BIO: Susan M.
Baganz chases after three Hobbits, and is a native of Wisconsin . She is an Acquisitions Editor
with Prism Book Group, specializing in bringing great romance novels and
novellas to publication. Susan writes adventurous historical and contemporary romances
with a biblical world-view.
Susan speaks, teaches, and encourages others to follow God
in being all He has created them to be. With her seminary degree in counseling
psychology, a background in the field of mental health, and years serving in
church ministry, she understands the complexities and pain of life as well as
its craziness. She serves behind-the-scenes in various capacities at her church
and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), and serves on the
board of the southeast chapter. Her favorite pastimes are lazy…snuggling with
her dog while reading a good book or sitting with a friend chatting over a cup
of spiced chai latte.
Welcome, Susan. Tell
us how much of yourself you write into your characters.
I think some of me shows up in at least one of my
characters. My first book has more of “me” in it than any of my others, but
there are pieces of me scattered everywhere amongst the pages of all my books.
I don’t know if I’m brave enough to confess to just how much is “me”! A man from church gave me a hug after reading
my second novel and said “I’m getting an interesting glimpse into your head.” I
responded: “Scary, isn’t it?”
What is the quirkiest
thing you have ever done?
I took workshops at ComedySportz in Milwaukee and even worked there for a time. A
co-worker was a gifted player there. We saw each other at work and began to
engage in a conversation in jibberish. I seriously walked away from that
feeling like I’d had a legitimate and satisfying conversation! The memory still
makes me smile. I’ve also been known to play practical jokes but it’s been
years since I’ve done anything like that. Not everyone can take a joke even
when it’s meant with the greatest of love and best of intentions.
When did you first
discover that you were a writer?
I’ve always been a writer. My ability to write well is what
got me through graduate school (MA Counseling Psychology from Trinity
Evangelical Divinity School) and allowed me to excel in my job as a Case
Manager and Admissions/Discharge Coordinator for a Community Support Program. I
wrote – a lot! I didn’t realize how much I loved writing fiction until I did
National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo.org), November of 2009. Then I was
hooked.
Tell us the range of
the kinds of books you enjoy reading.
I used to read only Regency romances, then branched out to
contemporary and romantic suspense. As an editor I have contracted medieval,
suspense, mystery, historical, speculative fiction/sci-fi, and mid-grade/YA
adventure stories. I also read nonfiction from theological topics, leadership
and psychology. Recently finished, Humilitas
by John Dickson, and am wading slowly through Switch by Chip Heath and Dan Heath. Just starting the Relationship Principles of Jesus by Tom
Holladay. I can easily be reading three books or more at a time.
I used to only read
one novel at a time, but with my Kindle in my purse, I read one novel when I’m
away from the house and another at home. How do you keep your sanity in our
run, run, run world?
I don’t. I’ve recently been challenged to improve my own
care of myself. I’ve been walking several times a week before the kids get up
for school. I spent three months, earlier this year, on crutches and a scooter
and every step I take is still painful, but I am moving, and am back into
physical therapy. I also started taking lessons to relearn something I enjoy.
Sometimes I color, or binge watch TV shows. I’ve exhausted Psych, Bones (never finished), Lie
to Me (only 3 seasons-that was enough), Castle
(never finished) JAG and am currently
working my way through NCIS. Or
movies—anything Jane Austen or Lord of
the Rings/The Hobbit. I call it research of course.
How do you choose
your characters’ names?
For every book it’s different. For my current release I
wanted a Greek name and spelling and liked Nikolos (Niko for short). I wanted a
female name that also had a Greek feel and decided on Tia. Short and sweet.
Last names I just make up something. For my next book though, it’s based on a
real-life man named Johnny—but I couldn’t change the name. It was as if the
character insisted on being Johnny. So sometimes I can go a little unique and
sometimes very basic. I’ve had characters complain. I had one character (a
woman) change her name three times as I was writing her story. Finally, she was
happy. Sounds strange to those who don’t write—but that’s what it feels like in
my head.
I so understand. What
is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?
My first thought is: Staying alive as I’ve struggled with
major depressive disorder my entire life. My second is: Continuing to obey God
even when it runs counter to what others think is right for me. All my life it
feels like significant people in my life have disagreed with my choices. But if
I’m following God’s leading, that’s all that matters. And yes, I’ve survived
the censure and slander that’s come along the way. I gotta admit—sometimes it
hurts though when people who you think should love and support God’s call on
your life—don’t. Makes me all the more grateful for those who have stood by my
side, praying and believing God had a plan. There are women who prayed with me
when I was only dreaming of being published who rejoice with me now. I am so
grateful for them and my pastors who believed in God’s calling on my writing.
If you were an
animal, which one would you be, and why?
A raccoon. They tend to be a bit mischievous and often do
their messiest work when no one is looking. And the mask. I’ve always had
darker circles under my eyes since I was a child. And I wear glasses…
What is your favorite
food?
Oh…if you were to go out to dinner with me, we’d go to
Q’doba and I’d get a naked steak burrito (cilantro rice and pinto beans) with
queso, mild and verde salsa, cheese and sour cream. We wouldn’t even need the
chips.
What is the problem
with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?
I hit a “wall of fear” with every full length novel. I’ll
believe I’ve written myself into a corner, that this is the crappiest book out
there and no one would ever want to read it. I pray. Sleep. And write my way
through. In thirteen full-length manuscripts that I’ve completed, I could not tell
you where that spot is in any of them. Makes the five star reviews all the
sweeter.
Tell us about the
featured book.
The idea for Feta and Freeways came after finding
out a band I’ve always loved, Burlap to Cashmere
was back recording. They’d dropped out of the music scene in the late 90’s,
burnt out. Before they could come back though one of the musicians, Johnny, who
is a guitar player and cousin to the lead singer and guitar player Steven, was
almost killed and spent three weeks in a coma after a brutal attack. They didn’t
know if he’d ever play again. Praise God, he can! I fell in love with their
music all over again and decided to write a book about the lead singer of the
band, named Nikolos. The next one, Root
Beer and Roadblocks is due out in February and tells Johnny’s story.
He’d never noticed her…till now.
Nikolos Acton is the lead singer of a Christian Band, Specific Gravity, struggling to make it in the industry after an unplanned break, touring the country with their manager, Tia.
Tia Bartel loved Niko for the longest time, but it wasn’t until she stepped in to save his life that he finally realizes what has been there all along. Is it too late for him? Could a relationship between them work after years of ignoring her? How would he ever convince her he’s worthy of her trust?
As they journey on the freeway of life and love, they encounter struggles as they are forced to rely on their faith, and friends, to make it through.
Please give us the
first page of the book.
The way to love anything is to realize it may be lost.
Gilbert K. Chesterton
July 2012
Sirens wailed, competing with Nikolos Acton’s voice and
guitar as they combined with the band’s groove pounding through the speakers.
Usually, nothing invigorated him more than the synergy of the mix of
instruments and vocals. But today, as the audience joined in with the singing,
what might have been a holy moment was marred by the dissonant sounds outside
the tent. They played until the applause of the crowd drowned out the final
chord.
“Thank you for coming. Our album is for sale at the back
table.” With a wave, Niko turned to his buddies.
Emergency lights pulsed off the cars parked nearby, but the
sirens no longer rang in the air.
“Wonder what happened?” Johnny scrunched his eyes as he
often did when he concentrated.
Niko ruffled a towel over his damp curls and shrugged.
“Let’s get packed up. I’m sure Tia will fill us in after we’re done signing
merchandise and taking photos.” He tossed the sweaty cloth into the bin. Tia’d
collect them later. Outdoor summer concerts tended to be hot.
Marc frowned. “Whatever it is happened backstage.” He
stepped closer and elbowed Niko. “Any cute blondes catch your eye?”
“Not interested.” Niko rolled his eyes at his bass player.
“Yeah, right.” Sam winked as he packed his guitar and slid
his sunglasses back on. It had been an inside joke that flaxen-haired ladies
seemed to love Niko and sought him out after every concert. In spite of their
Christian faith and venues, some of the women crossed lines, which surprised
him. Not only in the provocative clothing they wore but even with their
suggestive remarks and innuendos. It definitely made touring a challenge in the
struggle to stay pure.
Niko shook his head at his bandmates. A festival worker in
an orange vest motioned for him.
“Be back in a sec, guys.” He headed over.
“Nikolos Acton?”
“Yeah?”
“We need you out here. There’s been trouble.”
And we want to know
what that trouble is, don’t we, Readers? How can readers find you on the
Internet?
Thank you, Susan, for sharing this new book with us.
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Feta and Freeways - PaperbackFeta and Freeways - Kindle
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10 comments:
Thanks for having me here!
An interesting inspiration. I have not heard of them.
Mary P
QLD AUSTRALIA
Looks really good. I was hooked from the first second of reading the sample (first page). Please enter me.
Clarksville VA
Sounds like an interesting book. Thanks for the chance to win.
Beth in Montana
I remember Burlap to Cashmere!
Thanks for sharing Susan's interview and her first page.
Connie from KY
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com
The first page definitely pulled me in. Thanks for the chance to get to know you better. I'd love to win.
Brenda in VA
I enjoyed the interview. The first page was very good and I'd like to read the rest!!
Beth from IA
Enter me in your amazing giveaway!!
Conway, SC.
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