Elena S. Smith

Elena S. Smith, a proud American citizen, was born and raised in St. Petersburg, Russia, but by leap of faith, she moved to Moscow...Idaho in 1993. Why it happened is described in her historical fiction-documentary novel "Why Birches Are White" (2006), an insight to the depth of culture intricacies, historical and political calamities and mysterious life circumstances.

The readers were so intrigued by her first novel that they inspired Elena to continue writing, and after many personal life changes, she published her second novel, a contemporary drama “Truths and Lies” (2023). This book has received an International Impact Book Award in 2024, and it won third place in BookFest Awards competition in the fall of 2025. It is about allowing yourself a second chance in life even at the point when it seems absolutely impossible.

Her latest writing creation is especially dear to her heart, “Tucker the Dog Who Thought He Was a Person”. It is a collection of 14 interactive short stories for kids ages 3-12. Each story describes life discoveries and adventures of Tucker rescued by Elena’s family when he was six years old, hopeless he would ever find happiness in life. But hope dies last, and Tucker did find a new loving family and a life full of kindness and fun.

Dr. Smith had taught English, Russian, film and culture at Washington State University for almost twenty years, and has recently retired. She now enjoys her freedom to travel, hike, read, golf and party with friends. She is thinking about writing a new story, maybe this time a mystery.