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Susan Whitfield
- Female
- United States
- Blog Posts (3)
- Discussions (19)
- Photos (10)
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- Videos (3)
Susan Whitfield's Discussions
Software for Writers
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Started this discussion. Last reply by Susan Whitfield Jun 19, 2008.
Susan Whitfield's Blog
Have blogs lost their luster?
I am considering dropping this blog due to lack of interest.With the help of Blogger tools I am able to see how many folks visit the blog on a daily basis. While I am fairly pleased to have as many as 20+ visitors per day, readers don't leave comments for authors or for me. After 380+ blogs have been posted, I'm wondering if there's anyone out there who would care if the blog folded altogether.
If you read this blog and would like for it to continue to give you information on authors and books, please leave a comment. Authors, you need to weigh in also. Has this blog helped you in any way? I'm open to an entirely new format and content if that would bring traffic.
Thanks in advance for your honest feedback. I'm offering a gift set of all five Logan Hunter Mysteries to one lucky commenter.
Susan Noel Sands: Again, Alabama
FREE signed copy of Susan's book to some lucky commenter!
Susan Sands grew up in a tiny Southern town in Northwest Louisiana near the Texas border. Calling it a town is generous, really. She
graduated with a degree from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches,
Louisiana where the movie, Steel Magnolia’s was filmed during Susan’s time
living there. There’s no more Southern, small town claim to fame than that.
Her characters and setting are pulled from those very Southern, small towns and open spaces, where the air is clean and the words are
often spoken with more syllables than necessary, y’all.
Her lifelong love of reading and the realization that her children were growing up and would eventually move on spurred her to try her
hand at writing. Susan lives with her dentist husband and three nearly grown
children in Johns Creek, GA. She is a member of the Georgia Romance Writers and
the Romance Writers of America.
Welcome to the blog, Susan.
Thanks so much for hosting me today, Susan! I grew up in a tiny town in North Louisiana, I now live
in Georgia, but my novel, AGAIN, ALABAMA, is set in small town Alabama. My own
small town upbringing feeds my stories with the kind of humor and situations
that can only spring from first-hand immersion in this real-life setting. Small
towns are crazy fun!
I am delighted to have you on the blog.
How has your environment affected your writing?
My current environment living in suburban Atlanta, not so much. My past environment was a fertile breeding ground for some whacky
Southern stuff, let me tell you. I graduated high school with thirty people—in
public school. We had a big class. Between the gassy well water at school and
the toilets blowing up when kids sneaked a smoke in the bathroom, to my class
hosting the first prom in the school’s history where there were more chaperones
than students, let me tell you…
Give a short synopsis of Again, Alabama.
Dragged back to her small town to help her mother recover from surgery while rescuing the family event planning business should be a
cinch. Even for a disgraced television chef, right? Wrong.
Among the many secrets Cammie's family’s been hiding is the fact that their historic home is falling down. Oh, and the man hired
to restore the house, Grey Harrison, is the same high school and college love
of her life who thrashed her heart and dreams ten years ago. Yeah, that
guy.
Grey, a widower with a young daughter, has never stopped loving Cammie, and when they are face to face once again, the chemistry is off
the charts. Cammie may be in full-blown denial, but letting go is no
longer in Grey’s vocabulary, even when winning Cammie’s forgiveness and
renovating their love may seem like an impossible build even for a master
architect and carpenter.
As Cammie finds herself forgetting all the reasons she can’t trust Grey or love again, he finds himself remembering all the reasons he wants
her to stay with him in Alabama… forever.
How much of yourself is hidden in the characters in the book?
Um. I’m almost afraid to look at that too closely. I would say I’m more in the voice of the characters than in the actual story or
behavior. I do have a good sense of humor—pretty snarky at times. So, if you
know me, you can definitely hear me when reading my work.
What challenges did you face while writing this book?
This book has gone through many versions. It’s been edited half to death, then shortened and tightened. The title was changed from MISERY,
ALABAMA by the publisher because it wasn’t “romantic” enough. True enough. It
went from a true women’s fiction title to more of a Southern women’s
fiction/contemporary romance. First I found an agent who believed in the book, and
then I found a wonderful editor who believed in the story and was willing to
put in the time.
What do you think is the greatest lesson you’ve learned about writing so far?
There are so many lessons. I learned the importance of spending time learning how to write according to a set of rules, and ways to
make words fit together so they tell a story and make reader’s feel.
What advice can you give new writers?
Spend time learning how to write. Buy craft books, attend conferences, and learn to take criticism with grace. Grow skin thicker than an
elephants. Listen to what your trusted readers tell you. It hurts to get
feedback that isn’t from your mom. And don’t give up.
We all know how important promoting our work has become. How do you get the word out both off and online?
I beg, borrow and steal. No, I don’t steal, but it’s challenging as a new author to get your name and work out there. I’ve done blog
tours, been lucky enough to have published author friends host me on their
blogs, share my good news on their author pages and websites, and had news
articles published announcing my book release. I’ve yelled at the top of my
lungs on social media every time any of those things have happened. My
publisher put my book on Net Galley before it was released, which garnered many
reviews by reviewers and bloggers who posted them on their websites and blogs
as well as on Amazon and Goodreads. I set up an author page on Amazon,
Facebook, and Goodreads, then linked my blogs and website to all of those
sites. I tweet about my books and am on loops with other writers and actively
tweet and re-tweet their good news and releases. It’s the hard part of this
job.
Can you tell us your future writing goals/projects?
I am currently working on a connected story to AGAIN, ALABAMA.
Where can folks learn more about your books and events?
I can be found in all the fun places!
e-mail snsands@gmail.com
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/susannsandsauthor
Twitter: @SusanNoelSands
Blog: Sweet Home Alpharetta at: http://susansands.com
Are your books available in print and ebook formats?
My books have been released online in both print and e-book formats.
http://www.amazon.com/Again-Alabama-Susan-Sands-ebook/dp/B00Z318GNY/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1442974325&sr=8-1
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/again-alabama-susan-sands/1122111605?ean=9781942240921&st=PLA&sid=BNB_DRS_Core+Shopping+Books_00000000&2sid=Google_&sourceId=PLGoP345&k_clickid=3x345&kpid=9781942240921
Please leave a comment for a chance to win a free signed copy of Again, Alabama!
RELEASED !!
While history was not as kind to him as I was, I wanted readers to see Geoffrey's human-ness and understand the duress he must have had when constantly belittled and befuddled by his lady wife. I wanted readers to understand that even though he was a great warrior, he could also be remorseful and weak.
I hope I pulled it off. The novel has been released in all formats. If you are inclined to read it, please leave a review. Reviews are appreciated even if short. Please "like" it on my Facebook page www.facebook.com/susan.whitfield and also on my author page there:
https://www.facebook.com/authorsusanwhitfield?ref=aymt_homepage_panel
Please leave a comment for a chance to win a free signed copy of Sprig of Broom!
Here's a short excerpt to whet your appetite:
An ominous sound unexpectedly penetrated my thoughts and a cold fog washed over me
like damp wool. My view disappeared as mist eddied and locked me in its cocoon
of eerie dankness, alone. I reached for my blade to cut through it, hoping to
open it up like a boar hog’s hide and step out into the light. No opening
presented itself. I stopped in my tracks on the rocky road. I knew steep
ravines were poised on each side, waiting to beat me to a pulp as I plummeted
to the bottom. I could see nothing, but an unworldly and putrid smell invaded
my nostrils.
“Blou? Hardouin? Paieri?”
I heard no response from my men, but a low moan grew louder. Did I hear sinister laughter?
Could that be possible out here far between two kingdoms? Surely no other fools
ventured out at dawn’s first light without due cause.
“Jacquelin? Is that your laughter I hear?”
Jacquelin did not respond.
There! Again I heard it. Menacing laughter. I grabbed the hilt of my dagger with
determination as an ominous humming sound came closer to me. Could someone . .
. or something see me through the fog? I began to shake from dampness or fear
of what brought the laughter.
The cackling turned into a low groan and a hag chewing a brown plant appeared just
out of my reach, wearing tattered clothes and displaying ragged and rotten
teeth, ghastly wild hair, a prunish face, and foul stench.
“Listen and heed,” it warned.
More shrill laughter and another voice came from a different direction. I turned in
a circle and tried to determine from which way the voice came.
“Mesh becomes chain,” a squeaky voice proclaimed behind me.
I blinked, understanding nought. I spun until my lightheadedness dropped me to my
knees at the sound of yet another voice.
“Dark of moon brings realm of gloom,” a deeper raspier voice disclosed.
“Heat of broom becomes his doom,” yet another voice declared. I was surrounded.
“Gloom and doom for man of broom!” This deafening pronouncement came in unison from all
the ghastly voices encircling me, making my bones creak.
“Who are you? Show yourselves, old crones,” I bellowed, trying not to display fear.
But I heard no answer and the fog and the one apparition I could see dissipated.
I again had a clear view of the next village, no being of any kind in sight. Where
were the barons who had accompanied me from my home land and walked with me only
seconds ago?
I turned when I heard a commotion behind me and saw the men running to catch me,
Blou in the lead, sword drawn.
“Where did you go, my lord?”
“I have the same question for you, Blou.”
“We walked along the road with you until you disappeared into a fog. We nought could
find you or hear you. We called out but no answer came.”
“You did not hear me call to you?”
“No, my lord.”
“Witches surrounded me and separated me from you,” I explained.
“For what purpose, my lord?”
“I have no answer,
Blou, only riddles that made no sense.” Early review:
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
Sprig of Broom, by Susan Whitfield, gives us a unique peek into the fertile mind of this award-winning author. While researching her genealogy she recognizes the life of the man from whom she descends, one gallant Sir Geoffrey V. Plantagenet, could be turned into a slightly fictionalized but also true accounting of his long and beleaguered life, its heartaches and satisfactions. Sir Geoffrey was the original Plantagenet who started the Sprig of Broom usage.
Whitfield’s ability to establish unique character personalities is well honed. The settings as described made me feel a part of the story, the action. I fought beside Sir Geoffrey in long and bloody battles, cringed at his wife's cruel taunting and treatment. I despised yet understood the Dowager Empress Matilda. So many diverse lives fill this story and make it an exciting and satisfying read. I am still amazed at how much history is packed in here.
Sprig of Broom is an historical novel that I didn’t wish to see end. But it had to because all of Sir Geoffrey’s life, from teen years and on is included in this exciting portrayal of life circa. 1127 in Great Britain. I don’t want to say much more about this book that wouldn’t end up being a spoiler. So, suffice it to say, I wholeheartedly recommend Whitfield’s Sprig of Broom to historical aficionados, for both the fiction and nonfiction of it. It’s difficult to tell what’s fiction and what’s not. Sir Geoffrey’s life makes it a most exciting read for any reader. Whitfield has paid a magnificent tribute to her ancestor.
Whitfield’s ability to establish unique character personalities is well honed. The settings as described made me feel a part of the story, the action. I fought beside Sir Geoffrey in long and bloody battles, cringed at his wife's cruel taunting and treatment. I despised yet understood the Dowager Empress Matilda. So many diverse lives fill this story and make it an exciting and satisfying read. I am still amazed at how much history is packed in here.
Sprig of Broom is an historical novel that I didn’t wish to see end. But it had to because all of Sir Geoffrey’s life, from teen years and on is included in this exciting portrayal of life circa. 1127 in Great Britain. I don’t want to say much more about this book that wouldn’t end up being a spoiler. So, suffice it to say, I wholeheartedly recommend Whitfield’s Sprig of Broom to historical aficionados, for both the fiction and nonfiction of it. It’s difficult to tell what’s fiction and what’s not. Sir Geoffrey’s life makes it a most exciting read for any reader. Whitfield has paid a magnificent tribute to her ancestor.
Why, thank you so much, Mary Deal!
Susan Whitfield
Profile Information
- Hometown:
- Dudley, North Carolina, USA
- About Me:
- I taught English for thirteen years, became a high school principal, and eventually started to write, something I'd always wanted to do. I started out to write a short story and it transformed into a mystery novel. I'm a life-long resident of North Carolina, having had the pleasure of living near the beach and in the Blue Ridge Mountains. My novels are set in the state I know and love. The Logan Hunter series includes Genesis Beach, Just North of Luck, Hell Swamp, and Sin Creek. I'm now working on the fifth one. I authored a unique cookbook, Killer Recipes, which includes recipes from mystery writers all over the country. My first women's fiction, Slightly Cracked, will debut in October.
- I Am A:
- Reader, Writer
- Website:
- http://www.susanwhitfieldonline.com
- Books And Authors I Like:
- Favorites? There are so many! Patterson's Cross series is awesome. I also like Deaver, Gerritsen, Sandford, Scottoline, Maron, Lane, Mary Alice Monroe. Cathy Holton is adorable. A new discovery is DH Dublin's series, starring Madison Cross. I've read all three and anxiously await the next one. He gets right down into the tissues.
- Movies And TV Shows I Like:
- Law and Order: SVU
Susan Whitfield's Photos
Susan Whitfield's Videos
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Book Trailer: Sin Creek
Added by Susan Whitfield
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Hell Swamp
Added by Susan Whitfield
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Just North of Luck
Added by Susan Whitfield
Susan Whitfield's Blog
Are you doing blogtalk?
I had my first live radio interview this week where people from all over the country could call in or send an email or blog. It was great! I was on the air for an hour but it didn't seem like it. The questions just kept coming and the host and I got lots of snicker time about the testicle festival in my second book. A few northerners commented on my cute Southern accent. I hope to do more of these kinds of shows. I was also able to post the link on my website after the fact, but I have to… Continue
Posted on April 20, 2008 at 5:47am — 1 Comment
My character is alive!
Imagine my surprise the other day when I had an email from Pepper Ellis, a ficitional character in Genesis Beach. Well, it turns out that there really is a Pepper Ellis. Not sure if she's a chef, or brunette, etc., but I thought it was really cool. I let her know that Pepper is also in Just North of Luck, attending a Testicle Festival.
Posted on April 17, 2008 at 4:30am
Live radio talk shows
I am scheduled for a live phone interview on April 17th. Can anyone share tips on how to be memorable?
Posted on April 4, 2008 at 7:31am
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Best regards
Preetham Grandhi
Early Endorsements for “A Circle of Souls”
Linda Fairstein, NYT Bestselling Author: "A fascinating debut - this novel takes the reader to the darkest places in the human soul, from a writer with the authenticity to lead us there. A stunning thriller and an important read."
Judge Judy Sheindlin, star of the Judge Judy Show: "The seminal work of this fine author kept me glued to my chair until the adventure was over and the mystery solved. A great read!"
Book Synopsis:
The sleepy town of Newbury, Connecticut, is shocked when a little girl is found brutally murdered. The town s top detective, perplexed by a complete lack of leads, calls in FBI agent Leia Bines, an expert in cases involving children.
Meanwhile, Dr. Peter Gram, a psychiatrist at Newbury s hospital, searches desperately for the cause of seven-year-old Naya Hastings devastating nightmares. Afraid that she might hurt herself in the midst of a torturous episode, Naya s parents have turned to the bright young doctor as their only hope.
The situations confronting Leia and Peter converge when Naya begins drawing chilling images of murder after being bombarded by the disturbing images in her dreams. Amazingly, her sketches are the only clues to the crime that has panicked Newbury residents. Against her better judgment, Leia explores the clues in Naya s crude drawings, only to set off an alarming chain of events.
In this stunning psychological thriller, innocence gives way to evil, and trust lies forgotten in a web of deceit, fear, and murder.
Just saying hello because I saw your lovely face online. Hope you're having a good day. Hope the writing is going well.
Thanks! You made my day.
Jon
sometimes I get homesick for all things American!
one of these days!
I'm not from there--a new yorker originally, but I loved the South and have never forgotten the sight of those gorgeous mountains!
just had to say hi and tell you!
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