Interview with TS Smith, Author of Raven: The Broken
14 Nov 2025
What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Raven: The Broken?
It started with a vivid dream I could not escape. It lingered in my thoughts until I wrote it down in one of my many notebooks, which I call my dream journals. The scene poured out of me before I even knew where the plot would take my characters. It was raw, messy, and written in the margins of a notebook long before I ever typed, “Chapter 1.”
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Raven: The Broken, what would they be?
I have thought a lot about playlists for my novel in general, and the song I would choose for Raven and Declan is “Way Down We Go” by Kaleo. It captures their attraction, which is dangerous—and inevitable. Plus, it has soul, and who can say no to that?
What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
I love to read suspense thrillers with a side of romance or lovers’ tension, but I will always return to the classics, again and again. Historical nonfiction is something I enjoy as well. I write in different genres—my stories tend to find me. I usually don’t decide what genre they are until I have to, for marketing purposes.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
Sugar Spellbound by Ashley MacKinnon. She is another author that I want to support as she has supported me.
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
The cliff scene….I will leave it at that as I don’t want to give anything away.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
I have to listen to music that fits the era I’m writing in. For some reason, it inspires me.
Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?
I have a few, but the most recent one I’ve been following is: “Protect your peace.”
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
It’s not over…
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