Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I successfully combined a passion for reading, a love of writing and a fascination for technology, to create a career in technical writing. With over 50 technical manuals (not) to my name, “RTFM” could have been the motto of my life; but I didn’t let the idea that “no one ever reads the manual” stop me from thoroughly enjoying writing for users of computer applications of all sorts.
As an army brat, mt childhood included seven different schools, three universities and a couple of emergency evacuations from conflict zones. Travel and adventure were a normal part of life. I now believe in seizing every opportunity to have a new adventure. Whether it’s camping on the beach in Australia, trekking in the Himalayas, kayaking in Queensland, whitewater rafting down the Ganges, or walking the Camino in Spain, my philosophy is to pack it into one or two weeks to create memories for a lifetime, (and disconnect from television and computer games).
I’m now on the next adventure of my life, writing books that are not technical manuals to help people have great experiences, training to be an awesome grandmother, and planning my next getaway.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Camino Ingles: 6 days to Santiago is my first book, and it was inspired by the walk I did in Spain, 100+ days in 6 days.
I want to encourage and show more people to add some adventure to their lives, even if they have little time, and aren’t super fit athletes.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to write at 4 am. I also have a guilty habit of using brightly coloured Post-it notes to schedule myself, which I rip off triumphantly when the task is done.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
It’s hard to pin that down, I read widely and across genres, from being an Enid Blyton fan in my childhood, I went on to JRR Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings; CS Lewis’ Narnia series and Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird being my favourite books and authors. I would say that these books created a love of reading and inspired me to seek to write my own books. As an adult, I’ve read almost every book of Isaac Asimov, Hugh Howey and Roald Dahl.
More recently, writers whose books I’ve come to know and love are Anita Heiss, Marilynne Robinson, and Anne Lamott.
What are you working on now?
I am working on my first fiction series.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Be engaged with your readers on social media. I have no idea why people think it’s great to say “I don’t do social media”.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write, write, write and be connected with other authors. But first, go out and have an adventure, any adventure.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
There is someone out there who is waiting to hear your voice and change their life. There is someone who only you can reach.
What are you reading now?
I am reading Bernard Cornwell’s Saxon Stories, and going crazy waiting for the next book to be published!
What’s next for you as a writer?
More book writing adventures. I’m also seeking out newer authors to read.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Jane Eyre, War and Peace, Huckleberry Finn, and Rudyard Kipling’s Kim.
Author Websites and Profiles
Susan Jagannath Amazon Profile
Susan Jagannath’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account