ve only been part of the Romancelandia community for four years. But damn, it really feels like I’ve known this person forever. That’s kinda what my brain is doing with CM Smith. I know we connected through mutual friends when she was publishing her debut novel, but I feel like we were connected before then too. Because that’s what happens when you just have such a fun, solid connection with someone.

We chatted about her books, the authors we both loved, and then she joined us at our first Charmed Magic in Myrtle Beach retreat. I remember she was nervous about being such a new author among several established authors, but she took the leap and dove in head first. And she went home with new covers, new blurbs, and an incredible support system.

I have loved becoming even better friends with her since Myrtle. CM is a wonderful writer and a fantastic human. I’m so excited she’s coming to CCR 2025 as a signing author. And I’m even more excited to watching her soar in her career.

I am so excited for other readers to learn more about CM and her books through her Q&A.

How did you get started writing?

I promise this isn’t a sad story, but my dad passed. I went into self preservation mode and read. And read. And then read some more. My best friend was listening to another “Oh, my gosh, this was so good” story and told me I should write my own. That stuck with me for a long time before I decided I did have stories to tell. I filled up two notebooks with character names and traits and all the stuff that could happen to them, and then I wrote. For four solid months. At the end of it, I had the first three books of the Briar Mountain series completed and the fourth half way done. 

Where do you recommend a new reader start in your backlist? 

Oh, always start with book 1! I like to say Trusting Heart is real and a little raw while Love Comes Home has me finally figuring out my groove, but they are both such good stories and the introduction to some wonderful people, you can’t go wrong with either one!

Do you have a favorite/most memorable scene/part in novel you've written?

I have a few. Was there any doubt?

Funny–the exploding milk scene in Victorious Heart–yes, it’s that bad. Yes, it’s also based on a real life event.

Emotional–Love Comes Home after Trish finds out some shocking news and goes outside to scream at the heavens.

Is there a part of your career as an author you thought was going to be difficult but has wound up being really wonderful?

Meeting new people. I’m an introvert, and it has been really hard putting myself out there, but the friendships I’ve made and the connection to other authors, readers, and narrators has been absolutely amazing and totally worth the five minutes of panic when I have to be ‘on’. 

Are there specific themes, tropes, or subgenres you’re more drawn to as an author, reader, or listener?

As an author: Exploring family dynamics–found and real. In Briar Mountain it was about the sisters reconnecting in a deeper way than they had before. In Boulder Canyon it’s all about making family what you need in your life. Forging those connections that will carry you through the good and bad times.

As a reader: I want to feel something. That might be giggle-snorting at Cooper Rock, or throwing my kindle across the room when it gets really emotional. I’m a mood reader, so it changes day to day.

As a listener: I want to hear the emotions coming through. Happy, sad, angry. When a male narrator growls, I want to feel it, you know?

What is your favorite part about being an author?

Creating these crazy characters and their stories and being able to share them with everyone. Having someone tell me they loved something I wrote is a feeling I never thought I’d experience, and I’m so happy I decided to finally shake the nerves off and try.

What do you like to read/listen to?  Any favorite authors you want to send a shout-out to?

I read everything…as long as that happily ever after is guaranteed. When I’m writing I tend to gravitate towards paranormal/mafia and when I hit the end of my work in progress, I reward myself with all the small-town and suspense I can cram in to the week I usually have while it’s at the editor. And I’ll have one going on kindle and one going on audio. It works for me. Some of my favorites? Tracey Jerald, Claire Kinglsey, Pippa Grant, Nicole French, Abby Brooks, Emma Slate, Harloe Rae and Heather Orgeron. Oh, and Meg Anne and Kim Loraine. There are so many others, maybe the question should be is there someone I don’t like? 

Can I shout out narrators, too? Because all of my favorites will be joining us in Charm–Samantha Brentmoor, Rose Diorio, Paige Reisenfeld, PJ Freebourn and Aaron Shedlock! Jason Clarke would be pleased to know he made the cut, too, as well as Carly Robbins. Again, the list could go on and on, there are so many great voice actors out there!

Is there someone(s) who’s been influential in your life as it relates to your career?

I don’t want to be mushy, but my husband, Brad. He hasn’t read anything I’ve written, but the man is a solid rock of support, and without it, I never would have been able to do any of this. It’s because of him I’m able to travel to signings and meet readers, stay up all night when I’m on a deadline, talk me through story lines. He’s never questioned me, he knows I’m crazy sometimes. 

How have your life experiences influenced your career as an author?

I think life influences everything about it! I have a business background, and while I hated every minute of that MBA, I’m glad I have it now that I’m having to handle the marketing, the visuals, the money, all of it. 

But I also think that a little bit of me is in each and every one of my heroines. Abigail and body image, Lizzy and anxiety, Kat and always feeling like a failure and seeking approval, Victoria and her ability to survive and overcome and thrive and live. And the heroes all have aspects of my own real life book-boyfriend. Because he isn’t perfect, but he is mine. 

This or That: 7 random questions that may or may not be book related: 

Kindle or Paperback–Kindle

Beach or Mountain Vacation–Mountain

Dogs or Cats–Dogs

Ice Cream or Cake–Cinnabon or Christmas Tree Cakes

Action Flick or Rom-Com–rom-com

Tea or Coffee–Diet Coke

Road Trip or Air Travel–Road Trip all the way!

Connect with CM:

You can find more information about CM, her books, and how to connect with her on social media here:

https://www.cmsmithauthor.com/