Suzanne D. Williams is an indie writer I “met”  through a Facebook group. She was looking for people to read and review her books. She  allowed me to choose which of her books I wanted to read and review. I chose Take Me Away. It was a delightful short romance. I then visited her author page and noticed what a prolific writer she is. Since I love helping other indie writers, (especially Christian writers) I offered to interview her on my blog.  If you love clean romances, check our Suzanne’s books. Although I have only read one, I’m off to purchase and read another. Like me, Suzanne is also a photographer, so I encourage you to visit her blog and check out her photographs as well.

Meet Suzanne

Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?

I grew up surrounded by family with strong southern roots and have learned to appreciate my heritage and view it as an advantage. It frequently pops up in my stories both in dialect and a certain small-town feel. Frankly, I can’t help but write what I know. This has made for amusing moments with my more northern editors, who didn’t understand phrases like “dipping your plate” or sitting “in” the floor. But I wouldn’t change a thing about who I am.

When did you first start writing?

I wrote devotionals and nonfiction articles before I ever considered writing fiction. My first book was my own personal testimony entitled, “Fearless”. I like the more orderly side of nonfiction, but have learned, since moving into fiction, specifically romance, how to apply what I learned from that side of myself to my characters, plotlines, and stories.

What’s the story behind your latest book?

My latest release is a young adult novella entitled, “Take My Breath Away”. Nineteen-year-old Hannah Giselle grew up in a single-parent household, after her parents’ rocky divorce. Having graduated from high school, she saves up for a trip to visit her dad, but once she arrives finds the things she thought she knew about what happened are far different from the truth. She seeks solace in handsome local Troy Lansing’s arms, who has his own story to contribute. It’s a clean romantic suspense geared for teens.

What was the hardest part about writing your book?

I argue with myself over the characters’ thoughts a lot. I always want to make sure what he or she thinks fits in with what has happened or will happen, and I don’t want to repeat myself. This requires a lot of brain power and rereading along the way.

Is there a message in your book that you want your readers to grasp?

My primary message, especially for young adults, is to provide clean books that parents don’t have to worry about. They can see my name and say to themselves, “Oh, that’ll be safe.” There is so much out there marked for teens that I wouldn’t let a teen read if it were left up to me. My heroes and heroines have flaws, sometimes they make wrong choices, but the ending is always happy and God always presented as the answer to problems (whether this is openly or more covert). Christian principles are always a foundation of my stories.

What motivated you to become an indie author?

I don’t like having to go through other people for what I want to do. I am a graphic designer by trade, so I can do everything from start to finish on a book and make all the choices without having to wait on anyone else. The very idea of the “independent” author defines me.

What is the greatest joy of writing for you?

The writing itself. I love sentences, love words, love characters and plots. I am happiest when I’m in the middle of the book and no one has seen it but me. I’m even disappointed at the end when it’s over.

What writing advice do you have for other aspiring writers?

Keep writing because books sell books. The more books you turn out, the more people will hear your name, the more other books that you’ve written they’ll buy. But as you write, learn HOW to write. Read articles and tips. Seek to write better. Never think you know enough and have it all down pat. Seek to write WELL, no matter what speed that is for you individually. I am a fast writer. Some of my friends are not. That is okay. We are all unique and all have something to offer readers.

What do your fans mean to you?

I love hearing from people who like my work, but I joke that I don’t hear from them enough. I see writers with a huge fan base that can post the word “hi” and get thirty responses. My fans are more subtle. They email me privately, and I treasure that contact. Authors have to keep themselves built up, myself included. Every positive contact with my readers is such a blessing to me.

What are you working on next?

This makes me laugh because I have a lot of books going at once. This is how I typically write, but if I were to narrow it down, I have a series, “The Billionaire Boys Club”, where I’m working on book 4. I also have several YA on tap.

Who are your favorite authors?

My favorite authors are not big named authors. My dearest friends, Dana Pratola and Laura J. Marshall, inspire me with their individual styles of writing. I also have numerous favorite books by both secular and Christian authors that I have learned from, simply by studying the style and pacing of those particular stories.

What inspires you to get out of bed each day?

Writing. I am a morning person and am usually at my best to write first thing. Later in the day, I’m too tired to think.

When you’re not writing, how do you spend your time?

I like gardening and nature photography. Those two go together in my brain. I also spend time a great deal of time with my daughter. We go shopping or to lunch a lot. In the evenings, I have favorite TV programs I’ll watch to unwind and relax. I’m pretty much a homebody though. I don’t really like “get togethers”, parties, or day trips.