“Susan Berry spent her free time with her beloved grandmother, reading the latest novels they’d retrieved from a used book store, or the local second hand shop. That reading eventually turned into the writing of her own romance novels. Novels filled with characters who have not yet found love, but eventually find a way to overcome romantic troubles with humor, wit, and the consumption of lots and lots of chocolate.”
How long did it take you to finish your first book?
Author: My first book, Dance of the Heart, took me two years to write. I’m a single mother of two, and I wrote mostly while my children were asleep at night. And I probably could have finished it sooner, but I was having too much fun getting to know my heroine, Maggie. She is so funny, accident prone just like me, and someone I’d love to be friends with. She’s faced a heartbreaking tragedy in her life, but found a way to overcome every obstacle that stood in her way and eventually found true love.
How do you define success as an author?
Author: To me, success as an author isn’t so much about monetary gains as it is about enjoyment. The enjoyment of putting on paper the characters that live in my mind, and having someone leave positive reviews, or reach out to me because they felt a connection with that character. Being an author really is so much more than writing books. It’s a shared experience between the writer and reader, that leaves each bonded to the other, and something I thoroughly enjoy.
After a distasteful first meeting, and a rocky start to their romance, Maggie Kinsley has been happily married to Desmond for the last eleven months. And although she was often alone when he traveled for business, she rather enjoyed how he passionately greeted her when returning home.
So when he received a letter naming him as executor of a property that belonged to a deceased family friend and had to leave for a few weeks, Maggie should have been content as she kissed him goodbye. But there was something about the whole thing that made her uneasy. Why was Desmond so evasive with her when she asked him about the previous owner.
Have you always read in the genre you wanted to write in? Do you think that’s made it easier or harder to create new stories?
Author: Yes, I have always read in the genre I write in. Harlequin romances are some of my favorites. The first one I ever read was given to me by my grandmother when I was ten-years-old. Since I enjoyed it so much, she would take me every weekend to cruise the second hand shops or discount book stores in our town to search for more. My Grandmother passed away before I wrote my first novel. But I believe she would have enjoyed reading my stories, and I think of her every time one is published. Love you, Gram!
What has been the hardest thing to overcome on your journey to authorship?
Author: One of the hardest things to overcome on my journey to authorship was self-doubt. Like most women, I’ve faced hardships in my life, which included an accident that left me a paraplegic. But nothing compared to the insecurity I felt when my first book was published. I held my breath as I freed my character from the confines of my computer. And I can still remember the first time a reader said how much they enjoyed my book, and couldn’t wait to read the next one. My smile could have lit up the room. And I still feel that way each and every time a reader reaches out to me. I’m so very thankful, and humbled, by their support and encouragement.
How do you combat writer’s block?
Author: Writer’s block is something that every author faces and not easily combated. For me, I usually start by taking a break and eating a few pieces of chocolate. Ok…a lot of chocolate. And truth be told, I’m a firm believer that chocolate could solve any problem and may even be the answer to world peace! After the chocolate is depleted, and I still can’t focus my imagination, I’ll open a new word doc and write anything my mind conjures up—clean out the clutter so I can get back to my characters. That usually does the trick. And what do I do to mark my success at defeating writer’s block? You guessed it…more chocolate, of course.
Do you have any tips or recommendations for those who want to go the final step and become authors?
Author: My tip for those who want to take the final steps and become an author is…go for it! You are unique and so will be the stories you’ll write. Write every chance you get about anything that inspires you. And don’t let anyone tell you that you’re not good enough. Reach out to other authors for advice and ask lots of questions. Join author groups on social media platforms like Facebook. Eventually your confidence will catch up with your talent and your first book will be published.
What do you listen to while you write?
Author: I love to write in the spring and summer time with my window open and listen to the sound of the wind blowing through the trees, or the rain falling on my walkway. In the fall and winter, when my window is closed, I enjoy the colorful leaves or the snow fall. For me, having music playing is too much of a distraction as I find my self signing more than writing!
Susan’s latest book is the clean romance suspense, Promise of the Heart.
You can visit her website at https://www.SusanBerryauthor.com or connect with her on Twitter, Facebook and Goodreads.