Interview And Winner

Today I have Suzanne Selfors visiting Princess Bookie! 

What was your life like before becoming an author?

I worked a number of jobs while going to graduate school and when I was first married. Then I quit my job at a television station when I had my son, and I became a stay-at-home mom. I didn't write during those years. I put all my creative energy into raising my kids.

  
Which comes first? The character's story or the idea for the novel?

Each book has its own unique genesis. For Coffeehouse Angel, the character of Katrina popped into my head. Even though I didn't have a story for her, she stayed with me and eventually, the story began to take shape. For Saving Juliet, the concept came first, as it did with Mad Love.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I've always been a storyteller. I created picture books, wrote plays and performed them at school, etc. But I never identified with the term "writer." Even though I got a lot of praise from creative writing teachers, I knew thought that I'd go in that direction.

I didn't actually use the word "writer" until after my first book was published.

What inspired you to write your first book?

 My kids. My first published book was To Catch a Mermaid and I was reading all these great books with my kids. I knew I wanted to write for that age group.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

It may sound like the same old advice, but it's true--you need determination in this business. You're going to get a lot of "not interested" and it hurts like hell. It's all part of the process.

Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.

My writing group was critical to my success. They kept me motivated. They helped keep me grounded.

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And The Winner of Mad Love from the contest last week is:

Christina of Book Addict

please email me within 48 hours!