We chat with author Lucy Smoke about Hallowed Bones, which is a seductive, dark why-choose romance filled with cursed bloodlines, secret societies, and a powerful heroine destined to save the coven.
Hi, Lucy! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
Hi there! I’m Lucy. I grew up in and around Charleston, SC and have always adored history and literature. I’m a lover of dogs, black cats (the orange ones are crazy mofos), ghost stories (but not so much gore-covered horror movies), and true crime documentaries. I’m a big believer in found families and have a very close knit group of friends that I’ve had for well over a decade.
When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?
I think I discovered my love for writing when I received a book from my social studies teacher in 6th grade as a Christmas gift. I didn’t think anything of it at the time and hadn’t been massively into reading, but it was only when I fell in love with that book, The Two Princesses of Bamarre by Gail Carson Levine, that I remembered my dad telling me his stories before bed every night. He’s never been great at English or Literature, but he instilled within me a love of imagination and storytelling.
Quick lightning round! Tell us:
- The first book you ever remember reading: The Two Princesses of Bamarre by Gail Carson Levine
- The one that made you want to become an author: the same book The Two Princesses of Bamarre by Gail Carson Levine (cried my eyes out and then wanted all of my friends to read it and I’ve been chasing that emotional high ever since)
- The one that you can’t stop thinking about: The Captive by Jex Lane
Your latest novel, Hallowed Bones, is out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Feminine. Rooted. Paracosm. Beautituity.
What can readers expect?
Gothic vibes, monsters and shadows, romance and realism. Readers can expect to be drawn in by a journey and an unveiling of sorrow and grief and the building of connections both romantic and familial.
Where did the inspiration for Hallowed Bones come from?
The inspiration for HB came from the 2006 cult classic movie “The Covenant” as well as the history behind witch trials not just in Salem, MA but across the globe. It’s also inspired by modern day practioners of witchcraft, wicca, and neopaganism—though I specifically state that the book/series, itself, is not a direct replication of any belief system. It’s a mishmash collection of beliefs and traditions across various continents and cultures.
Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
Personally, I think my favorite moments weren’t the creepy “bump in the night” ones, but the realistic human variables that always happen in stories. One such moment would be in the woods, on the walking path back to campus when Haven is approached by Ezra and when he scares her she throws her phone at his head not once, but twice. It’s so funny and felt so real. I love moments like that where humor is a good way to break the tension in an otherwise darker setting and plot.
Did you face any challenges whilst writing? How did you overcome them?
I did a lot more research than I normally do for this book/series. Each character of the coven in the novel has a surname that comes from a family or an accused victim of the Salem Witch Trials. It was really difficult trying to incorporate real human experiences from history while still maintaining the fictional world that I was building. It’s like cooking with your heart—you don’t want to add too much or too little of anything, but toeing the line can be incredibly frustrating, but thankfully just as rewarding. As for how I overcame them, I’ll let you know when I figure it out. Probably a bottle of wine and more than a few crying sessions with my best friends who are likely so done with my ranting and raving about imaginary people in my head.
What’s next for you?
Great question. My hope is for the universe and beyond, but I’ll settle for some more gothic books, my sentient Halloween decoration purring in my lap (my black kitten, nyxie) and my dog’s never ending life (dogs really should live forever).
Lastly, what books are you looking forward to picking up? Any you’ve read so far this year that you’ve enjoyed?
I’m currently in my omegaverse era. I’ve been reading Kathryn Moon and Sarah Blue like crazy. I’m very excited to read Kathryn Moon’s Tempting Monsters series now that it’s out in bookstores.
