Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I live in Devon, England and when I’m not researching for my books or writing, I like to garden, walk and cycle.
I’ve written one book, the first in a series that begins in 1330 England and will finish the family story in the 1960s – at least, that’s the plan but who knows? Ideas and plots change as I write.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my book is No One Must Know Book 1 of The Chiddleigh Saga and whilst the first in the series, the story stands alone.
As a child, I was fascinated by my grandfather’s tales of his time working on a Devon farm and about our Devon family history. We spent many summers in Devon and years later, I began researching my family history which inspired me to write Book 1 of The Chiddleigh Saga.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I sometimes wake up in the middle of the night with an idea or tweak. I know I have to write it down or I will lose it.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
There is no one author but not surprisingly, I read a lot of historical fiction and one of the authors I most admire is C J Sansom. He has the skill to say so much whilst writing so little and absorbs the reader totally.
What are you working on now?
Book 2 of The Chiddleigh Saga.
Continuing from Book 1, it is 1348 and the Black Death Plague is sweeping England. The reader follows Thomas as the new young Lord de Chiddleigh as he struggles to save his people from the plague, decide where his loyalties lie and come to terms with who he is.
The first draft is finished and is going through the first edit. Hopefully, it will be published later in the year.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Goodreads, awesome gang, Amazon, Online Book Club
Do you have any advice for new authors?
There are times when all authors doubt themselves. Believe in your writing and keep going.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Be aware of the techniques but be your own writer.
What are you reading now?
I’m re-reading the Shardlake series by C J Sansom.
What’s next for you as a writer?
To publish Book 2 in the Chiddleigh Saga and begin Book 3.
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?
The Agony and the Ecstacy – the story of Michelangelo. It is inspiring.
The Jungle Book but whilst reading I would have the Disney original animation in my mind. Baloo is my hero. I love his attitude to life and think there should be a little Baloo in all of us.
Yes, again, I would take The Shardlake series – I suppose that’s cheating but I couldn’t choose just one.
Author Websites and Profiles
Susan Frances Website
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