Welcome to Patterings, Susan! When I was a little girl we lived on the coast of Maine and I watched Andre in harbor, so having you here is a special treat. :] I bet it's getting pretty up there in Maine...enjoy the color for me. :]
Tell us about your epiphany moment when you decided you were going to seriously pursue writing and eventually publication.
I had been writing for a newspaper for a long time, and one day I realized I had a story in my head—a complicated, multi-layered story. I told my husband, and he said to write it down. I did, in the summer of 1999. That book has not been published, but I’ve been writing fiction ever since.
Which of your books (published or upcoming) has been the most fun for you to write and which character is your favorite?
Hearts in the Crosshairs was a lot of fun because it happens in places I’ve known all my life, yet in “inner” places I’ve never been allowed to enter. Governor Jillian Goff is a favorite of mine because of her ideals and her determination.
What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?
Time. Where does it go? Right now I need to whip a couple of proposals into shape for editors, but first I have to finish the book I’m working on, and before that I have to plan my kids’ lessons for the week, and before that…
Which character in your new release most interested you while you wrote?
Besides Jillian, I’d have to say Detective Dave Hutchins. As I got to know him and developed his past, I found he was a deep person. He’s served in Iraq, and he’s been a state trooper for several years, then a detective. He keeps up with the men who served with him, and he likes to hunt and fish and canoe. He’s a man worthy of my heroine.
What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?
Hm? On purpose? Because if not, I’d have to say losing my appendix while I was 9 months pregnant. That was an adventure. But the quirkiest thing I’ve done intentionally may be taking a trip with my 3 sisters and pretending we were on The Amazing Race when we really weren’t. We got some odd looks.
LoL Arent's sisters wonderful?!
Are there things you put off doing because you dread them?
Oh, yes!!! Revisions and housework come to mind.
What would a perfect day for you look like?
Sunny and warm, and quiet. Time to write, but time to relax with my family, too.
Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.
I love mysteries, historicals, romance, and true history.
Are there certain foods or snacks keeps the words flowing for you?
I wish! I usually have a cup of tea on my desk, though.
Are there spiritual themes you like to write about?
Forgiveness and reconciliation show up in a lot of my books. I think it’s important, and it flows naturally in a lot of stories. I don’t set out to plant it there, but it appears.
What lesson is the Lord teaching you right now or recently taught you?
To wait and see what He will do.
When is your next book due out and can you tell us about it?
After Hearts in the Crosshairs (October release) I will see The Sheriff’s Surrender come out in December. I’m excited about that—the first book in my Ladies’ Shooting Club series. It’s a historical set in Idaho, and the women of a small town learn to shoot when they feel their men aren’t protecting them. Of course, the men don’t like the implications of that. It was a lot of fun to write.
Oh, that sounds great, Susan! I'll have to watch for it!
You can purchase Hearts in the Crosshairs from CBD, and Amazon:
Susan is giving away a copy of Hearts in the Crosshairs. To be entered in the book giveaway, leave a comment and check back on Sunday, October 11th to see if you've won. If you want to guarantee that you're notified if you win, then leave your email address in the comment, otherwise, you can just check back and email me through the button in my sidebar.
**Annoying little disclaimer: This giveaway is void where prohibited; open only to U.S. addresses, odds of winning depend on number of entrants. No purchase necessary.
**Cover Art for Hearts in the Crosshairs used by arrangement with Harlequin Enterprises, Limited. All rights reserved.
And yet another fun giveaway!!
ReplyDeleteKaren
jnkbull@gmail.com---yes, I do have a stateside address:)
Susan writes great books. Please enter me for this one. Thanks.
ReplyDeletedesertrose5173 at gmail dot com
I love Susan's books so I would love to be entered in the drawing. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.
ReplyDeletecherierj(at)yahoo(dot)com
I had fun reading the interview. Please enter me in the drawing, ~Abby
ReplyDeleteabster(dot)rose(at)yahoo(dot)com