Susie Tells Us How Everyday Family Obligations Inspired Her to Write Children’s Books, and How She Finds Inspiration in the Simple Things in Life
Susie Rich was raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, and has spent her career working in the social work/homelessness prevention field. Several years ago, she began to pursue her passion for writing. Prior to her two recently published children’s books, How My Daddy Taught Me to Dance and Too Much Hopscotch, she published “Beauties, The Eye of the Beholder,” in an Ohio magazine. She has also written a number of short stories and is currently working on a novel. She resides near Boston, Massachusetts, with her husband, Douglas.
Have you always wanted to be a writer? When did you start?
“I did not always want to be a writer but I have always enjoyed writing. I wrote poems that I didn’t share with anyone. I started sharing my poems with family around high school.”
Could you tell us a little bit how How My Daddy Taught Me to Dance and Too Much Hopscotch came to be?
“How Daddy Taught Me to Dance and Too Much Hopscotch along with many other stories were the result of me occupying my time while waiting for my children to complete their activities. Football practices, baseball games, dance classes. I wrote while they played and practiced.”
Where do you get your inspiration?
“My inspiration comes from many places and takes many forms. It can be as simple as the sound of leaves rustling, the scenery while driving, or a single word said in a casual conversation. Inspiration for me is everywhere and it comes from things going on in my life.”
Do you have some Authors that you really admire or that have helped to shape your work?
“I do. I enjoy science fiction quite a bit. Although these authors did not help shape my writing directly, the works of Arthur C. Clarke and J.R.R. Tolkien were among my favorite reads.”
Who is your intended audience and why should they read your books?
“My intended audiences are children and parents who enjoy fun and interesting stories with a positive message presented in an entertaining way.”
Have you written other books, articles, etc.? If so, where can we find them?
“I have written other stories in addition to How My Daddy Taught Me to Dance and Too Much Hopscotch. Currently you can find my published story Beauties, The Eye of the Beholder under the Additional Works page on my website SusiesStories.com.”
How do you think you’ve evolved creatively since you started writing?
“Since I started writing, my creativity has evolved with experience. Family, friends, and life in general have greatly influenced the progression of my work.”
What is the most difficult thing for you when it comes to writing?
“The most difficult thing for me when it comes to writing is getting the idea down on paper. Since inspiration can come in any form and at any time, getting the idea down on paper before the thought or phrase is gone can sometimes be a challenge. While driving down the highway, in the middle of a business meeting, or at the register at the grocery store, I try to find interesting ways to keep the thought intact until I can get it down on paper.”
What is the easiest thing for you when it comes to writing?
“The easiest thing for me when it comes to writing is picking up where I left off. If I have started writing a story, I do not have a problem coming back to it and continuing the story line.”
Do you ever get writer’s block? What do you do to get around it?
“So far I have been very fortunate (fingers crossed) that I have not experienced writer’s block.”
What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
“I would definitely say to keep at it. Anything you want to say in the form of writing, be it a story, poem, or novel; just keep it going whether or not you think it will be published or even seen by anyone. If writing is what you want to do and it makes you happy, that passion has already brought you to a wonderful place. Sometimes with our obligations in life, we cannot always get to our writing but make a commitment to try and do at least one hour a day and you will get it done.”
How can we contact you or find out more about your books?
“You can find out more about my stories on my website Susiesstories.com, through Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/SusiesStories, and you can also contact me at Susiesstories@yahoo.com.”
Can you talk a little bit about the process of working with SDP Publishing and going through the process of self-publishing?
“Working with SDP Publishing has been a wonderful experience. I would not have my beautiful finished products without SDP Publishing. From the very first interaction it has been a positive and professional collaboration. My profession is in the Social Services field and not in publishing. SDP Publishing has been positive, professional, and patient while helping me navigate through all aspects of the publishing process.”
Do you have any suggestions to help other writers who are thinking about going the self-publishing/indie publishing route? If so, what are they?
“What I might suggest is to find trusted partners who can help you through the self-publishing/indie publishing process. People who have experience in the industry and can guide you, and help you deal with unexpected details that are unique to this business.”
What can we expect from you in the future? Are you working on any new projects?
“I am working on several different projects and have completed several others waiting to start the publishing process. I am also working with SDP Publishing to complete two other children’s books that are currently being developed.”
Can you tell us where we can find out more about your work?
Website: Susiesstories.com
Facebook: Facebook.com/Susiesstories
Amazon Author Page: SusiesStories Author Page
Goodreads: Susie’s Goodreads page
SDP Publishing Solutions, LLC (formerly Sweet Dreams Publishing of Massachusetts) is a leader of self publishing in Massachusetts. We offer optimal self-publishing solutions for authors worldwide. From literary agency representation to worldwide marketing – including international rights – and independent publishing, we provide the best solutions for authors. Our services include developmental editing and copy editing, custom cover design and layout, book marketing, query letter and book proposals, literary agency representation, print, and e-book development. We provide the best exposure for your book!
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