Autumn's Return Spotlight on Susanna Carr

September 2004

Sharyn: Susanna, thanks for joining me. Let's get started with a fairly easy question. When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

Susanna: I flirted with the idea when I was in junior high, and by high school it was my most secret wish to become a writer. I didn't pursue it, however, until a couple of years after I graduated from university.

Sharyn: What is your most memorable moment as a writer?

Susanna: My most memorable moment was when I finished my first manuscript. Knowing I could write a full-length book gave me an enormous sense of accomplishment.

Sharyn: Do you treat your writing as a normal job with so many hours per day?

Susanna: While writing romance is much more fun than any of my previous jobs, it's also the hardest and most time-consuming career. I'm often found writing at very odd hours in the day or night (or both).

Sharyn: Is it easier to plot or just let the story flow by itself?

Susanna: I need an outline before I write, but the plot invariably changes because of the characters.

Sharyn: Let's start off with your new releases. Would you like to tell your readers about them?

Susanna: My first Brava release was in the anthology How to be a "Wicked" Woman. My novella Wicked Ways is an upbeat and sexy romance about a good girl getting tips from the public library on how to act bad. Let's just say she's a slow learner *g*, but the hero is a very patient and knowledgeable tutor.

My next Brava release will be in the upcoming anthology Merry Christmas, Baby. My novella Snow Day is about a directionally-challenged heroine stuck in a blackout on Christmas Eve. I like reading sexy romantic romps and one of my favorite scenarios is the "wrong bed". I finally got the chance to write one when I was invited to participate in the Christmas anthology.

Sharyn: I have to say here and now that I completely loved Wicked Ways. It is absolutely amazing! What more should we expect from you this year?

Susanna: My single-author anthology "Wicked" Women 101 hits the shelves in January 2005 and then I will have two Brava releases out in June 2005 when I'll be a contributing author for the six pack anthology Beach Blanket Bad Boys, and I'll see the release of my first single title, Confessions of a "Wicked" Woman.

Sharyn: Who would you say has been your biggest supporter?

Susanna: Probably my twin sister. She knows exactly what to say when I'm feeling discouraged or when I'm focusing on the wrong thing. It also helps that she works in the publishing industry (yes, she's a copycat!) and can offer a different point of view.

Sharyn: LOL. At least, you have someone close to who actually understands when your characters give you problems. *g* Any advice for aspiring writers?

Susanna: Really know why you are writing, why you are writing this kind of book, and why you are writing it for your readers. The answers might surprise you.

Sharyn: If you were given the chance to start your career over, what would you do different?

Susanna: I would start earlier and not allow anything get in my way.

Sharyn: Do you work on more than one project at a time?

Susanna: While I write one manuscript at a time, I'm working on different stages with other books. For example, I might be interrupted with the arrival of copyedits or galleys for a previous manuscript. I might have to do revisions on the last book I turned in while I'm still working on my current manuscript. There are also times when I have to pull myself out of the current manuscript to send a summary on my next idea.

Sharyn: What can readers find when they visit your website?

Susanna: I think my website will reflect that I am first and foremost a romance reader. Apart from the information about my previous and upcoming releases, the site offers reading recommendations and articles for readers. I also have a monthly e-newsletter about romance-friendly sites and events. You can find out more about it at www.susanncarr.com.

Sharyn: And it is such a beautiful website. Do you think it's important for an author to promote herself both in person and online, especially in this day and age?

Susanna: I think it's important. An author needs to develop an expectation of what their body of work is all about.

Sharyn: What is your take on the future of e-publishing and would you still consider publishing with one?

Susanna: E-publishing is great because it's affordable and accessible to readers worldwide. I would like my body of work be additionally available in an electronic format.

Sharyn: Now to round off our interview, how about a few fun questions? What's your favorite way to relax?

Susanna: I like sitting in my most comfortable chair with a pile of new books at my side. It's even better if I know everything can wait until I'm finished reading!

Sharyn: That does make reading more enjoyable. What's the most memorable novel you ever read and what makes it memorable?

Susanna: The most memorable was Susan Napier's Harlequin Presents Secret Admirer. I had read her books before, but she really amped up the intensity and sensuality! What makes the story even more memorable was how she cleverly played on the reader's assumptions.

Sharyn: Susanna, thank you. I really enjoyed myself.

To learn more about Susanna's available and upcoming books, be sure to visit her website: www.susannacarr.com

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