Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Author Spotlight: Suzanne Brandyn

Today we have Australian author Suzanne Brandyn here to tell us all about her books, and answer the Minxes questions - take it away Suzanne!

Where were you in your writing career 5 years ago?

Five years ago I had a dream, a dream to be published. I learned everything I could about writing romance. I wanted to see my name in the Romance Writers of Australia’s Hearts Talk magazine. I studied and studied ‘how to’ of romance writing. Last year I had my first romance novel published. My name not only appears as a published author in the magazine, but I’m now also a member of their editorial team.

Where did you get the idea from for this particular book?
It is based around the town I was born. I love the area; love the mountains and the wide river. So I took my heroine back home, where she faces her past and obstacles arise making her think twice about her life.

Where do you hope to be in 5 years time?
I think a lot of authors would say a famous author. But to be sensible, I’d love to have at least another ten novels published with a bigger publishing house.

Which was the last book you read that you wish you'd written?
I had to laugh at this question. Lol. Still grinning. The Twilight Series, who wouldn’t?

Was there any particular author or book that made you want to be a writer?
Nora Roberts’s stories and style inspired me to want to write my own novels.

Do you find writing love scenes giggle-worthy or cringe-worthy?
I have no trouble in writing them at all. They are worthy to a story if that story requires one. Love is universal. I don’t feel it different to writing a passionate kiss scene.

What's the most romantic moment of your life so far?
I think getting married in Hawaii two years ago was very romantic. It was a perfect, romantic time. The weather, delivered on a blue platter, the music romantic. It was my dream come true.

What do you wish you'd known about being an author before you were pubbed?
I wished I knew more about the promotional side of publishing. It takes a lot of writing hours away. I enjoy it though and I’m having book signings and library talks within the next few months.

What's the best writing advice you've ever been given?
Trust your gut feeling. Write what you like reading. If you believe in your manuscript, so will an editor.

Tell us about your latest release.
Have you ever misplaced something? Has it taken you ages to find where it is? ‘Usually what you’re searching for is right before your eyes.’
Thinking she has it all, the perfect life, the perfect career, and the perfect fiancé. Sarah Munro questions all when she returns to her hometown, and to the man she left behind so many years ago.
Both characters have a secret, and it’s up to them to come to terms with the past or grab onto it and yank it into the future. They try to settle their differences but a raging attraction ignites. That attraction has been smoldering for years.

What’s next for you?
I hope that my next manuscript will be published. It is set on a property in the New England Region of NSW, Australia, a property where I lived. It is a suspense novel with romantic elements, about a woman escaping domestic violence and returning to a property she inherited by her recently departed mother. She faces many obstacles. It will be a great read. I’m also about to start another. So I’ll be busy. Lol.

You can find out where to purchase Heat in the Outback at Suzanne's website, http://www.suzannebrandyn.com/  and Suzanne is giving a free print copy to one lucky commenter.

Heat in the Outback is available now from Eternal Press, and Passion in Paradise is available from The Wild Rose Press.

Thank you so much for joining us here at the Minxes of Romance today, Suzanne!

38 comments:

Lacey Devlin said...

Fascinating! Great writing advice and your next manuscript sounds fantastic too Suzanne!

Suzanne Brandyn Author said...

Thank you Lacey,

Suzanne :)

Serena said...

Hi Suz,
Nice to see you here. I enjoyed learning more about you and your path to publication. What a great goal - to see your name in Romance Writers of Australia’s Hearts Talk! And you've achieved that goal - and not only does your name appear each month on the editorial page, but you made it as a fully fledged published author. YAY YOU!
Hugs
Serena

Suzanne Brandyn Author said...
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Suzanne Brandyn Author said...

I'll try again. lol..

Thanks for stopping by Serena. You're a darling. :)

Kez said...

Your books sound great! One day I'll actually get to meet you in person I hope :)

Suzanne Brandyn Author said...

Thank you for stopping by Kez. I will be at the next meeting in Newcastle this month. :)

Jenn J McLeod - Australia's small town storyteller said...

Suz, TEN BOOKS!!!! You go girl. I know you'll do it. And Kez, she's as gorgeous in real life as she is online.

Karlene Blakemore-Mowle said...

It's great to have such talented people in the same writing group as I belong to- you're an inspiration Suz!

Suzanne Brandyn Author said...

Thanks Jenn for stoping by.

I do hope I'll reach ten, or more. lol.. Does that sound greedy. :)

Suzanne Brandyn Author said...

Hi Karlene,
You're too kind, thank you. :)

Tarnya said...

Hi Suzanne,
I've already read heat in the outback and I can tell you and everyone I loved it. I hear its on the top best sellers list at Eternal Press. Well done.

Tarnya x

Tina C said...

Hey Suzanne

Your new books sound magical and so Australian, outback and great! Love the idea of your new one with re-ignited lost soul mates....actually just had a story like that happen in real life at school with one of the other mums, reunited with a past missed love and soul mate... so I am smiling at your story. A definite on the to read pile when it gets into print! Good luck!

Bye 4 now
Tina

Mel Teshco said...

Hi Suz,
you're very busy!! And I too like the sound of your next book. Good luck with it and your next 10 books =)

Anonymous said...

Suz,
I know you will achieve everything you set out to do in life, you deserve it.
I think since the time we met we have learnt so much and achieved a dream. Good luck with your new ms and I hope to see your name on the cover of the spine of a big fat book on the front shelf at work.
Kez.w

Suzanne Brandyn Author said...

Hi Tarnya,
Thank you for your lovely comments. I'm pleased that you enjoyed, Heat in the Outback. :)

Suzanne Brandyn Author said...

Hi Tina,
Heat in the Outback is the reunited lost souls. I enjoy writing true to life stories with an added twist. Thanks for stopping by.

Suzanne Brandyn Author said...

Hi Mel,

Thanks. I've got a head full of stories, and a goal that I call my step ladder. I'm on step three, with quite a few steps to go. lol Let's hope I get there.

Suzanne Brandyn Author said...

Thank you for you comments Kez. Everyone is so lovely, aren't they. :)

Sally Clements said...

Great interview, Suzanne, thanks so much for joining us here on the Minxes of Romance today!

Christina Phillips said...

Great interview, Suz, congratulations on your success, and here's to the next ten books! :-)

Maya Blake said...

Oh, what a romantic wedding you had! Thanks so much for being here today and congrats on all your achievements so far!

Lorraine said...

Thanks for visiting the blog. I love the sound of your new release .

Suzanne Brandyn Author said...

Hi Christina,

Thank you so much. I'm grinning here. To the next ten books. I've set myself a damn challenge havn't I. :)

Suzanne Brandyn Author said...

And a great thankyou to Sally, Maya, Lorraine and all the Minxes for having me. It's been fun. I'm not sure what time it is over in your part of the world, but it's almost 1.30 am here. I'll check back tomorrow. :)

Tami Winbush said...

I'm so jealous of you girl. I'm getting where you are (slowly) so I now have a little more faith. :) I can't wait to read two and three. :) Know you got me here when you need me.

Oh, and Nora Roberts - have you read the Three Sister's Island trilogy? AND the In The Garden trilogy? They are VERY good!

Anna Campbell said...

Hi Suzanne! Hi Minxes! Great to see you here, Suzanne, and I really enjoyed the interview. Snickered at the Twilight answer! ;-) Great response! I love the New England Tableland. I had an uncle who used to live in Glen Innes - brrrr, remember how cold it gets there in winter. For a girl from Queensland, the temps could be brutal! Good luck with the new story and congratulations on Heart of the Outback!

Margaret Tanner said...

Hi Suzanne,
Great interview. Nice to catch up with a fellow Aussie. Your latest novel sounds as good as your first, and that was a great read.
My, you are busy. Good luck with all your ventures.

Regards

Margaret

Suzanne Brandyn Author said...

Hi Tami
Thank you for your comment. :)As I said, its the third step on my ladder, but not without learning, and I continue to learn each day. There is so much an author has to learn and keep learning. It never stops. Luckily I love the process. :)
I have the Three Sisters Island trilogy sitting on my bookshelf. Loved it!


Thank you for stopping by. :)

Suzanne Brandyn Author said...

Hi Anna,
Thank you. Yes, I remember the cold. lol. Not pleasant, but the open spaces are so very beautiful.
Twilight lol. My reading is varied. :) Also Beautiful Malice could have been in that answer as well. :)

Suzanne Brandyn Author said...

Thank you Margaret,

I'm glad you enjoyed my debut novel. Heat in the Outback won't let you down. :)
Thank you for stopping by.

Cathryn Hein said...

Great interview, Suz. And wow! 10 books in 5 years? I hope you achieve your goal.

Ahh, the Tablelands...Such memories. Standing in an open-sided tent freezing my bum off at Wool Expo being one of many!

Cathleen Ross said...

You book sounds wonderful. I'm getting my kindle this week. Can't wait to download it.
Best
Cathleen Ross

Suzanne Brandyn Author said...

Hi Catherine and Cathleen.
lol Perhaps 10 might be stretching it. But it would be so nice. Ahh, they tell me to aim high. :) I recall the heat, which I love. *sighs* Mind you there was more heat than just the temperature. lol

Kindle, sounds great Cathleen. Do Enjoy!
Thank you for stopping by.:)

Maya Blake said...

Hi Anna, *cue mad schoolgirl waving*, great to see you here. I love your books!!!

Anna Campbell said...

Hey, Maya, how cool! Thank you!

Suzanne Ross Jones said...

Sorry, arriving late, but it's great to see you on the Minxes site. Terrific interview - and thank you for the good advice.

XX

Anna Campbell said...
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