GATEWAY TO THE WEST - Susette Williams - One Free Book

Welcome, Susette. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.

I find that after I’m writing a story, it may often be something I’m dealing with in our family. As for what characters may have a touch of me…my humor. I love to crack corny jokes and get people to laugh, even if it is at me.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

I’m not sure I should admit to this… Putting random items in other people’s shopping carts without them knowing it.

When did you first discover that you were a writer?

In 7th grade I had a friend who wrote poetry and I started writing poetry. Then in the next year, I had read around fifty romances and felt like I could write one, but never tried until I was married and had children.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.

Romance, cozy mysteries, and perhaps suspense are the only types of books I tend to read, and in that order. I do write other genres and I love a variety of types of movies—probably action adventure the most when it comes to movies.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?

My children are grown so thankfully the “run, run, run” in my world tends to be writing related.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

Sometimes I ask friends if they want to be immortalized. Other times I ask readers to help come up with names. I’ve even looked through phone books for names or used a name generator site online to help find a name.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

For me, I’m happy just knowing readers enjoy my stories. I love to make people smile, laugh, or think.

If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?

I’m allergic to animals so that’s a tough question. I’ve honestly never thought about what type of animal I like better than another or what I’d want to be. My favorite type of cat is the Siamese cat.

What is your favorite food?

Fried zucchini and a lot of desserts, but nothing cherry.

And I absolutely love cherries, especially chocolate-covered cherries. What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?

Learning to write with the distraction of six kids when they were younger was a challenge. I often feel guilty to write when there is housework that needs done.

I am truly blessed. My husband does most of the housework. Tell us about the featured book.

Gateway to the West was actually one of those ideas that I didn’t plan on it being something around me, but as I wrote it, I thought about an older couple I knew who both lost their spouses. The two couples used to go places together, even on vacation, and after they both lost their spouse within six months of each other, they eventually ended up dating and marrying.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2

Independence, Missouri — June 1, 1840

Haley Hunter’s jutted jaw and cute upturned nose exuded a sense of confidence and determination. Yet the pleading looks in her eyes hinted at an underlying vulnerability. She planted her fists firmly on her hips, her reticule dangling from the drawstrings clasped within her grip. “Well, do you or don’t you need a cook?”

“I do.” Malcom Wheeler recalled saying those words a long time ago, and he hadn’t been there, not when she needed him. It was a mistake he would never make again.

“Then it’s set.” Haley smiled.

“Wait, no.” Malcom shook his head vehemently. “You can’t do that. I wasn’t finished speaking.”

“Well, it appears you are now.” She picked up a green floral valise, clasping it firmly in her hands. “Show me the way.”

Malcom gritted his teeth. The cook he originally hired for the job had backed out. He wanted to find another man for the job. Heck, he was willing to do it himself if he had the time and forethought to planning meals. His job was to lead the wagon train and get everyone to their destination in one piece, with their scalps intact.

“It ain’t safe for a woman.” His jaw clenched. He could be as stubborn and unmoving as she was—even more.

Her eyebrow arched. “Then why are you taking women with you on the wagon train?”

“Because they’re married.” And from what he could tell, she wasn’t. She’d be a distraction to several of the other single men, and he needed everyone to have their wits about them.

“I am… I was…” Her mouth clamped shut, giving him a moment of peace and satisfaction. It only seemed to fuel her determination. “So, if something happens to one of the men during the trip, you just toss their wife by the wayside?” Haley asked. “Perhaps leave them for the Indians?”

“No.” Haley infuriated him more than fur flying in a cat fight. “It’s my job to protect the members of my wagon train, and I take my job very seriously.”

“Perhaps you think it best if I tried to make it on my own, without the protection of a larger group?” Her attempt at pious indignation wrenched his gut.

“Why is it so important to you that you insist on going?”

How can readers find you on the Internet?

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Thank you, Susette, for sharing your new book with my blog readers and me. I’m eager to read it.

Readers, here is a link to the book.

GATEWAY TO THE WEST (Thanksgiving Books & Blessings Collection One Book 2)

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