Today we’d like to introduce you to Keith Smith

Hi Keith, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?

My love for writing goes back as far as I can remember. As a kid, and thanks to the influence of my parents, I was a voracious reader. I started with comic books but soon graduated to novels. I loved how a good story could completely absorb me, and it wasn’t long before I knew I wanted to be a storyteller too.

But my path to becoming a writer was far from straightforward. During my teenage years, I strayed from my dreams, caught up in a rebellious streak that lasted several years. It wasn’t until my late 20s that I began to revisit those writing dreams. But even then, it remained more of an on-again, off-again pursuit.

By my mid-30s, something shifted. I was working as a mechanic in a car dealership, and I began honing my writing skills by creating automotive-related articles. Being 100% self-taught, I relied on curiosity, practice, and determination to improve. One day, I gathered the courage to share one of my pieces with the general manager. To my surprise, he loved it, and soon after, my articles were being published in a local newspaper. That moment was pivotal and it confirmed that I was on a path I could never turn back from.

Since then, I’ve written eight books and have done extensive ghostwriting for others, including books and articles. Writing has become a cornerstone of my life.
I love all forms of writing—fiction, nonfiction, poetry, prose, and even songwriting. For me, it’s more than just crafting words on a page, it’s how I process my thoughts, feelings, and emotions. Writing helps me make sense of life, and I love it so much that even if I never published another book, I’d still be writing in some form.

Ultimately, my focus isn’t on perfecting technical prowess or crafting the most eloquent sentences. It’s about the message I want to convey. I’ve been deeply moved by writing that speaks to the soul—fiction, nonfiction, or even a single song lyric. Those moments have left an indelible mark on me, and I aspire to be the kind of writer who creates that same impact for others.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?

The road has been anything but smooth, but the challenges have shaped me and helped me develop resilience. I believe resilience is an essential trait for a writer because the journey is often like a roller coaster. There are highs and lows, but for a writer, every experience becomes fuel for creativity. As I mentioned earlier, I’m self-taught, which means I’ve learned many lessons the hard way. My growth as a writer has come through perseverance and a refusal to give up.

Beyond the challenges of learning and honing my craft, I’ve faced personal trials that deeply influenced my creative journey. Like everyone, I’ve dealt with the inherent struggles of life, but relationship challenges have been particularly significant for me. For example, at 34, I went through a divorce after 14 years of marriage. Suddenly, I was starting over as a single father with three young children, struggling to make ends meet. My dreams of writing and pursuing creative work were placed on the back burner as I focused on providing for my daughters.

Years later, after my children were grown, I faced another difficult chapter with the unexpected end of a 12-year relationship. This time, I found myself at a crossroads again—at 52, with no money, no job, and a failed business I had started just months earlier.

Throughout it all, writing became my lifeline. I filled several notebooks, jotted my thoughts on scraps of paper, and scribbled poems and ideas wherever I could. Writing kept my creative spark alive and gave me a sense of purpose when everything else felt uncertain. I’m convinced it was writing that helped me endure and ultimately grow through these experiences.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?

In addition to being a writer, I’m also a Certified Integrative Coach who helps people break through mental barriers and ignite their dreams. I sometimes work with businesses by guiding their managers on adopting a coaching leadership style.

Despite never attending college or receiving formal training, I’ve forged my writer’s voice and skills through life experiences. I’ve worked with my hands as an automotive technician, poured concrete in the blazing summer heat, and built resilience through a blue-collar upbringing. These experiences taught me grit, determination, and authenticity—qualities that I bring to my work and my writing.

Today, I’ve written eight books spanning various genres, including a novel, a self-development book, a business management guide, and a collection of poetry. My philosophies and ideas have been featured on The Dr. Julie Show: All Things Connected on Empower Radio and the Internet TV show Mental Shift with Michelle Mras.

I think what sets me apart is my self-taught journey as a writer and my nomadic lifestyle. Since 2019, I’ve been living on the road, traveling across the United States, which has profoundly shaped my perspective and my work. One of my most meaningful books, Nowhere Near the Middle: The Life Story of Valerie Doshier, was directly inspired by my travels through the Texas Panhandle. My personal story exemplifies what’s possible when you embrace resilience and pursue your passions, no matter where you start.

As for what I’m most proud of, it’s that I never gave up on my dream of becoming a writer. I’ve faced fear, imposter syndrome, and the weight of others’ opinions, but I never let any of that stop me from pursuing what I love. That unwavering commitment has led me down some extraordinary paths, and for that, I’m deeply grateful.

Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?

I’m currently working on my ninth book, which chronicles my journey from rock bottom in 2018 to radically rebooting my life. With nothing but a writer’s dream, a spark of hope, and a dash of boldness, I got rid of my material possessions and set out as a nomad—no address, no backup plan, just a vision for a new life. It’s a deeply personal story about resilience, reinvention, and the pursuit of authenticity.

My plan is to launch the book in the first half of 2025, and I’m envisioning a road tour to go along with it. Traveling has been such a transformative part of my journey, and I’d love to share the book with others while experiencing the connections and conversations that come from being on the road.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.straightupliving.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keith_e_smith/profilecard/?igsh=bHNjcHR4cXU3Ymho
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keith.smith.58118
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@thekeithesmith?si=mdTu0MNAybdNZ-w3