Christie Havey Smith

Originally from Chicago, author Christie Havey Smith studied broadcast journalism and film at Ohio University before moving to Los Angeles and working on the creative development of feature films. She teaches creative and contemplative writing and holds a master’s degree in theology and spiritual direction from Loyola Marymount University. Christie’s debut novel, Threads of Us, was recently released.

What is your new book about?

Threads of Us is the story of Gracie Wilder, a young woman whose father unexpectedly dies, leaving behind a curious gift with ties to a myth told to her as a young girl. In search of answers, Gracie travels back to her childhood home in Old Montreal, where she confronts family secrets and must find a way forward by healing her history backward. It is a fast-paced read exploring love’s power over loss, and it is a Publishers Weekly editor’s pick. I hope it will be a standout in book clubs this fall.

What inspired you to pursue a career in writing?

Writing has been my outlet for creative expression since I was young. My love of story was further shaped in the film business, and for over a decade I’ve been helping people explore their own narratives. When I had my kids, I wrote my first narrative nonfiction book, From Three Feet Off the Ground. Fiction was a natural next step, allowing me to examine life experiences in a deeply imaginative way. With Threads of Us, I delved into the complexities of grief, healing, love and self-discovery. Writing is how I better understand things outside myself as well as deep within myself. I’m now working on a new novel with another world to explore. 

Speak about the importance of community on your journey. 

We all have stories inside us, and community is where we encounter these stories. When I opened The Greenhouse in Palos Verdes—a yoga and retreat space where I offer workshops—I was seeking a deeper connection to my community. Years of holding space for stories has not only inspired my writing but also grown me as a person. I could not have written this book at any other time in my life. Connecting with community gives us perspective; it helps us discover what it is we have to say.