Tess Quinn

Today, we have author Susan Shay sharing some of her writing tips and history with us. Let’s see what she has to say about her process. Welcome Susan! Let’s get started…



What is your brainstorming process for a new book?



Usually I start with, “I wonder what would happen if . . . ” As I think about the scenario, the characters begin to form in my mind. After that, I write a working synopsis.



Can you explain your typical work week day?



On a “good” day, I get up about 4 a.m. and write until my husband gets up—about 6:45. I fix breakfast, we eat together and then he goes off to work. If it’s a work day for me (I’m part of a family business) I see about emails, blogs if it’s my day, and then get ready for work. If it’s a day I’m off, I write some more.



Tell us about when you made the decision to write.



I’ve always made up stories to entertain myself. I’m also a big reader, and I was about 10 years old I read Little Women for the first time. I decided right then and there that I needed to write. I wanted to be Jo!



What suggestions do you have for aspiring writers?



Write! Read a lot, find a critique group and submit regularly and often, and join RWA. Oh, and write!



Tell us about what you’re working on right now and what we can expect from you in the near future.



I’m working on a book with a little paranormal and a little suspense, set in the Four Corners area of Colorado. My heroine is a college professor and my hero is an undercover cop. I can’t wait for the sparks to fly!



I have a couple of other manuscripts (three actually) finished. I’m much better at writing than I am at getting my work to editors.



Aren’t most writers better at the writing part then getting work to editors? Thank you for joining us, Susan! We wish you the best of luck with your writing. For those of you who want to know more about Susan and her books, you can check her out at her website here. Thanks again for joining us and stay tuned for next week’s writers on writing!

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