There is nothing I love more than getting to know other authors in the community, and it is my pleasure to introduce to you one of our own Diamond Mine bloggers, Susie Waltner and her newest release, Midnight Blue.
Suzie Waltner is a lover of fiction and is first and foremost a reader. When she’s not at work or reading or writing, you can find her cheering on the Nashville Predators (hockey) or dancing an hour away in Zumba class. Until her second year of college, her life plan was to become a veterinarian. A fainting spell while watching a surgery performed on a sheep changed that plan. Now she works in the corporate world during the day while creating stories in her free time. Suzie resides in a suburb of Nashville, TN and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers as well as Faith, Hope, and Love Christian Writers. She currently serves as the president of the Middle Tennessee ACFW chapter.You can keep up with Suzie by following her: Newsletter | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Now, let's dive into my favorite Fast Five Questions:
CC: Milk or Dark Chocolate?
SW: Milk Chocolate
CC: I'll forgive you for that. ;-)
CC: Print or E-book?
SW: Either. I tend to read more e-books to keep the print copies more pristine.
CC: Print or E-book?
SW: Either. I tend to read more e-books to keep the print copies more pristine.
CC: I can see the allure in that.
CC: Cat or Dog Person?
SW: Both. I have a cat but watch a few friends' dogs when they are out of town.
SW: Both. I have a cat but watch a few friends' dogs when they are out of town.
CC: That's super kind of you!
CC: Morning Person or Night Owl?
SW: A fraction more on the morning person end but not much!
SW: A fraction more on the morning person end but not much!
CC: LOL, I understand. I'm forced to by the mere fact I have children still in school.
CC: Spring, Summer, Fall, or Winter?
SW: Spring and Fall
CC: Oh, those milder weather months!
Let's dive into a few personal questions before talking about your book.
CC: What are you reading right now?
SW: I often am reading one book and listening to another. Right now I am reading The Dreaming Beauty by Anneka R. Walker and I'm about to start listening to The Last Way Home by Liz Johnson.
CC: For a while, I was doing the same thing. The different formats makes it easier to bounce between books.
CC: What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
SW: I write every first draft longhand. It's taken me a while to figure out why I can open a blank document and stare at it with nothing coming to me but the minute that pen hits the paper, the words flow. Because I work at a computer all day long, the action of writing out the scenes triggers my brain that I am switching from numbers and logic to something more creative.
CC: There is actual science behind this fact that supports why you are able to do that. It's incredibly fascinating to me, and something I need to spend more time doing.
CC: What is your work schedule like when you're writing?
SW: I do most of my writing on the weekends where I can block of large chunks of time to get in the zone. Weeknights just tend to get too busy. I do like doing sprints and I've found a couple of people on YouTube who do sprints. Even if I can't be there live, I'll pull up the videos and play them so it feels like there are others in it with me.
CC: For a while, I was doing the same thing. The different formats makes it easier to bounce between books.
CC: What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
SW: I write every first draft longhand. It's taken me a while to figure out why I can open a blank document and stare at it with nothing coming to me but the minute that pen hits the paper, the words flow. Because I work at a computer all day long, the action of writing out the scenes triggers my brain that I am switching from numbers and logic to something more creative.
CC: There is actual science behind this fact that supports why you are able to do that. It's incredibly fascinating to me, and something I need to spend more time doing.
CC: What is your work schedule like when you're writing?
SW: I do most of my writing on the weekends where I can block of large chunks of time to get in the zone. Weeknights just tend to get too busy. I do like doing sprints and I've found a couple of people on YouTube who do sprints. Even if I can't be there live, I'll pull up the videos and play them so it feels like there are others in it with me.
CC: Sprints save me SOOOO much. For those of you who don't know, sprints are when writers get together, set a timer, and then try to get as many words down in that time frames as they can. I suppose you don't HAVE to have other writers around, but it is definitely more motivating.
Where would authors be without books? Suzie's latest book, Midnight Blue, released this week.
Where would authors be without books? Suzie's latest book, Midnight Blue, released this week.
Midnight Blue by Suzie Waltner
A series of heartbreaking setbacks behind her, Scarlett Sykes is now focused on creating the best life possible for her daughter. One where innocence and joy is not colored by rejection or loss. While finances are tight and Scarlett’s job isn’t ideal for a single mother, her child will always know she’s loved. Especially since Harmony’s father wanted nothing to do with them. As lead singer and the face of a successful country band, Jake Turnquist’s closest friends depend on him, but life in the spotlight is quickly losing its appeal. At a party celebrating another accomplishment, he’s stunned to discover Scarlett assisting the caterer. Almost ten years have passed, but he’s never forgotten his first love. In the hours after a surprise revelation, Jake scrambles to orchestrate a way to spend time with Scarlett and Harmony—the family he’s always wanted but never knew he had. He once gave her up to pursue his music. What will he have to surrender to win her back?You can purchase your copy at Amazon.
CC: Who was the most challenging character to create? What made them so difficult?
SW: Andi Buchanan. She's a secondary character in Midnight Blue and she's a tough nut to crack. The one band member who doesn't say much and keeps her emotions under wraps. I'm learning more about her as I continue to write this series, and I can't wait to really dive into her backstory.
CC: Oh, those side characters can be tricky, and I love how they end up developing into their own complicated stories.
CC: If you could be any of your characters, which one would it be? Why?
SW: Cassidy Cagle because she speaks her mind, takes no excuses, and is fiercely protective of the people she loves.
CC: She seems like a really strong, independent woman.
CC: How do you select the names of your characters?
SW: Some character names are just there when I'm writing them, but others take a little while (and usually the help of a baby name book or website).
CC: Those baby name books and websites can be a lifesaver for sure!
CC: What do you hope readers will take away from your story?
SW: That no matter how badly we mess up, God can redeem our mistakes and breathe new life into relationships we see as dead or broken.
CC: Amen, and such an important reminder to all of us.
CC: One last fun question: If you could have any superpower, which would it be?
SW: Time manipulation - I'd make my work week move faster and my writing weekends stretch longer (and also vacations and fun trips could last)
CC: Oh that is a good one that I would never have thought of, but now I want it.
CC: One last fun question: If you could have any superpower, which would it be?
SW: Time manipulation - I'd make my work week move faster and my writing weekends stretch longer (and also vacations and fun trips could last)
CC: Oh that is a good one that I would never have thought of, but now I want it.
GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY
Suzie had partnered with two other Anaiah Press authors to offer a giveaway. To enter, use the Rafflecopter widget below.
Giveaway includes: Antiques Roadshow DVD, ebook copy of The Maritime Cure by Michelle S. Lowe, Jeremiah 29:11 adult coloring book, Nashville streets puzzle, Nashville magnet, 12-oz handmade Orange Spice candle (coconut wax candle), and a $50 Amazon gift card.
Physical prizes open to US mailing addresses only. Digital prizes open internationally where accepted. Giveaway ends at 11:59 EST on September 30, 2022.
Physical prizes open to US mailing addresses only. Digital prizes open internationally where accepted. Giveaway ends at 11:59 EST on September 30, 2022.
1 comment:
Thank you for having me, Crystal!
Post a Comment