Susan May Warren boldly answers the questions you were dying to ask.
Some out there in writing land have strange rituals. Share yours.
I am the queen of procrastination – I’ve been known to even do laundry instead of writing a scene! And I’m very strange – my favorite place to write is on my bed – even though I have a nice office. I also have to have my research books within reach so I can grab them at a moment’s notice. Finally – during heightened moments of stress, I have to eat crunchy foods…like Apple Jacks!
If you were assured of writing a best-seller, what genre would it be? Give us a sliver of information, a characteristic or glimpse of a scene.
I love romantic suspense, but with great lighthearted scenes as well, so I’d write a book that has both suspense and comedy in it – something that makes us laugh between the moments of stress. I like to balance a book – have equal parts romance and suspense – for example, I love it when characters have a crazy fight right before they have to do something stressful – it relieves their stress and bonds us with the characters.
What period of history intrigues you the most?
World War 2. The heroism and sacrifice of that era really calls to my spirit.
What makes you feel alive?
Worship music, walking on the beach during a summer day (I have a beautiful rocky beach near my house), laughing with my children during dinner, seeing a passage of scripture in a new and transforming way.
How does something worm its way into your heart? Through tears, truth, humor or other?
Humor – I love to laugh, and humor is such a brilliant way to bring truth into a person’s life. I think humor really helps truths to take hold.
Book, music, person, food you would take with you on a very long trip.
I would take the Bible, some good worship music, or maybe my Brad Paisley CD collection, my husband, and cheetos. *g*
Where would you most like to travel ----- moon, north pole, deep seas, deserted island, the holy land or back to a place from your childhood, somewhere else? – and why.
I’d love to visit the Holy Land, but my husband has always wanted to go to the deep seas, and I would love to go there with him, just to see his joy.
Favorite season and why?
Fall – because I love football and the changing of the seasons, the crunch of leaves beneath my feet, and the anticipation of winter.
Favorite book setting and why?
I love to write books set in Russia because it is so rich in flavor and smells and characters, and of course, because I miss it and it brings me back to a land I love.
Which compliment related to your writing has meant the most and why?
I recently received a letter from a reader who told me that reading my books was like reading an applied bible study. She said she loved learning more about scripture and the truths that transform my characters lives. I was really blessed by that because my desire is to weave scripture and spiritual truths into a story in such a way that the reader takes away encouragement in their own walk of faith.
What would you do today if you knew you had only a week to live?
I’d pack up my family, go down to the Caribbean and find a secluded beach and soak in every moment of laughter and stories and relaxation with the people I love.
What is your favorite word?
Sosheea. It’s a made up word in our family that means...enough! My oldest son made it up when he was five.
Super power you'd love to borrow for awhile?
Flying, of course.
Thanks, Susan.
Happy Weekend, everyone.
