*This is another article in my monthly author interview series. If you’re an author that is interested in being featured, send me an email at amanda(at)amandabretz(dot)com.
1. Can you give me a synopsis of your newest release?
My newest release is a book of short stories titled ‘FOUR TO GO’ by Suzanne Wilson. It is on Amazon as of December 17, 2011 for the price $2.95. It consists of four short stories about a name, a particular dress, a dysfunctional family, and lastly, discovering the true value of Christmas from the neighbors on Christmas Court. This book followed my first one titled ‘MOONLIGHTER’, which was released on Amazon on December 2, 2011.
Synopsis of Four to Go:
DESTINY
Could the name chosen for a person when they are born, affect what happens to
them the rest of their life?
THE DRESS
Bea Landers is tempted to spend her savings on an expensive impulse purchase.
Should she or shouldn’t she? What will happen if she does?
NOBODY’S PERFECT
Annie is the third and last born in her family and has always felt third rate
compared to her siblings. Now she has to attend a family get-together for the
reading of her late father’s will.
DECOR WAR
The neighbors on Christmas Court suddenly have an ‘Anything you can do,
can do better’ attitude. Where, and when, will all this rivalry end?
Synopsis of Moonlighter:
Kayla Hamilton was tired, so very tired. She not only held down a more than
full-time job, but was a moonlighter almost every night of the week.
Suddenly, she unexpectedly found her true love. Paul Gregson was
everything a girl could ask for. Not only was he handsome, charming,
caring, and fun to be with, but rich, very rich. Could her dream come true to
be his forever? Or would the nightmare side of her life win out? Her friend,
Mike had had all he could take, would Paul feel the same? Can Kayla walk
away from her responsibilities, or is she doomed to be alone for many years
to come? Paul offers marriage as a way out, but Kayla is too independent to
accept his offer. Add to this, an ex-boss, Amanda, who wants Paul, too, and
is threatening her in many ways. Suddenly, her entire life changes, but is it
for the better or just leading to more heartbreak. Can she handle Amanda’s
threats and are they real? Only time will tell.
2. What’s your creative process: Do you use an outline, write to certain type of music, use document maps, etc?
When an idea comes to me for a story, or a book, I quickly jot it down and if I decide it’s worth pursuing, the next step is to create a list of characters and a brief outline for each chapter. In the case of short stories, I quickly begin typing on the computer until it is done. Frequently I have TV music in my office.
3. If you weren’t a writer what do you think you would be doing instead?
My actual career was as a Technical Illustrator, creating both schematics and trimetric drawings for major companies in the St. Louis area. Along with finally realizing my flair for writing, I produce colored pencil drawings of animals for friends and for my own pleasure. For many years Walt (my husband) and I owned and operated the ‘Suzi Wilson Art Studio’, handling freelance customers.
4. Personally, I hate formatting, just the term ‘header/footer’ makes me want to run and hide! What’s your least favorite part of the writing process?
I really don’t have a ‘least favorite part’ of writing. The whole process is very enjoyable, especially if someone else reads what I have written, hoping they aren’t too critical!
5. Do you have a mentor or another writer you look up to?
My husband, Walt, is my mentor in writing. He is a well-known writer in the model airplane field and has written and been published many, many times in National and International Magazines. He has always encouraged me to pursue whatever project I have been interested in.
6. What advice do you have for someone who wants a career in writing?
The only advice I have for someone who wants to write is, DO IT!! Whether it ever gets published or not, you’ll get so much satisfaction out of just sitting down and creating a story. Also, think about criticism, but never let it stop you from continuing on.
7. It’s been said that to be a good writer, one needs to be a voracious reader. What are your favorite types of books to read and what are you currently reading?
My favorite reading matter includes Romantic Intrigue and any mysteries involving the CIA, FEDS, SWAT, Police, etc. Currently I’m not finding much time to consider reading, but I have stacks of books waiting for me.
8. What other interests or hobbies do you have outside of writing?
Other interests during the years include driving a drag racer car, co-owner of a stock car racer, road rallying on both local and national levels, putting on slot car races, working sound control at Gateway International Raceway, all with my husband. My hobbies have included, making and selling ceramics; oil painting; colored pencil illustrations; knitting; crocheting; sewing; making, designing and selling jewelry; producing counted cross stitch portraits and scenes; playing cards; giving many parties; wrote and produced a family cookbook; the list goes on and on. During all this we adopted two truly wonderful children and we’re now blessed with two grandsons. Life has been very good. I have also held offices in various organizations including SCCA, SIR/SCCA, TOPS, Orchard Farm Elementary School, Brownie Leader, Den Mother, etc.
9. What’s your next writing project?
I have a new book that is finished and just needs editing and will then be available on Amazon Kindle. The title is “LEGACY”. It’s the story of a girl in Chicago who suddenly inherits a lodge in Wisconsin, along with a dozen cabins, from a relative she didn’t know even existed. There are many problems she must deal with from the moment she receives ownership. Along the way she thinks she has found love, but can it happen? Can she turn her back on Chicago and her mother?
Two more novels are in the process of being written, but it will be awhile before they are completed.
10. How can people reach you online?
I can be reached at my e-mail address: vipersoo@charter.net
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