Susan Whitfield
1.
When did you first decide that you were going to get involved in
a writing career?
I’ve always said I wanted to write, and I did plenty of it while
earning a Bachelor’s degree, a Masters, and a doctorate. Having been in
education for 30 years, I wrote academic reports, articles, etc. Now that I’m a
recovering academic, I write what I want to for a change. I got serious in 2004
when I decided that I’d retire from education. I’ve been writing mostly mystery
with a little women’s fiction thrown in for good measure.
2.
What is you background and what part did it play?
I’ve been reading since the age of 4 and couldn’t wait for the
Bookmobile to come and bring more books to the rural area I lived in. I’d
select the maximum number each time and have them all read way before the
vehicle returned. Books were wonderful adventures and it just seemed fitting to
try to write one myself. There are bits and pieces of me in all of my books.
3.
Please tell us about the first book you got published and the
story behind it.
Genesis Beach was my first novel. It started out as a short
story, but I soon realized that it would take many more pages to write the
complete story of my strong female SBI (North Carolina State Bureau of
Investigation) agent. Somewhere in the middle of the book, I had the dreaded
block and decided to start another adventure with this same protagonist. The
Logan Hunter series was born. I move her around the state to showcase North
Carolina’s diversity and in each one she has to prove herself all over again.
4.
Has your work changed since that first book? In what ways?
Oh my, yes. Genesis Beach was originally self-published and when
I was offered a traditional contract for Hell Swamp, traditional publisher
L&L Dreamspell offered me the opportunity to rewrite some sections and then
they added their logo and expertise. With each new book I grow and try to
challenge not only myself but Logan Hunter. There’s plenty to learn and I
certainly don’t consider myself a master. It’s wonderful to have validation
though.
5.
What is the greatest compliment you have received about your
writing? What comments, if any, bothered you?
My protagonist Logan Hunter has been compared to Jane
Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum, which is a heck of a compliment. I’ve seen a couple
of poor reviews for one of my books over the years but I have rhino hide, so
they don’t bother me.
6.
How do you promote your work?
I have my own web site at www.susanwhitfieldonline.com and I blog at www.susanwhitfield.blogspot.com. I also have a presence on Facebook, Twitter,
Booktown.ning.com and lots of other book sites. I occasionally give away hand
fans with a book cover on it. The ladies like those in the summer time when
we’re all sitting at baseball games in 100 degree temperatures or when they’re
“flashing”. The ordering information is on the back. It’s a cute way to promote
and my current fan has a cracked egg on it which gets attention.
7.
Would you advise another person to become a writer? What
caveats/encouragements would you like to offer?
Go for it if it’s your passion! Have tough skin and know that
you’ll have to do 99% of your own promoting. Advertising can be expensive, so
choose cost-effective ways to get the word out. Most online sites are free.
Just don’t let promoting pull you away from your writing for more than thirty
minutes a day. Network with other writers and industry experts. That’s a big
pay off.
8.
Can you tell us about your biggest writing triumphs?
Most of the time I have to ask for venues, so it’s really
special when a winery, bookstore or festival calls and invites me to showcase
my books. I’ve been invited as the special guest to quite a few store
anniversaries and one local winery throws a book launch every time I have a new
book release…at their expense! When my latest book, Slightly Cracked, released
in October, an adorable book store in my home county threw a hen party and we
had the most wonderful time! The store supplied fresh fruits, wine, and
crudités for everyone. All of my sisters-in-law went and we had a pajama party
afterwards. The store was packed and I met many new friends. Isn’t meeting new
folks wonderful?
9. Which
of your books is your personal favorite?
Geez, Claire, that’s a hard one because I love all of my babies.
I guess I’d have to say Slightly Cracked is at the moment my favorite, because
it’s the new book and my first attempt at women’s fiction. What I learned is
that as much as I love writing mystery, I want to write another women’s
fiction.
Thanks, Susan!
