Like me, Suzy Turner began her writing career as a journalist. But there is something to be said for the imagination, and when the fiction bug bites, it’s extremely hard to resist! Since 2010, she’s completed six novels for young adults (The Raven Saga trilogy and The Morgan Sisters series), as well as her first women’s fiction novel, Forever Fredless. She gets extra points in my book for being a self-published author, and I’m delighted to have her here today!
After the interview, leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of Forever Fredless!
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For someone who only began writing fiction in 2010, you’ve published a crazy number of books—ranging from paranormal thriller to romance, and from YA to adult. Which is your favorite?
LOL I’m very fortunate that writing is pretty much my day job now so I have plenty of time to dedicate to it. As for my favourite, that’s a tricky one. I absolutely love writing both YA urban fantasy and chick lit so I really can’t choose between them! Sorry!
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In October, you released your first “chick lit” novel, Forever Fredless. What can you tell us about the story?
Here’s a brief synopsis: Kate Robinson has spent the past two decades yearning to find her soul mate, the boy she found and then lost during a family holiday. Shortly after her twenty-eighth birthday, however, she inherits a fortune from an old family friend and becomes something of an overnight celebrity. Can her new-found fame lead her to him after all this time?
The idea for the book has been with me for many years because the beginning (when Kate ‘meets’ her soulmate for the very first time as a child) kind of happened to me. Although I wasn’t as smitten as Kate was, I do remember the moment quite clearly and I never forgot it. There are other embarrassing moments in the book that have also featured in my life!
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What do think people will love most about this book? What do you love about it?
Probably the fact that it’s such an easy-read – fun and lighthearted with some laugh out loud moments and some great friendships. I love the fact that it can be read by such a wide audience. From 12 year olds to 92 year olds – I think it has appeal to all ages.
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In the spirit of Desperately Ever After, I must ask: If you had to choose, which fairy tale character (doesn’t have to be a princess and doesn’t have to be Disney), would you be and why?
Cinderella! I’ve always been obsessed with her. Okay, maybe not so much now but as a kid, she was my absolute favourite. I just adored her and wanted to be her and where all those beautiful clothes (when she was a princess of course!).
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Spreading the word is one of the most daunting aspects of self-publishing. How do you get your titles out there?
It’s not so easy these days. I think I entered the world of self-publishing at the right time, just before it got too crazy and so I managed to find a good solid audience who has stuck with me. I do think that offering some of my books for free has been a massive advantage though. Raven (my first ever YA book) has been downloaded well over 100,000 times and all those people that enjoyed it, have purchased the sequels. It’s a win/win situation really. The only problem now is that the ‘free’ market is becoming saturated. I also think it’s very important to have a good website, blog and lots of social networks that you use regularly. I reckon Google Plus is the next big thing. You can find me on there at https://plus.google.com/+SuzyTurner/posts.
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A writer’s life is certainly not an easy one—from rejections to dwindling sales, to tough reviews, and so on. How did you get through the bad days?
I remember my first negative review – it ripped my heart open. Well, that’s what it felt like at the time anyway! She was horrid, really mean to me and it hurt. Big time. I thought that was it, I would have to give up writing and get a ‘proper’ job again. And then I spoke to my author pals online about it and they just made everything okay. My thick skin started to develop and then the positive reviews started flowing in and I realised I was good enough. People loved my books. Yes there would always be those that didn’t but that’s okay. Imagine how awful the world would be if we all had the same tastes? Having a few negative reviews actually works because it balances out all those 4 and 5 stars. So it’s all good, really 🙂
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What is the best piece of advice you’ve received that you can share with aspiring writers?
Don’t give up. Keep writing, even when you’re not in the mood. And even more importantly, keep reading. Reading is the best way to learn – and what a fabulous way to learn it is.
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What can fans expect from you next?
I’ve been on a writing hiatus since November because I’ve been producing a movie (The Eye of Praxos) based on my Morgan Sisters books, but filming has finally wrapped and I can concentrate on writing again. I’ve started two books, actually. One is the next in The Morgan Sisters and the other is my next stand alone chick lit book. Neither of which have titles just yet but I’ll keep you posted 😉
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In addition to checking her website, SuzyTurner.com, be sure to keep up with Suzy on Twitter (@suzy_turner), Facebook, Pinterest, Google Plus. She also runs a YA blog and Women’s Fiction blog, where I’m honored to be featured this week as part of my Fiction Addiction blog tour. Her books are available at both Amazon.com (US) and Amazon.co.uk (UK).
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ENTER TO WIN!
Comment below to win a print copy of Forever Fredless. The giveaway (worldwide) will remain open until 11:59 p.m. (PST) Tuesday, July 1, at which point a winner will be chosen at random.
Best of luck to you all!
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PRICE DROP!
What’s a blog tour without a price drop? For the month of June, in conjunction with my Fiction Addiction blog tour, the e-book of Desperately Ever After has been marked down to just $2.99. It is also available in print. Centered around a group of friends who just happen to live in castles … it’s Desperate Housewives meets the Brothers Grimm … ideal for Once Upon a Time withdrawal … and perfect for your beach bag!
Click here for Amazon US or here for Amazon UK
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COMING UP!
Next Wednesday, July 2, author RS McCoy will stop by to talk about how writing saved her life, and to give away a copy of her latest novel, Sparks.
Mark your calendars 😉
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laurakenyon.com 
I love your advice to “Keep writing…keep reading…” I tell my students that reading and writing are two sides of the same coin. Congratulations on your success as a self published author. I need to check out your YA books today and I would love to read “Forever Fredless”.
Suzy, I am so glad to get to know you through this interview and I
love the synopsis of Fearlessly Fred. I think many of us have met someone and wondered what might happen if it happened again. I wish you much luck.
Thanks, Laura, for this interview and giveaway.
Laura, thank you so much for the wonderful interview. I really had fun with you!! It’s a real honour to be on your blog 🙂
Cathy and Connie… thank you so much for your kind comments! xx
Sounds like a fun read. Who doesn’t like books that are light and make them laugh out loud. Very interested to learn about all the embarrassing moments.
Thank you for the chance. bobbischleining@yahoo.com