R.J. Smith, was raised in a small town in West Texas surrounded by a plethora of cultural influences. A former model in fashion photography and runway, Smith embarked on a new journey, completing a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Psychology and is currently a doctoral student in I/O Psychology. A practicing Buddhist, his spiritual beliefs greatly influence his writing, as evident in his book, Echoes of the Silent Stream. Off the page, Smith enjoys a quiet life with his spouse and their two cats. His writings offer readers a casual yet profound exploration of healing and inner peace, drawing from his unique experiences.