Welcome back, Susan. Why
do you write the kind of books you do?
I’ve always loved anything to do with romance. Even as a
child reading Nancy Drew mysteries, I was more interested in her getting
together with Ned. So writing my own stories of romance came quite naturally.
It wasn’t until I got introduced to Christian romance that I knew I wanted to
incorporate a faith element into my stories.
Besides when you came
to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?
The birth of my first child was the happiest! My husband and
I had a hard time conceiving, so when our daughter was born, it was like a
dream come true!
How has being
published changed your life?
Getting published was the fulfillment of a dream dear to my
heart. Holding that first book in my hands was one of the most amazing feelings
ever. It is also has made me feel like I belong with all my fellow authors.
It’s like being part of the cool crowd!
LOL.
What are you reading right
now?
I’m reading Captured
by Love by Jody Hedlund. An excellent read!
What is your current
work in progress?
I am currently working on my second historical romance for
Bethany House. Irish Meadows, the
story of two O’Leary sisters, releases next August, and now I’m writing their
brother’s story (currently untitled) which comes out in 2016.
What would be your
dream vacation?
Anywhere by the ocean. I especially love New
Jersey and Florida !
How do you choose
your settings for each book?
I set my Rainbow Falls series in a fictional small town in North Dakota , mainly because it had some similarities to
my home province of Ontario in Canada . For my Love Inspired book, Healing the Widower’s Heart, coming out
in February, I chose the finger lakes region of New York
because it resembled the Muskoka cottage country in Northern
Ontario where the Wyndermere Resort was situated. For my
historical series, I based it somewhat loosely on my own Irish ancestors who
settled in Brooklyn , New
York , but after some research, I chose Long
Island as the place where the O’Learys’ horse farm, Irish Meadows,
was situated. So, in answer to your question, I guess each case is different!
If you could spend an
evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?
Tough one. Either Oprah Winfrey or Katie Couric because they
are both women I admire who have accomplished so much and have met so many
interesting people over the course of their careers. It would be a fascinating
evening!
What are your
hobbies, besides writing and reading?
I don’t have much time for other hobbies, but I do enjoy
scrapbooking. Back when my kids were young, I spent a lot of time making books
of their baby pictures. I also love researching our family history and have
solved some family mysteries with my online research through www.Ancestry.com .
What is your most
difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?
Learning to plot a story from beginning to end was a major
obstacle for me. The other was writing consistently. Many times I’d just stop
writing for months at a time. I finally realized that to be a good writer, I
had to keep at it! Practice does make perfect.
What advice would you
give to a beginning author?
I would advise a beginner to join a writer’s group if at all
possible and study, study, study the craft of writing. The second thing I would
advise is to enter writing contests. This is great for getting feedback on your
work, and in my case, two of my contracts were a direct result of contests I
entered. A good critique partner and/or mentor is also another great way to
boost your confidence as a writer.
Tell us about the
featured book.
Wayward Hearts is the story of Maxi North, who always dreamed
of being a famous hairstylist in New
York City . She is living the life she loves, until the
unexpected death of her father brings her back to her hometown of Rainbow Falls where she is forced to confront a
tragedy from her past, as well as her unrequited feelings for Jason Hanley, her
former best friend.
Please give us the
first page of the book.
“Ninth floor
penthouse.” The musical voice oozed from the speakers as the elevator slid to a
smooth stop.
The doors whispered open, and Maxi North stepped out into
the magnificent lobby of Baronne’s Salon. She paused, latte in hand, and smiled
at the sheer luxury on display. The ornate crystal chandelier glittered above
the mahogany reception desk that housed a striking array of orchids. Sometimes
Maxi had to pinch herself to make sure she wasn’t dreaming—that this former
farm girl from Rainbow Falls , North
Dakota , now worked as a junior stylist in one of the top salons in
New York City .
She hiked her purse farther onto the shoulder of her satin
jacket as she strode into the heart and soul of the salon—the chrome and glass
stylist stations, where the employees worked their magic for a pampered
clientele. The familiar scents of floral shampoos, coconut conditioner, and
hair spray swirled around her.
Coming in for the afternoon shift meant that most of the
stations already bustled with activity. On the way to her own station, second
chair from the back, she waved to her friend Cherise. With a contented sigh,
Maxi set down her latte, threw her purse in the bottom drawer, and plugged in
her curling irons.
“You’re early today.” Cherise stood on tiptoes, stretching
to reach one of the sliding cupboards at Maxi’s right. She grabbed some towels
and blew her pink-tinted corkscrews off her forehead before flashing a dazzling
smile.
“Nothing to do at home. My Internet connection died, so I
figured I might as well come in and get a head start on my shift.” Maxi fished
her cell phone out of her jacket pocket and deposited it on the counter in
front of the huge beveled mirror. “Mrs. Rothman’s my first customer. You know
how picky she is.”
Cherise snickered. “Uh-huh. Better you than me.” She swung
back toward her customer, then pivoted, her ebony eyes twinkling. “Rumors are
flying today. Philippe and the other partners have been in a meeting all
morning.”
The numerous cups of coffee Maxi had already consumed
churned in her stomach. “Good news or bad, do you think?” She hadn’t dared heed
the latest gossip that the Baronnes might be considering taking on another
partner.
“Hard to tell.” Cherise nodded toward the hall leading to
Philippe Baronne’s private office. “Guess we’ll know soon enough.”
How
can readers find you on the Internet?
They can find me on Facebook or on my website www.susanannemason.com .
They can find my books at the Pelican Book group site www.pelicanbookgroup.com or at
Amazon.com
Thank you for having me here again, Lena !How
can readers find you on the Internet?
They can find me on Facebook or on my website www.susanannemason.com .
They can find my books at the Pelican Book group site www.pelicanbookgroup.com or at
Amazon.com
It's my pleasure to host you. One of my daughters is a hairdresser. I know she would love to read this book when I get finished.
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Wayward Hearts - Christianbook.com
Wayward Hearts - Amazon
Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.
If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Google+, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link:
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
Enjoyed meeting Susan and reading about her new release! Sounds like a god read indeed :) Hugs and blessings!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Caryl! Great to meet you too!
ReplyDeleteSusan
Thank you for a great review, Lena! The book sounds great!
ReplyDeleteMelanie Backus, TX
I'm with you, Susan. It was settling to realize romance was what I wanted to write. Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteHi Davalyn,
ReplyDeleteThanks for dropping by during your big day at Seekerville!
Cheers,
Sue
I enjoyed this great interview with Susan....YAY..am so excited about her book and would love to be entered to win. I "know" Susan through Seekerville.
ReplyDeleteJackie in GA
Wonderful interview, Susan! I love how Lena asked all the right questions : )
ReplyDeleteI agree with writing consistently. How in the world can God complete His thoughts in our minds when we walk away from His inspiration for weeks at a time?
Great tips and so proud of all your successes, Susan!!
I enjoyed getting to know Susan and would love to read WAYWARD HEARTS! Thank you for the great interview and giveaway.
ReplyDeleteBritney Adams, TX
I'm going to enjoy this. Interesting first page.
ReplyDeleteMary P
QLD AUSTRALIA
Oooooh...sounds good! Sign me up!!
ReplyDeleteKristen in OK
kam110476 at gmail dot com
Interesting. I don't do "glamorous" but for some reason, I read the entire excerpt and it left me wanting to read further. I have not read any of Susan's books yet, but I will add her to my TBR list. Thanks! lisajcowell(at)cs(dot)com in Ohio
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good book!
ReplyDeleteBeth Gillihan, Montana
Hi Jackie,
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking the time to drop by and read my interview!
Cheers,
Sue
Audra,
ReplyDeleteSo nice to see you here! Thank you so much for your kind words and your support!
Sue
Britney,
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! Good luck in the draw!
Susan
Hi Mary,
ReplyDeleteAll the way from Australia - how exciting. Bet you are enjoying summer since we are ankle deep in snow here!
Cheers,
Susan
Hi Kristen in OK! Good luck with the draw. I hope you enjoy Maxi and Jason's roller coaster ride to love!
ReplyDeleteSusan
Hi Lisa (Granny's Attic)!
ReplyDeleteYour kind comment made my day! Don't worry there's not a lot of glamor in the story except for the bits that take place in New York. Most of the time is spent in small town Rainbow Falls! Hope you enjoy the story!
Susan
Hi Beth,
ReplyDeleteThanks for dropping by and commenting! Hope you get a chance to read Maxi's story! She's a bit of a character! LOL.
Susan
Enter me!!
ReplyDeleteConway, SC.
Sounds like a great book! Shelia from Mississippi
ReplyDeleteWayward Hearts sounds very good and I loved your interview. sm. CA. wileygreen1(at)yahoo(dot)com
ReplyDeleteSounds very interesting!!
ReplyDeleteKandi in Montana
I enjoyed the little peek, please add me for Wayward Hearts. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteMerry in MN