WELCOME SUSANNE BELLAMY!
So glad you could pop in and share a little about yourself and your writing.
1. What is the theme of your new release?
Trust is integral to relationships and has to be earned. In Long Way Home (Hearts of the Outback bk 3), Sarah Tait will neither trust nor forgive Detective Caleb Richards. The first time they met he slapped handcuffs on her and now, he’s asking for her help to find a kidnapped thoroughbred stallion. But sometimes it’s easier to trust when you dislike a person because there are no rose coloured glasses to distort the picture. (Sounds like fun. Looking forward to this one.)
2. What was/is one of the hardest things about writing your current release? (Did you or do you want to throw it into the fire like frodo?)
I needed to do quite a lot of research on horses, endurance riding, and plants of the outback. While I rode a few times as a teenager, I’m not a rider but I was fortunate to connect with Sandy Vaile, whose help with the equine elements was wonderful. The tricky part was to use her information and make it sound realistic. I actually enjoy research because I love to learn. (Same here Susanne. I love research.)
3. Because everyone always wants to know. Are you a panster or plotter?
I’m an organic writer. Each story begins with seeing a ‘meeting’ between the protagonists followed by asking questions to get to know them and what they are doing in that place. The story grows as I get to know the characters and see them interacting with one another. I wish I could plot more than a brief outline, but after ten or so stories, I realise that I have to do what works for me. A story ‘grows’ in its own way and reveals itself when it’s ready. (I like the term 'organic.')
4. How important are reviews to you? Do you get upset when they aren’t favourable? (Like stalk the reviewer and wish they get infested with a thousand fleas.)
No writer likes to read bad reviews that offer nothing by way of constructive criticism. That said, I try not to pay too much attention to negative statements, although it’s brilliant when a reviewer absolutely ‘gets’ my story. Those reviews, I read again, just to remind myself that real people actually enjoy my book babies.
5. How do you market your books? (Stand at the top of a building and shout buy my book?) Any events you want the reader to know about e.g. Coming appearances or signing?
I use social media, FB and Twitter, and my infrequent newsletter to let readers know. Friends and fellow authors often share these posts for me, which is greatly appreciated. My experience with blog tours is that they can be fun, but not to expect too much from them.
6. Social Media – Love it or hate it? Where do you hang out the most? Any tips to share?
By nature I’m more of an introvert. I’m also a technogumby so you could say I have a love/hate relationship with electronic devices and the Web. Best tip: deal with people as you would like to be dealt with; and keep your posts positive!
7. What is your favourite motivational phrase or positive saying?
Don’t worry, be happy. To a fair degree, happiness is a choice for most of us so, as much as possible, I choose to be happy and look for the good.
As for my writing, Nelson Mandela said it best: It always seems impossible until it’s done. (Both are very good quotes and true.)
If you want to know more about Susanne, you can visit her here;
Long Way Home
Available 30 June. Pre-order on: Amazon
Blurb:
The first time they met Detective Caleb Richards snapped handcuffs on Sarah Tait and she vowed never to forgive him. But when he seeks her help to find a kidnapped thoroughbred stallion she becomes his unwilling assistant.
Sarah sets out on a marathon endurance ride. As Caleb tags along, he realises that the horse whisperer has deeper secrets than he’d ever suspected.
Can he uncover Sarah’s secrets and win her trust?
Other books in the outback series,
Book 1
Book 2
