A top-down view of two dogs sitting on a wooden floor, looking up with eager expressions. On the left is Zoey, a small brown and tan mixed breed with large pointed ears and a curious gaze. On the right is Willow, a Belgian Malinois with a tan coat and a black mask, her tongue slightly out in a happy pant. The soft lighting highlights their attentive postures, with a well-loved orange toy resting in the background.

The Secret Ingredient To My Creative Process: My Beloved Writing Mascots

April 2, 2025

Writing can often feel like a lonely journey, but for me, it’s a delightful adventure shared with my two beloved dogs, Willow and Zoey. These furry companions are not just my writing mascots; they are my emotional support, comic relief, and constant reminders to embrace the small joys in life. From their playful antics to their unwavering loyalty, they inspire my creativity and keep me grounded. Join me as I share how these adorable distractions have transformed my writing process and enriched my life in ways I never imagined. Discover the magic of writing with my furry friends by my side!

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Fantasy and Romance Author

C.W. Smidt

C.W. Smidt is a fantasy and romance author, diving into the thrilling world of indie publishing with stories that captivate and inspire.

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Chaos and Curses

Shadows and Strength Book 1

All seventeen-year-old Lena Santalin ever wanted to do was work and take care of her family. Until her dreams of a simple life shatter with one word: Cursed.

Everyone in Keiben knew the cursed were trouble. Born with uncontrollable power, they couldn’t be allowed to roam free. Wherever a cursed goes, terrible accidents always follow. They are all either under the control and service of the King or banished to the wilds beyond the barrier.

With no other choice, Lena crosses the barrier into a foreign land filled with strange people, creatures, and ideals. She must now learn how to navigate this new world and her own dangerous curse, all while keeping out of reach of the Keiben guard and trying to get back to her family.

No one has come back after crossing the barrier. Even with the help of her new friends, the odds are stacked against her. But Lena wasn’t about to let anything stop her from getting back to her family.

For fans of epic fantasies with chaotic curses like Girl, Serpent, Thorn and The Wrath & the Dawn

Get Your Copy today

Book Reviews

"This was so good. It sucked me in from the very beginning. This was so good. It sucked me in from the very beginning. Following Lena’s journey had me on the edge of my seat. "
- Michele
"This book really takes off and just sucks you into it. I had a hard time putting it down, I felt like this was something different compared to what I’ve been reading recently. A breath of fresh air when it comes to the YA genre."
- Clarisse
"The main characters were fierce, feisty and fun. The plot was excellent. It was a very unique story and I truly enjoyed it."
- Vanna

Have Questions About Upcoming Works?

C.W. Smidt would love to talk about any of her works in progress. Without spoilers, of course. Send her a message and she will get back to you as soon as she can. 

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