The Author Interview featuring Susan Day

Welcome to the Author Interview. This time, it features the lovely Susan Day, author of The Top Ten Things Happy Grandparents Never Regret Doing.

If you’re an author who’d like to take part in the series, email me: debbie@myrandommusings.co.uk

Now over to Susan:

1 Firstly, tell us a little bit about yourself

Hi. My name is Susan Day and I live in the country, in Australia. It’s a wonderful place, a small town full of creative people, and kangaroos… lots and lots of kangaroos.

I have been writing since I was very small coming from a longline of Irish storytellers.

2 Tell us a little bit about your books

I started writing the Astro’s Adventures series of books 7 years ago. I love creating zany and funny situations for my characters to get into, then out of again. These books came from a love of dogs. They were created to help children appreciate their canine companions more.

Recently, I published my first non-fiction book, the Top Ten Things Happy Grandparents Never Regret Doing because I became a grandparent at 47 years of age, and didn’t really know what to do.

I wrote this book after exploring how much grandparenting had changed over the years. I wanted to inspire grandparents to create meaningful relationships with their grandchildren.

3 Where do you find your inspiration for your books?

The inspiration for the Top Ten Things Happy Grandparents Never Regret Doing came from hearing about some grandparents who were so upset from being separated from their grandchildren they considered suicide.

I was horrified, and thought if they had a book they could draw inspiration from and use to empower themselves, it could help.

There are many ways we can connect with our grandchildren, and now with today’s modern technology it can be done from hundreds of miles away.

4 What, for you, is the best thing about being a writer?

The best thing about being a writer for me is simply writing. I work as a content manager, and can pour out thousands of words a day.

I found I loved writing non-fiction as much as I loved writing fiction. I believe the act of writing empowers us and adds meaning to all our lives.

5 And the worst?

Editing, editing, editing – boring. But, like most evils, it has its place and must be done.

6 If you could have any super power, what would it be and why?

I would love to travel back in time and visit famous authors.

How inspiring would it be to sit and watch Shakespeare write his sonnets, or walk with Beatrix Potter as she created her next tale in her head?

7 Do you have any tips for anyone wanting to write their first book?

I suppose the best tip I can give anyone starting out is to ask lots of questions. Listen to the answers too.

You will also need to edit and accept criticisms, it is the only way you will learn to hone your craft.

8 Tell us one random fact about you

I have been learning to box for a year now. It’s a strange hobby for a 54 year old granny, but I love it. It keeps me fit, and has increased my confidence.

9 Who is your favourite author?

Oh, that’s a hard question. I love A.A. Milne and Beatrix Potter. At the moment, I’m wading through the entire Charles Dickens collection, and what a fine writer he was.

I love any writer who can keep me spell-bound and make me fall in love with their characters.

10 And your favourite book(s)?

My favourite book changes on a daily basis sometimes depending upon what I am reading.

A Tale of Two Cities was one of the most moving books I’ve read this year.

Mind you, I loved the Shipping News, and Gutsy Girl made me laugh so much I nearly fell out of bed.

11 What book are you reading right now?

I’ve just started Dombey and Son, and I am once again being entertained by Dickens’ wit and his ability to pierce through the façade and grandeur of wealth and status.

12 Where is your favourite place to write?

I really enjoy writing at my monthly writers’ group. We are set a task and get 5 minutes to complete it. It’s a wonderful challenge that I relish.

Everyday writing and blogging happens in my chaotic and untidy office.

13 Do you prefer to write in silence or do you have a writing soundtrack?

I have just discovered Spotify and love my collection of hits. I usually have that playing in the background. If I am very tired, however, I have to have silence to help me concentrate – I think that just means I’m getting old.

14 What can we expect from you next?

I’ll be popping up all over the internet in my quest to write guest posts.

I’m also going to be writing and illustrating a children’s book based on a real dog who drank her owner’s gold nuggets right out of the pan. Well, a dog gets thirsty, doesn’t she?

15 Anything else you’d like to share with us?

It’s been such a pleasure chatting and answering these questions. What an honour to be included with all the other authors. Thank you for including me.

16 Where can we find you? (Links to your Amazon page and social media)

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/groups/451679681881701/about/

Twitter – https://twitter.com/SusanDayAuthor

Amazon Author Page – https://www.amazon.com/Susan-Day/e/B009SS8IJK/

Websites – Astro’s Adventures Book Club and The Happy Grandparent