Remember “Choose Your Own Adventure Books?”
When I was in elementary school, I was obsessed with Choose Your Own Adventure books. I’d spend entire afternoons hunched over those slim paperbacks, flipping back and forth between pages, convinced I could outsmart the story if I just made the “perfect” combination of choices.
There was something thrilling—almost electric—about steering my own path, failing spectacularly, and diving back in to try again.
And then, life moved on. I honestly hadn’t thought about those books in decades… until this morning.
While preparing this blog post and my interview with Lulu Smyles, something clicked. Her new book, Choose Your Own Self-Discovery: Ink in the Chaos (ISBN 979-8298350181), brought that feeling rushing back—but with a twist I never saw coming. This isn’t a children’s adventure about space pirates or lost temples. This is a grown-up choose-your-own adventure—rooted in self-reflection, emotional truth, and deeply personal exploration—told entirely through original, beautifully crafted poems.
Each entry ends with a choice. Each choice takes you somewhere new. Every path reveals another layer of meaning, another angle on the chaos we all navigate, another chance to understand who we are and where we’re going.
It’s absolutely ingenious. The moment I realized what Lulu had created, I hit “Buy Now” without hesitation.
Lulu includes a handful of sample entries on Amazon, and with her permission, I’m sharing a few of them below so you can experience just how unique and compelling this book is (and don’t worry—nothing spoiler-heavy!).
Samples from the Book
After the samples, you’ll find my Q&A with Lulu Smyles, where she discusses the inspiration behind the book, her creative process, and why poetry was the perfect form for this interactive journey.
I was so excited by this amazing concept and the blast of nostalgia, I immediately bought the book and can’t wait to dive into the full book. I will be posting a review later in December once I have received it in the mail and read it.
Introduction to Lulu Smyles
Before I get into my interview with Lulu, let me share a little bit about her.
Lulu Smyles (pen name) is a poet and healing-centered author whose work focuses on self-discovery, emotional resilience, and gentle empowerment.
She began writing as a teenager as a way to process life experiences and has since developed a voice that is both raw and compassionate, offering readers space to explore their own healing at their own pace. Her debut book, Ink in the Chaos, is a choose-your-own self-discovery journey designed to feel like a companion rather than a directive guide. Through poetry and reflection, she invites readers to pause, breathe, and reconnect with themselves in a safe and non-judgmental way. When she isn’t writing, Lulu finds comfort in quiet moments, observing the world around her, and sharing time with her dogs. She continues to write with the belief that healing should always feel intentional, personal, and pressure-free.
Interview with Lulu Smyles
How long have you been writing, and what first inspired you to start?
- I’ve been writing poetry and short pieces since I was a teenager. It started as a way to cope with things happening in my life that I didn’t yet have the emotional language for.
- Writing became a space where I could process pain, confusion, and experiences that felt too heavy to carry silently. Poetry, especially, gave me a voice when I didn’t know how to speak out loud.
Who are some of your favorite authors or books that have shaped you as a writer?
- Some of the writers who have shaped me over the years include Ray Bradbury, Jules Verne, Terry Brooks, Stephen King, and Emily Dickinson.
- Each of them, in different ways, taught me about imagination, emotional depth, and the power of language.
- Emily Dickinson’s ability to hold so much meaning in so few words especially resonates with my own approach to poetry.
What genre do you write—and what genres do you personally love to read?
- Right now, my focus is entirely on poetry, specifically reflective and healing-centered poetry.
- As a reader, I enjoy a wide range of genres. I don’t limit myself to just one — I’m drawn to stories that move me, challenge me, or make me feel something real, whether that’s fiction, fantasy, classic literature, or introspective works.
For readers meeting you for the first time, how would you describe your writing style and the themes you gravitate toward?
- My writing style is raw, reflective, and deeply emotional, but never forceful.
- I lean toward themes of healing, resilience, self-discovery, and finding clarity within emotional chaos.
- My poems are meant to feel like a gentle companion rather than a directive voice — offering space, permission, and encouragement for readers to move through their own experiences at their own pace.
What’s the story behind your current book or series—what drew you into that world or these characters?
- Ink in the Chaos was born from a desire to create something that didn’t just express emotion, but actively supported healing.
- Instead of a traditional linear book, I designed it as a choose-your-own self-discovery journey, allowing readers to explore their inner world on their own terms.
- It’s rooted in lived experience, growth, and the belief that healing should never feel rushed, forced, or clinical.
Which character in your latest book surprised you the most during the writing process?
- Rather than characters, what surprised me most was how my own emotional voice evolved throughout the writing process.
- Certain poems revealed layers of insight and strength that I didn’t consciously set out to explore.
- It felt less like creating and more like uncovering something that had quietly been waiting.
Do you have a favorite scene in your current book? What makes it stand out to you?
- Instead of a single “scene,” there are moments within the book that stand out because of the honesty they carry.
- Some poems feel especially significant because they capture vulnerability and strength at the same time — those are the pieces that remind me why I started writing in the first place.
Every writer has their own rhythm—what does your writing routine look like on a good day?
- I don’t write on a fixed schedule.
- My process is entirely inspiration-based. The words come when they come — sometimes in the middle of the night, sometimes during the middle of my workday, and sometimes when I least expect it.
- I’ve learned to honor that rhythm instead of resisting it, because that’s when the most honest work appears.
Was there a moment while writing this book when everything suddenly clicked (or when you almost threw the manuscript across the room)?
- There was a powerful moment when I realized the book wasn’t just a collection of poems — it was becoming a guided journey.
- That clarity shifted everything and gave the project purpose beyond expression.
- Of course, there were also moments of doubt, where I questioned whether it was enough or if anyone would resonate with it. But those moments ultimately deepened my commitment to the message.
What books, movies, or personal experiences have influenced your storytelling the most?
- My storytelling has been heavily shaped by personal life experiences, emotional growth, and my journey through healing.
- Alongside that, the books and authors who once offered me refuge and imagination helped form my creative foundation.
- My work reflects both the pain I’ve endured and the resilience I continue to build.
If you could give one piece of advice to new or aspiring writers, what would you tell them?
- Write honestly, even when it feels uncomfortable.
- Don’t worry about perfection at first — worry about truth.
- The most powerful writing doesn’t come from trying to impress, but from being real.
What’s one fun or unexpected fact about you that readers wouldn’t guess from your official bio?
- Most people wouldn’t guess that I find deep comfort in quiet moments like putting on music for my dogs or observing how their energy changes with different sounds.
What are you currently working on, and what can readers expect from you next?
- I’m currently working on the second book in this healing-centered series, continuing the same structure and tone as Ink in the Chaos but exploring new emotional layers and themes.
- Readers can expect more poetry, deeper reflection, and further opportunities for self-discovery.
How do you stay motivated or creative when the writing gets tough?
- I remind myself why I started — not just to write, but to create something that might help someone feel less alone. When things feel heavy, I allow myself space instead of forcing productivity.
- For me, creativity thrives when it’s respected, not pressured.
Where can readers follow you online and keep up with your future books?
- Readers can find my work and follow my author journey through my Amazon Author Page.
- I maintain a Facebook presence, but I keep it minimal and focused on professional updates.
- For now, Amazon is the main place to stay connected with my books and future releases.
