Best of Family & Relationships
Best of Family & Relationships
"So Many Books, So Little Time!"
Open for Submissions
Exclusive Interview with
Susanne Leist
When did you start writing?
I began writing eleven years ago on a whim.
What makes writing your passion?
Writing is the passion within me that pleads to be released and set free.
How long have you been writing?
What was the feeling when you published your first book?
When I saw my first book in print, I was stunned, in awe of it. I reverently touched its pages.
What’s the story behind your choice of characters?
I created characters as people whom I'd want with me on my journey.
What annoys you the most in pursuing a writing career?
The amount of time needed to market my books can feel overwhelming. It takes me away from my writing. However, an indie author must be prepared to work hard without a safety net for support.
How do you get over the “writer’s block”?
I don't get "writer's block." Some days I write better than on other days. If my writing is weak, I'll fix it the next day to meet my stringent standards.
We all know the writer’s path is never easy, what makes you keep going? What advice would you give to new authors?
Don't let reviews discourage you. Learn from them to fine-tune your craft.
If you could go back in time and talk to your younger self, what would you say?
I would tell myself to skip the M.B.A. in Finance and pursue a career in writing or advertising. I need a creative outlet for my imagination.
Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with the bad ones?
What is the feeling when you get a good review?
A good review gives me sustenance to write for another day.
Have you ever incorporated something that happened to you in real life into your novels?
My stories incorporate the lessons I've learned so far in life. They deal with love, loss, and human relationships. My tales might involve vampires, but similar woes affect us all.
Which of your characters you can compare yourself with? Did you base that character on you?
The main character in The Dead Game Series is loosely based on me. Her love of books led her to open a book store. I've dreamt of a bookstore/ coffee shop since I was a teenager. Linda has done what I haven't accomplished yet.
What do you think, the book cover is as important as the story?
A book cover should tell a story, a preview of the book itself. Doors and doorways are essential to my series. They open to possibilities that can be good or bad.
Do you connect with your readers? Do you mind having a chat with them or you prefer to express yourself through your writing?
How do you feel when people appreciate your work or recognize you in public?
Who is your favorite author? Why?
My favorite author is Brad Meltzer. His characters tug at my heart. His books inspired me to write my first one.
What’s the dream? Whom would you like to be as big as?
As big as I can be. I've never kept to a mold. I have never fit into anyone's expectations besides my own. I will continue this way until I reach my final audience.
Would you rewrite any of your books? Why?
I've rewritten my first book three times. My writing has improved over the years. My second two books have kept pace with me. Once I felt secure with my writing capabilities, I rewrote The Dead Game for the last time.
If you could switch places with any author – who would that be?
I want to be in Dan Brown's head for a day. His imagination is mind-blowing. I want to see what inspires him and where he gets his monumental ideas.
What would you say to the “trolls” on the internet? We all know them – people who like to write awful reviews to books they’ve never read or didn’t like that much, just to annoy the author.
What would you say to your readers?
Thank you for giving me a chance to entertain you.
Share a bit about yourself – where do you live, are you married, do you have kids?
I live on Long Island with my husband, Maltese, and a dwarf rabbit. The dwarf rabbit belongs to my daughter, but her husband doesn't want him—poor Thumper. I have two daughters, two sons-in-law, and one grandson. I'm blessed.
What is your day job if you have one?
What are your hobbies? What do you do in your free time?
I love swimming.
Did you have a happy childhood?
What is happy? My childhood was difficult since my mother was blind, and I lost my brother too early. I'm still striving for "happy."
Is there a particular experience that made you start writing?
I helped my daughter write about my mother, who was living in a nursing home at the time. She had Dementia; her world was dark and lonely. This made me think about writing for the first time.
Do you have unpublished books? What are they about?
What do you think should be improved in the education of our children? What do we lack?
If you were allowed 3 wishes – what would they be?
1. Health and happiness for my family
2. The end of racism and bigotry
3. The end of the Covid virus
What is your favorite music?
Share a secret with us 🙂
After three books, I still don't believe I'm an author.