Talkshow Thursday:
Welcome Susan Pope Sloan!
When did you know you wanted to be an author?
During high school, I was privileged to take a class in creative writing, and that’s when the idea of being an author crystallized for me. For years I wrote short stories and articles, some of which were published or won small-time awards. I figured that short pieces would be the extent of my writing, that I didn’t have to fortitude to write a novel. Finishing that first 90,000 word story as I reached my 40th birthday was a major accomplishment.
What is your favorite thing about being a writer?
How can I narrow it to one thing? First, I love the beauty of words and find it so amazing that God allows us to participate with him in creating “worlds” through our writing. I also love that, through writing (and reading), we get to live a different life with each story. Finally, I enjoy learning and adding more information to my store of knowledge through the research that writing requires.
How did you learn how to write?
I’d say I learned to write by reading. Since childhood, I’ve been a voracious reader, and the style,
How many books have you written, and which is your favorite?
The number depends on how you count them. On the fiction side, I’ve published five books, all in my historical series. Long before those, however, I wrote another novel which has not been—and probably will never be—published. I’ve also written three small non-fiction books and contributed to a couple of anthologies. As for my favorite, that’s like trying to name a favorite of your children. It changes from time to time, and usually is whatever I’m working on at the moment.
How do you develop your characters? (e.g. decide on their vocation, names, etc.)?
Since my series starts with a real-life event, the occupation of the women was a given—they were mill workers. When those positions were eliminated, the only jobs left to women in the 1860’s were teacher, seamstress, or domestic helper. Even the men had fewer choices in those days—mostly soldier, farmer, carpenter, doctor, or lawyer. To stay true to the period, I searched the U.S. census listings of names for each decade between 1820 and 1860. The tricky part about names is making them different enough from each other so the reader doesn’t get confused. In real life, some families like to give consistency to their kids’ names, but that doesn’t work well in fiction.
How has your book changed since your first draft?
Upon my editors’ recommendations, I completely eliminated one secondary character from the story, which meant some serious rewriting. The antagonist’s goal had to be hinted at earlier so it didn’t surprise the reader as “coming out of nowhere.” I also had to revise the ending to give my hero a larger role to play in rescuing the heroine.
What is one thing you wish you could do?
I wish I could travel more. I would love to visit a different historical site or museum every week. Unfortunately, even if I had the funds to do so, I find that my stamina decreases with each year that my age increases, so much of my traveling is done via the Internet.
What is your advice to fledgling writers?
What are common traps for aspiring writers?
Thinking that writing is an easy road to success. Writing is hard, but even harder is all the other work that goes with it. Writers must assume a large part of the marketing in order to get their work into the world. Unless writers can afford to hire others, they must take on the tasks of accounting, advertising, promotion, and general weight-lifting. They must also learn to deal with criticism and rejection, meeting deadlines, and acting in a professional manner.
What is your next project?
I’m currently working on two novellas which I call the “bookends” for my Civil War series. One is a prequel, and the other one picks up where Redeeming Rupert ends. Both deal with the older generation of characters who are seen only briefly throughout the series.
About Redeeming Rupert
Hannah Whitfield has given up on her own dreams of love and marriage, dedicating herself wholly to her family's welfare. But when a ruthless carpetbagger threatens to seize Whitfield Hall, Hannah's last hope lies with the elusive trustee named in her late father's will. Desperate to secure her brother's inheritance, she steels herself to make the ultimate sacrifice.
Rupert McNeil, haunted by the loss of his loved ones, has vowed never to marry. Following in his uncle's footsteps, he becomes the go-to person for those in need. When he inherits his uncle's farm and the responsibility to help save Whitfield Hall, Rupert finds himself at a crossroads, torn between his own legacy and his duty to others.
As Hannah and Rupert's paths intertwine, a marriage of convenience seems to be the answer to their problems. But with a scheming relative lurking in the shadows, will their newfound alliance be enough to safeguard both their inheritances? Can love blossom amidst the challenges they face, or will the wounds of the past prove too deep to overcome?
Purchase link: https://amzn.to/4jBRt2J
Connect with Susan:
Website: https://susanpsloan.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/susanpopesloan
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/susan-sloan-7132a155
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20919750.Susan_Pope_Sloan
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/susanpsloan
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susanpsloan
Photo Credits:
Books and glasses: Pixabay/Anna Paula Feriani
Writing hand: Pixabay/Pexels
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