Today I'm chatting with a friend and amazing author from Down Under whose books I really enjoy reading. Susanne Bellamy is celebrating the release of her latest Aussie romance "Heartbreak Homestead". *round of applaus*
Interview with Susanne Bellamy
1) What do you like most and least about being a writer?
I have the best boss in the world! ;) I get to set my deadlines and choose my projects and work in my PJs if I want to. I can arrange my work day to accommodate household requirements that used to be put on the back burner because I was 'out at work' from 7.30 – 5 pm. But there is seldom anyone waving a big stick and telling me to 'get on with it' if I'm a bit slow or slack. And there is also the dreaded self-doubt that rears its head from time to time. That's when we need wonderful writer friends to chivvy us along.
2) I read and enjoyed your book “Just One Kiss” immensely, and I think the title fits perfectly. How do you come up with titles, and what do you think is important about them?
Thank you! The easiest one was my first story, “White Ginger”. When I was a teenager, I discovered Hawaiian White Ginger perfume which remained a favourite for years. When I set my first story on Kauai, the white ginger plant growing at Amelie's rented cottage gave me that title and never changed. Others have been much more difficult but when I'm struggling, I brainstorm then run possibilities past a few trusted friends.
My husband came up with the title of my latest release, “Heartbreak Homestead”.
3) What inspired the story of “Heartbreak Homestead” and its underlying theme of new beginnings and second chances?
I had very different ideas about who would feature in book 2 while I was writing “Just One Kiss”. Originally, Amy's brother Jeff was to have his story in book 2 but I get to know my characters as I write and see them interact and a certain feisty woman called Lizzy grew stronger and louder until I agreed that, 'yes, your story has to be told next'.
4) Do you have to do a lot of research for your books (e. g. about the Flying Doctor service)? How do you go about it?
I think most writers do, even when they are building their own fantasy worlds. But I use Google, Wikipedia, Google maps, and ask for expert help on various online loops. There are many ways to discover what you need when you're a writer but talking to people who know is still my favourite option.
5) Any hidden talents or crazy facts about you?
I studied ballet for 13 years and was one of a small dance troupe who burst onto local television in glorious living colour back when colour TV 'arrived'!
6) Your novels of the “Hearts of the Outback” series are set in rural Australia. You’ve also written stories set in Italy and Hawaii, among other countries. Is there any other country you’d like to write about?
I have a hankering to write a story set in Antarctica but would love to visit before I tackle it. And the idea is in a different genre to my current works. I've travelled in lots of countries, including various European and Asian places, and would like to set one in Vietnam for a change.
I recently subbed a story set mostly in Nepal to my publisher but have to 'wait and see' if they like it.
7) Tell us in 3 sentences what makes your latest release “Heartbreak Homestead” special to you.
“Heartbreak” allowed me (perhaps demanded) that I toughen up and 'kill my darlings' as writers like to phrase it. I loved the push/pull between the protagonists and the suspense aspect of Lizzy and Alex's story. And I loved writing about baby Daniel; perhaps more so now that I'm about to become a grandmother!
8) Do you have any advice for (aspiring) authors?
Write every day, even if it's only a couple of hundred words. If you do that, within a year, you'll have a long novel or two novellas written! Because you cannot edit a blank page, so write! But don't retreat so far into your writing cave that you forget your loved ones, or forget to refill you r own creative well with reading and new experiences.
9) If you were suddenly forced to marry one of the characters you’ve written, who would it be and why?
That's a seriously difficult question! I'm not sure I can pick one as I tend to 'fall in love' with each of my heroes; perhaps because there is a little bit of my husband in each of them. Okay, biting the bullet here – I'll say Luc Martineau from “Winning the Heiress' Heart”. There is one special scene in this story that just gets me each time I read it. It brings together Eva's past and her worst nightmare and allows Luc to reveal just how special a man he is.
10) What are you currently working on?
Book 3 of “Hearts of the Outback” is Sarah and Caleb's story. They 'met' under, shall we say, unusual circumstances in book 2 when Detective Richards arrested Sarah. Now, he needs the skills of the horse whisperer to solve a case.
And no, I haven't figured out its title yet! I doubt that “From the Horse's Mouth” is a great rural suspense title!
Thanks so much for hosting me, Devika. I love visiting your blog.
I have the best boss in the world! ;) I get to set my deadlines and choose my projects and work in my PJs if I want to. I can arrange my work day to accommodate household requirements that used to be put on the back burner because I was 'out at work' from 7.30 – 5 pm. But there is seldom anyone waving a big stick and telling me to 'get on with it' if I'm a bit slow or slack. And there is also the dreaded self-doubt that rears its head from time to time. That's when we need wonderful writer friends to chivvy us along.
2) I read and enjoyed your book “Just One Kiss” immensely, and I think the title fits perfectly. How do you come up with titles, and what do you think is important about them?
Thank you! The easiest one was my first story, “White Ginger”. When I was a teenager, I discovered Hawaiian White Ginger perfume which remained a favourite for years. When I set my first story on Kauai, the white ginger plant growing at Amelie's rented cottage gave me that title and never changed. Others have been much more difficult but when I'm struggling, I brainstorm then run possibilities past a few trusted friends.
My husband came up with the title of my latest release, “Heartbreak Homestead”.
3) What inspired the story of “Heartbreak Homestead” and its underlying theme of new beginnings and second chances?
I had very different ideas about who would feature in book 2 while I was writing “Just One Kiss”. Originally, Amy's brother Jeff was to have his story in book 2 but I get to know my characters as I write and see them interact and a certain feisty woman called Lizzy grew stronger and louder until I agreed that, 'yes, your story has to be told next'.
4) Do you have to do a lot of research for your books (e. g. about the Flying Doctor service)? How do you go about it?
I think most writers do, even when they are building their own fantasy worlds. But I use Google, Wikipedia, Google maps, and ask for expert help on various online loops. There are many ways to discover what you need when you're a writer but talking to people who know is still my favourite option.
5) Any hidden talents or crazy facts about you?
I studied ballet for 13 years and was one of a small dance troupe who burst onto local television in glorious living colour back when colour TV 'arrived'!
6) Your novels of the “Hearts of the Outback” series are set in rural Australia. You’ve also written stories set in Italy and Hawaii, among other countries. Is there any other country you’d like to write about?
I have a hankering to write a story set in Antarctica but would love to visit before I tackle it. And the idea is in a different genre to my current works. I've travelled in lots of countries, including various European and Asian places, and would like to set one in Vietnam for a change.
I recently subbed a story set mostly in Nepal to my publisher but have to 'wait and see' if they like it.
7) Tell us in 3 sentences what makes your latest release “Heartbreak Homestead” special to you.
“Heartbreak” allowed me (perhaps demanded) that I toughen up and 'kill my darlings' as writers like to phrase it. I loved the push/pull between the protagonists and the suspense aspect of Lizzy and Alex's story. And I loved writing about baby Daniel; perhaps more so now that I'm about to become a grandmother!
8) Do you have any advice for (aspiring) authors?
Write every day, even if it's only a couple of hundred words. If you do that, within a year, you'll have a long novel or two novellas written! Because you cannot edit a blank page, so write! But don't retreat so far into your writing cave that you forget your loved ones, or forget to refill you r own creative well with reading and new experiences.
9) If you were suddenly forced to marry one of the characters you’ve written, who would it be and why?
That's a seriously difficult question! I'm not sure I can pick one as I tend to 'fall in love' with each of my heroes; perhaps because there is a little bit of my husband in each of them. Okay, biting the bullet here – I'll say Luc Martineau from “Winning the Heiress' Heart”. There is one special scene in this story that just gets me each time I read it. It brings together Eva's past and her worst nightmare and allows Luc to reveal just how special a man he is.
10) What are you currently working on?
Book 3 of “Hearts of the Outback” is Sarah and Caleb's story. They 'met' under, shall we say, unusual circumstances in book 2 when Detective Richards arrested Sarah. Now, he needs the skills of the horse whisperer to solve a case.
And no, I haven't figured out its title yet! I doubt that “From the Horse's Mouth” is a great rural suspense title!
Thanks so much for hosting me, Devika. I love visiting your blog.
About the Author
Born and raised in Toowoomba, Susanne is an Australian author of contemporary, rural, and suspense romances set in exciting and often exotic locations, and in Australia. She adores travel with her husband, both at home and overseas, and weaves stories around the settings and people she encounters.
Her heroes have to be pretty special to live up to her real life hero. He saved her life then married her.
Susanne is a member of the RWA and was a finalist in their 2011 Emerald Award. She placed third in the 2015 Pan Macmillan short story competition with Chez Romeo. Mentoring aspiring writers, and working as a freelance editor keeps her off the street! She loves connecting with readers and fellow writers.
You can find me at the following:
a. Facebook https://www.facebook.com/susanne.bellamy.7
b. Twitter https://twitter.com/SusanneBellamy
c. Website http://www.susannebellamy.com/
d. Pinterest http://www.pinterest.com/susannebellamy/
e. Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/6869630.Susanne_Bellamy
Her heroes have to be pretty special to live up to her real life hero. He saved her life then married her.
Susanne is a member of the RWA and was a finalist in their 2011 Emerald Award. She placed third in the 2015 Pan Macmillan short story competition with Chez Romeo. Mentoring aspiring writers, and working as a freelance editor keeps her off the street! She loves connecting with readers and fellow writers.
You can find me at the following:
a. Facebook https://www.facebook.com/susanne.bellamy.7
b. Twitter https://twitter.com/SusanneBellamy
c. Website http://www.susannebellamy.com/
d. Pinterest http://www.pinterest.com/susannebellamy/
e. Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/6869630.Susanne_Bellamy
About the Book
After her brother’s death, the last thing Lizzy Wilmot wants to do is to return to her family’s property but Alex Carter, his former business partner, needs her help to locate some missing files. Alex doesn't trust Lizzy and the feeling is mutual but when they find themselves back at the homestead in the midst of a bitter custody battle for Lizzy’s baby nephew, sparks begin to fly.
Who is trying to harm Lizzy?
Can they both learn that trust will overcome heartbreak?
Buy link: amzn.to/1nqc9hc
Who is trying to harm Lizzy?
Can they both learn that trust will overcome heartbreak?
Buy link: amzn.to/1nqc9hc
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