Blog Ring of Power Interview with Suzanne Lilly Part V

Well hurricane Isaac is blowing rain on my house.  I've spent the last few days getting the last bits of preparation complete for the storm.  Now it is evening and the wind is blowing outside.  The sun is setting, clouds and blue sky, with the threat of tornadoes through the night.  Tomorrow will be a deluge of rain.  and oh yes, I forgot all about part V.  Sorry Suzanne!  I've been cutting down tree limbs so they won't go through my roof tomorrow!  Isaac may be bearing down on New Orleans and just made landfall at the delta of the Mississippi River, it still has a ways to go before it gets to New Orleans.  I am North East of there, so I'm dealing with bands of rain, and will soon be dealing with the storm itself.  But I still have power and internet connection, so let me finish off this interview and apologize for not getting it out sooner today.

So welcome to The Write Time.  Suzanne has agreed to share some of the wisdom she has picked up on her road to publication.  Suzanne Lilly writes lighthearted young adult stories with a splash of suspense, a flash of the unexplained, a dash of romance, and always a happy ending. Her short stories have appeared in numerous places online and in print, and she has placed and received honorable mentions in writing contests. Her debut novel is Shades of the Future, (July 2012, Turquoise Morning Press) followed by Untellable, (February 2013.) She lives in Northern California where she reads, writes, cooks, swims, and teaches elementary students.

1. Tell us about your route to success –did you use an agent? How did you land your agent and/or publisher?

Everyone’s road to success is so different. I did land an agent with the first novel I ever wrote. But it wasn’t ready for publication, and my agent wasn’t able to sell it. We parted ways, and I continued to write and hone my craft. After five novels, I caught the interest of the publisher I work with now, Turquoise Morning Press.

2. Why did you choose to go with a small/independent press?

One thing I love about a small press, is the relationships with editors, fellow authors, and the publisher. It’s a truly supportive writing family. I don’t know if it would be possible to have that at one of the Big Six publishing houses.

3. Is there anything you would have done differently during the querying and publishing process?

I learned so much from the querying and publishing process, yet I look back and thing, “How could I have ever done that?” Things like sending out queries for stories that weren’t good enough for publication yet, or not understanding the publishing process. But I wouldn’t change those things, because of the lessons I’ve learned. I think the experiences have made me better at what I do. At least I hope they’ve made me a better author.

4. What are the most important elements of good writing?

Remember your audience and write for them. It may be your dream to write anything you want, but if no one reads it, what purpose does it serve, other than personal therapy? Also, respect your readers and give them the best product you are able to write.

5. What are your current / future project(s)?

My latest book is Shades of the Future. It follows the theme of exploring the unexplained, as well as trusting in ourselves. Here’s the book blurb:

What would you give to see the future? Would you make your dreams come true? Would you change the things you didn’t like?

Mariah Davis loves animals, running, and her hunk of a boyfriend, Kevin Creamer. Everything looks bright for her until the day she finds a pair of sunglasses that allow her to see the future.

When she glimpses a disaster looming, she tries to avoid it but fails. She has a car accident that lands her in a wheelchair, smashing her hopes for a running scholarship to the veterinary program at Ohio State University. She pushes Kevin away, thinking he’ll want to end their relationship now that she can’t walk.

Will she ever learn to trust and love again? She could search for an answer in the sunglasses. But she’s afraid what they reveal might destroy her.

If you’d like to read a short excerpt, you can send an email to shadesofthefuture {at} gmail {dot} com, or you can get a free sample from my Suzanne Lilly Amazon page.

My next book, Untellable, is about Aspen Dwyer, a young woman hiding from her past. She finds love and friendship in Honey Creek, but when her father is released from prison, and threatens her life, she has to decide if she should run again, or stay and fight for the people she loves. Untellable will be available from Turquoise Morning Press in February 2013.

6. Is there anything else you’d like to share?

I’m celebrating the release of Shades of the Future by giving away a designer pair of sunglasses from Shoebuy.com to one lucky commenter. So don’t be shy, readers! Chat me up on the blog tour and you might win!

Also, 10% of royalties from the sale of this book will go to an animal rescue organization. Mariah Davis and Kevin Creamer, the main characters, work for Happy Paws Pet Rescue. Mariah’s schnauzer Lady is a rescue dog. I also have a good friend who fosters pets until they find their forever homes. All of this is done through donations. If my book can help save a few animals from being euthanized, we will all have accomplished something great together.

Book Blurb:

What would you give to see the future? Would you make your dreams come true? Would you change the things you didn’t like?

Mariah Davis loves animals, running, and her hunk of a boyfriend, Kevin Creamer. Everything looks bright for her until the day she finds a pair of sunglasses that allow her to see the future.

When she glimpses a disaster looming, she tries to avoid it but fails. She has a car accident that lands her in a wheelchair, smashing her hopes for a running scholarship to the veterinary program at Ohio State University. She pushes Kevin away, thinking he’ll want to end their relationship now that she can’t walk.

Will she ever learn to trust and love again? She could search for an answer in the sunglasses. But she’s afraid what they reveal might destroy her.

 Follow Suzanne on the web:

Website: http://www.suzannelilly.com

Blog: http://www.teacherwriter.net

Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/SuzanneLillyauthor

Goodreads author page: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5258804.Suzanne_Lilly

Twitter: @suzannelilly http://twitter.com/suzannelilly

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Suzanne-Lilly/e/B006HY79IY

Google +: https://plus.google.com/u/0/115758832631616324955/posts

What format is your book(s) available in (print, e-book, audio book, etc.)

It’s available in print and digital formats.

Here are the other parts of the interview.

Part 1 @ Terri - Wednesday, August 22nd
Part 2 @ Teresa - Thursday, August 23rd
Part 3 @ Emily - Friday, August 24th
Part 4 @ Sandra - Monday, August 27th
Part 5 @ Dean - Tuesday, August 28th

Thanks for stopping by.