Hi, Sue! So nice to have you on my blog. It’s been way too long since I last featured an author Q&A. Now, are you ready to answer?
Hi. Thanks for having me here!
Hi. Thanks for having me here!
1) What do you like most and least about being an author?
2) Do you prefer a specific genre for reading and writing?
I started my fiction writing career with short stories for children in TeleKids supplement here. I published some kid lit books on Kindle too. So I would say that genre is my first love. But then I decided to try my hand at romance and that really took off! As for reading, I love reading kid lit, romance and women’s fiction.
3) I’ve noticed that you mostly publish novellas and short stories. Tell me why?
We are bombarded with choices these days; there are thousands of books coming up on my social media timelines every day and I want to read so many of them. In such a scenario, I think that it’s hard to focus on a novel length book for days whereas one could read multiple short stories/novellas within a week. Also, reading a long book on a digital device is a different experience from reading a paperback – I find it more convenient to read shorter works on my device. Attention span is one factor, I guess? A lot of readers are hard pressed for time too.
4) In your opinion, is there something that characterizes Indian writing/literature?
I think most contemporary Indian writing gives a sense of our changing cultural landscape; we have changing lifestyles that our earlier generations couldn’t imagine living but there are so many values which stick.
5) Would you say that your time abroad has any impact on what and/or how you write?
Oh yes. I spent ages 0 to 9 and then my college years in the United States and that exposure to different cultures has shaped my writing and influences my characters often. For instance, I set my first romance in my favourite airport in the world (Singapore) and my first Christmas romance in one of my favourite cities (New York). Even in my kid lit stories, there are elements such as American desserts and characters from abroad.
6) If you had to describe your writing style in five words, what would you choose?
Fun and sweet with drama.
7) When did you become an indie author, and what prompted your decision?
My first two books were both nonfiction and traditionally published. It was a learning experience. While neither trad publishing or self publishing is without pros and cons, I like the idea of publishing regularly, at my own pace, and being in complete control of the whole process. In fact, since I like writing shorter fiction, it would be hard to get a traditional publisher as they usually want large word counts.
8) Is there a question you have always hoped somebody would ask you? (Feel free to answer it, too.)
9) Your author bio reveals that you’re an ex-journalist. Tell me, has that had any (positive or negative) impact on writing fiction?
I was a sub-editor for a bit at a major newspaper. It was an eye-opening experience because I wouldn’t have known a lot about printing, publishing and editing unless I’d been there.
10) Congratulations on your latest release, Second Chance at Love! What do you like about the second chance trope in romance? It’s one of my favorites!
Thank you so much! I love the second chance trope because I believe some couples really really do deserve another attempt at happily ever after. I think a second chance is a good way to have no regrets.
Thanks a lot for these interesting answers, Sue.
Readers, you can grab her book here.
- It started out with wanting to see my name on a book cover. Then it became all about the whole experience of writing stories and sharing them with the world. I love being able to create and connect with other people thanks to my stories.
- What I like least about it? The anxiety associated with book marketing where I constantly wonder if I’m doing enough or should I do something new?
2) Do you prefer a specific genre for reading and writing?
I started my fiction writing career with short stories for children in TeleKids supplement here. I published some kid lit books on Kindle too. So I would say that genre is my first love. But then I decided to try my hand at romance and that really took off! As for reading, I love reading kid lit, romance and women’s fiction.
3) I’ve noticed that you mostly publish novellas and short stories. Tell me why?
We are bombarded with choices these days; there are thousands of books coming up on my social media timelines every day and I want to read so many of them. In such a scenario, I think that it’s hard to focus on a novel length book for days whereas one could read multiple short stories/novellas within a week. Also, reading a long book on a digital device is a different experience from reading a paperback – I find it more convenient to read shorter works on my device. Attention span is one factor, I guess? A lot of readers are hard pressed for time too.
4) In your opinion, is there something that characterizes Indian writing/literature?
I think most contemporary Indian writing gives a sense of our changing cultural landscape; we have changing lifestyles that our earlier generations couldn’t imagine living but there are so many values which stick.
5) Would you say that your time abroad has any impact on what and/or how you write?
Oh yes. I spent ages 0 to 9 and then my college years in the United States and that exposure to different cultures has shaped my writing and influences my characters often. For instance, I set my first romance in my favourite airport in the world (Singapore) and my first Christmas romance in one of my favourite cities (New York). Even in my kid lit stories, there are elements such as American desserts and characters from abroad.
6) If you had to describe your writing style in five words, what would you choose?
Fun and sweet with drama.
7) When did you become an indie author, and what prompted your decision?
My first two books were both nonfiction and traditionally published. It was a learning experience. While neither trad publishing or self publishing is without pros and cons, I like the idea of publishing regularly, at my own pace, and being in complete control of the whole process. In fact, since I like writing shorter fiction, it would be hard to get a traditional publisher as they usually want large word counts.
8) Is there a question you have always hoped somebody would ask you? (Feel free to answer it, too.)
- Yes. I wish somebody would ask me how important my cats are to my writing life!
- My answer: They keep me on my toes with their demands for food and play and cuddles so that in turn keeps me on a strict schedule that makes sure that I fit writing in while they nap. Plus, more book sales means more money to keep my cats happy.
9) Your author bio reveals that you’re an ex-journalist. Tell me, has that had any (positive or negative) impact on writing fiction?
I was a sub-editor for a bit at a major newspaper. It was an eye-opening experience because I wouldn’t have known a lot about printing, publishing and editing unless I’d been there.
10) Congratulations on your latest release, Second Chance at Love! What do you like about the second chance trope in romance? It’s one of my favorites!
Thank you so much! I love the second chance trope because I believe some couples really really do deserve another attempt at happily ever after. I think a second chance is a good way to have no regrets.
Thanks a lot for these interesting answers, Sue.
Readers, you can grab her book here.
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