Posted on June 11, 2019 at 8:00 AM by Sadye Scott-Hainchek

Today we’re interviewing Ivy Smoak, the Amazon bestselling author of The Hunted series and several other romance series.

When she's not writing, you can find her binge-watching too many TV shows, taking long walks, playing outside, and generally refusing to act like an adult.

She lives with her husband in Delaware.

SADYE: Tell us something about your writing process that’s unusual or that you haven’t revealed before.

IVY: Something unusual? Geez, everything I do is weird. True story.

But for the stories I write? The most unusual thing I do is that I don’t plot anything out at all.

I like to let the characters guide me. It’s their story I’m ultimately telling. Not mine.

SADYE: Which of your characters would you most and least like to trade places with?

IVY: Every character I write is a piece of me. But there are a lot of pieces of my past that I’d rather relive than others.

So I would most like to trade places with Penny from The Hunted series. She falls in love young and fast. Even though there’s a lot of ups and downs in The Hunted series, her story is happy.

And who doesn’t want to relive their college years? Especially if it involves dating a handsome professor.

I’d least like to trade places with Daphne from Third Chances — losing someone close to you is hard.

Reliving those memories is a lot more heartbreaking than reliving falling in love. And I cried writing that story more than any other.

Luckily the hero in that novel is also my funniest, or else I’m not sure how I would have finished it.

SADYE: What has been the most touching or memorable piece of reader feedback you’ve received?

IVY: All of it. I read each and every review I’ve ever received. The good, the bad, and the in between has all helped me grow.

Did I used to cry every time I received a one-star review? Of course. I’m only human. And I’ve learned from those reviews just as much as I’ve learned from the positive ones.

But those readers who love my books? I love those readers back. And I’m eternally grateful for their support.

I wouldn’t be writing today without them.

SADYE: What message or theme would you like readers to take away from your work?

IVY: I think a lot of people think about romance and just think, "oh, that’s a silly happily-ever-after super-predictable storyline."

But it’s so much more than that to me. I want people to take away the heart I put into each and every word and novel.

I want them to feel the tears I cried. I want them to know that they’re not alone.

SADYE: What experience in your past or general aspect of your life has most affected your writing?

IVY: I’ve always been extremely shy. The first day of school when the teachers called attendance was always the worst day ever. Because I had to raise my hand and say, “Here.”

Yup, embarrassingly shy. If I could help it, I’d never talk in class again after the first day.

But ultimately I think that’s helped me in my writing. I’ve done so much people watching that I feel like I’ve lived more lives than my own.

Besides, I can’t look back and be upset about who I once was. If I hadn’t been that way, it’s possible I wouldn’t be a writer now. And I wouldn’t change a thing about my current life.

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Learn more about Ivy Smoak on her website, where her books can also be purchased; like her on Facebook and follow her on Twitter and Instagram.

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Categories: Author Interview

Comments
I am obsessed with the Hunted Series. I love living the ups and downs. I felt like I was watching a movie or I was apart of their lives. Im on book six and can't wait to see whats going to happen. I have been reading a book a day. I am so excited I found these books and cant wait to read more from Ivy!
Abigail Aldo | 11/27/23 at 3:57 PM
I started reading The Hunted Series on a whim. I had never heard of Ivy Smoak, I was just looking for another good read like 50 Shades of Grey. I'm so glad I gave her series a try. I couldn't put the books down once I started them. I was totally sucked into James and Penny's whirlwind romance. I could totally feel the despair, love, all the ups and downs, everything that they both were feeling. It was so wonderfully written. 8 books, and I finished all of then within 1 week! I just wish I could find out what happens to them way in the future.
Becky | 1/31/23 at 2:53 PM
I read the entire Hunted Series in just a few days. I loved the story from beginning to end. The pace Of the series was fantastic. I Really wish the hinted series would become a movie!!
Chelsea | 10/5/21 at 8:31 PM
WE NEED SOME MOVIES!!!! Empire High series has been my favorite so far, I just think Matthew is so charming and sweet and he finds ways to make it up to Penny when they can't be together. I absolutely adore the plot in this series and I love that it's all my favorite boys in one book!! Generally teenagers are stupid and annoying in books, but I love all of them in this book. They're all so mature and have a grasp on their feelings that I'm not sure if I even have yet. I can't wait for Empire High Matchmaker! I've recommended these books to literally everyone I know they are so so good. Ivy Smoak- you are an amazing writer and I adore all of your books! When I tell you they're all I think about I mean it! They ABSORB me!!! I stay up until early hours in the morning reading because I can't put them down. You create such amazing plots and so loveable characters. Personally my favorites are Matt, Rob and I love Miller. I know that Matt and Brooklyn are meant to be but I can't stop thinking about how much he cares for Brooklyn. I just genuinely want you to know that you are so gifted and I can't wait for movies to every single book :)
parker | 3/25/21 at 8:00 AM
I just discovered The Hunted series less then a week ago! I finished them all and all of the light to my darkness series. I can't wait to start the spin offs!!
Emily | 1/18/21 at 9:10 AM
I love these books! I come across them one night and I was up till 4.00 in the morning I couldn't put it down! I'm now on the 3rd book in two days! I'm so engrossed in them! Xx
Claire Whellans | 1/9/21 at 5:59 PM
I have only recently found ivy’s books and omg they are amazing . I feel like I am pulled in to the world with the characters and haven’t been able to put the hunted series down . I love penny and James and they have overcome so much together . If only my husband was like James . Thanks Ivy xx
Kirsty | 7/12/20 at 12:02 PM
I adore Ivy's books the hunted series was my favourite id stay up all night reading it because it had me so engrossed in it. I loved the characters and the whole story behind it was just amazing. Your books are the best Ivy Xxx
hannah | 5/4/20 at 12:52 PM
I love Ivy and her books. It's not just about romance or sex. There is an actual story line. Her books are so much more. You lose yourself. They are written so well you almost believe that these characters really exist. Amazing!
Pati Occhipinti | 1/10/20 at 6:52 AM
Ivy smaok is one of the best writers i have had the pleasure of coming across. Everything she writes is so full of emotion and love....u can feel how much she loves each piece when u read it. I have enjoyed all her books and I have read the hunted series about 4 times. Lol Keep it up Ivy....ur amazing. Xoxo
Melissa | 6/15/19 at 6:54 PM
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