It’s time for the next subject for my 2018 author interview series. Author interviews are posted every Friday throughout the year.
I am honored to continue this series with Australian author Suzanne Burke
You can catch up with all of my past author interviews (nearly 200) on my Author Directory page.
If you’re an author interested in being interviewed in this series, I still have limited spots available for 2018. You can email me at don@donmassenzio.com
Now, please enjoy this interview with Suzanne Burke:
Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want?
I haven’t really asked myself that question before. Now that I have it seems that If I’m excited enough by an idea I come up with to write it down, and if that excitement continues as my work grows, then THAT is what I deliver to my readers. I write in multiple genres, each one fascinates and draws me to it. Some have called my style original. I do hope that is the case.
If you could tell your younger writing self-anything, what would it be?
As I didn’t begin my writing journey until my early fifties my younger self is already a good deal older than most aspiring writers. Something I’ve forced myself to do since then and the thing that I wished I’d had a grip on when I began this crazy journey is NOT to edit as I write. I may perfect a paragraph by editing as I go, but the flow will be altered and an idea for a line of dialogue can vanish in an instant. I found that an invaluable lesson.
What’s your favorite under-appreciated novel?
That would have to be “The Last Man” by Mary Shelley. It was forever overshadowed by ‘Frankenstein” (Which I enjoyed) However the darker nature of “The Last Man” I believe makes it the better of the two.
Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
I read every review. If I know or can connect with the reviewer I thank them. The great reviews lift me up and nurture my spirit and my muse. The bad ones I reflect on carefully. I decided that if more than 3 people find that the same thing troubles them about my work I would review that in my writing … if I found their constructive comments to be accurate, I take steps to correct them.
Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?
I believe all writers leave secrets in their books, even subconsciously.My Non-Fiction works hold many. For my works of fiction, I had to laugh long and loud when a friend after reading “Acts Beyond Redemption” said that, my pivotal character Sheila Harrington’s dialogue sounded exactly like me. Given that Sheila Harrington was the FBI’s Prime suspect in the brutal murders of 18 men, maybe that’s not such a great thing J… My works of fiction will cause a few people to nod and say “uh-huh”, several of my characterizations hold clear visual identification for a few very close friends.
Do you Google yourself?
I haven’t before, and just did so. Wow! Now that is a surprise.
What is your favorite childhood book?
I had no real childhood. I attended school only from the age of eight, until not quite eleven years old. I learned to read at the State Library, I went in there early in my days living on the streets, not for the books, it was the airconditioning, bathroom availability and the sweet silence that drew me, with the added bonus that is was free.
The Senior Librarian became curious about my constant daily presence over a period of weeks. She became curious enough to ask if she could help me with something. That marvelous woman taught me not only to read, she taught me how to learn more about the world I lived in, the world outside and beyond the city streets of Sydney, Australia. She and I remained lifelong friends.
The first complete book I read at age twelve was Enid Blyton’s “The Magic Faraway Tree” I enjoyed it … but my real world needed something different. My favorite book by age thirteen was ‘Valley of The Dolls’ by Jacqueline Susann. It made me nod my head in recognition.
If you had to do something differently as a child or teenager to become a better writer as an adult, what would you do?
I’d keep a journal.
How long on average does it take you to write a book?
That depends entirely on the genre. My thrillers each took around 14mths, with the research time and story development demanding a minimum of 8-10 hours a day. Luckily I only sleep between two and four hours in every twenty-four.
My non-fiction books didn’t take quite as long. I had no need for research, for I’d lived it. Once I began writing the words consumed me. I hadn’t been prepared for the ‘flashbacks’ or the depths of depression that Post Traumatic Stress Disorder can drag you down to. It was a painful journey. The second memoir was difficult, yet the writing of it set me free from some of the more debilitating memories.
Each new genre presents new and exciting challenges.
About Suzanne:
Suzanne Burke resides with her daughter and grandson in a small country town located hundreds- of-miles to the west of her previous home in Sydney Australia.
Suzanne had long wanted to write, life interrupted and she didn’t begin her journey into the world of writing until she was in her early fifties.
Suzanne has written her memoirs under the author name of Stacey Danson, both her non-fiction books have ranked in the top 100 paid in Kindle on Amazon. “Empty Chairs” and “Faint Echoes of Laughter” continue to earn wonderful reviews. The third and final book of her memoir series “Still Sassy at Sixty” is due out Mid 2018.
Suzanne writes her powerful Thrillers “Acts Beyond Redemption” and “Acts of Betrayal” and her Paranormal anthology “Mind-Shaft” as S. Burke. Look for her latest thriller an anthology titled “A Darker Justice” Due out March 2018.
Connect with Suzanne:
https://www.facebook.com/StaceyandSuzie
Blog
Suzanne’s Books:
Acts Beyond Redemption – Book 1 of the (Unintended Consequences) series https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EXVBG1I
Acts Of Betrayal – Book 2 of the (Unintended Consequences) series
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MR4
Mind-Shaft Paranormal Anthology.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AQ0GEJO
NON-FICTION MEMOIRS
Empty Chairs Book 1 of the (Standing Tall & Fighting Back) series.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EXVBG1I
Faint Echoes of Laughter Book 2 of the (Standing Tall & Fighting Back) series.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01F6ET050
Don, thank you so very much for your wonderful support. It is very much appreciated.
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It was my pleasure.
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Reblogged this on Welcome to the World of Suzanne Burke. and commented:
Please join me as I am interviewed by Don Massenzio. #RRBC #IARTG @pursoot @donmassenzio
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Thanks for sharing this with your followers. I hope you’re happy with the outcome.
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I’m delighted, Don. Thank you.
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Great.
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Reblogged this on Legends of Windemere.
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Charles, thank you so much for reblogging.🦋
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You’re welcome. 🙂
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Thanks for sharing this, Charles.
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You’re welcome. 👍
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Pingback: The 2018 Author Interview Series Featuring Suzanne Burke | Legends of Windemere
Thanks for sharing this.
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Reblogged this on The Angry Scribbler.
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Thanks for sharing this.
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Kester, thank you so much.
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Thank you for featuring Suzanne, Don. She is an exceptional woman and writer. Her book, Empty Chairs, remains the most memorable book I’ve ever read.
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It was my pleasure, Gwen.
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Gwen, that is the most wonderful review I could ever hope to have. It touched me deeply, my friend. In my life, there have been so many loving human beings that lost their battle with fate far too early. The fact that you found my book to be memorable, keeps their memory intact. 🦋 Thank you, my friend.
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Reblogged this on Anna Dobritt — Author.
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Hello, Anna. Thank you so much for sharing. I appreciate it.🦋
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Reblogged this on Custom Services for Indie Authors by an Indie Author and commented:
Check out my latest entry in the 2018 Author Interview Series over on my Author Site. If you’re interested in being interviewed, please check out this post for details.
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Soooz is an outstanding writer. Great to see her getting some more attention!
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🌹Gerry, it’s lovely to see you here. Your support is, as always, awesome, my friend. Thank you.
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Dear Suzanne,
How wonderful to find you on Don’s blog today and learn a bit about your writing and your early years. I had tears in my eyes as I learned about your librarian friend who taught you to read. I have your memoirs on my kindle and now it’s time to get reading them. Caring adults can and do make a difference in the lives of children and I’m so glad that one of those angels found you!
Blessings,
Bette
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Thanks so much for stopping by, Bette. My life was enriched beyond measure by the people I allowed close. They taught me how to love, and more importantly, they taught me how to be loved in return. I miss them still. I know you have a tender heart, my friend, so please be aware that my memoirs are confronting and at times may be painful to read. 🌹
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I enjoyed this interview and was touched reading about the librarian and her role. I have read all of Suzanne’s fiction and loved it. The memoirs are on my must read list. So happy to see Suzanne featured here!
Great and informative post.
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🌹Thank you, Denise. It’s been great to have the opportunity to share a little about the private me.
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Soooz, I am so glad you were persistent in going to that library to read, and thankful that one of the librarians was astute enough to notice. Fabulous to see you featured here. Thank you for featuring Suzanne today, Don!
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🌹Thanks, Mae Clair. The love of the written word came into being at the library. My friend, Eunice gave me the gift of both her friendship and her knowledge. I treasured both.
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Another great interview! I started seriously writing in my 50s as well Suzanne. It is never too late!!
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🌹Thanks, Darlene. You are absolutely correct, it is NEVER too late. 😀
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This is a fantastic interview. I am sharing it everywhere! Sooz is such a talented writer and I have loved everything of hers that I have read. Thanks for spotlighting her, Don!
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Thanks so much for sharing it. She was a pleasure to have as a guest.
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I’m wearing a huge smile, Jan. Thank you for the wonderful compliment. I appreciate all your wonderful support more than I can express.🌹
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Soooz is the best. I love her photo. It seems to say,”Take me as I am.” Super interview, Don and Suzanne.
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Thanks, John.
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😀You nailed it, my friend. I think at times I should have a ‘Hazard Warning Sign’ attached.
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Ha haha. I’ll bet anyone could count themselves lucky to enter your hazard zone.
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I do a great deal on second-hand seal gear.😀
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Ha ha ha. You also kill me Soooz. In a good way.
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😈
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🙂
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Hi Don! Wonderful interview! I enjoyed learning more about one of my favorite authors. Suzanne is a lovely person as well as talented writer. I enjoyed the questions and answers. Thank you! 😀 xx
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Thank you, Vashti. Thanks for stopping by.
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You’re welcome, Don!
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😀Hi, Vashti! Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. I’m delighted that you enjoyed the interview.
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Your reviews are always fantastic to read. It’s my pleasure. 😀 xx
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Oops! I meant interview. Although your reviews are awesome too. 😉
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I knew what you meant. 😀
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A lovely interview with Suzanne, Don. I have just bought Empty Chairs although I am sure it will make me cry.
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Thanks for stopping by, Robbie. She was another in a great string of guests.
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Hello, Robbie! I wish I could deny that it may make you cry, my friend. Just take comfort in the knowledge that I’m still here, and still living every day with a hunger for tomorrow. 🌹
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