Interview With Author Susan Frances
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I live in Devon with my husband, Bill and golden retriever, Monty. My family roots are in Devon and I remember my grandfather telling me stories of his days on the farm.
Years later, I decided to research the family history and was inspired to write The Chiddleigh Saga.
The earliest record was in the 1300s, so that is where I started. It is a fascinating period, often overlooked by the Tudors.
Records that far back are few, so my books are mostly imagination but there are some facts in there!
The first book in the series, No One Must Know, is set in the village close to where I now live.
No Going Back, book 2 of the Chiddleigh Saga, continues the story.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book, No Going Back Book 2 of The Chiddleigh Saga, was published in e-format and paperback in February 2024. It continues the story of Chiddleighs and follows the life of Thomas during the Black Death in 1348.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Ideas pop into my head and I have to write them down or I’ll lose them. I wish this wouldn’t happen in the early hours of the morning or whilst in the supermarket!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Ken Follett is a master of historical fiction. C J Sansom is another – I wish I had written the Shardlake series!
What are you working on now?
Book 3 of The Chiddleigh Saga. It is now 1369 and James is up against the power and cunning of the Earl of Devonshire who is determined to gain control of the Chiddleigh scarlet cloth.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
This one, of course! I also use sites in the UK, USA and Australia and spread promotions over the months.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Believe in your writing. Get others to critique your drafts, use an editor and use a professional to produce the cover.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Be aware of techniques but rules are there to be broken!
What are you reading now?
The Homecoming – part of the Five World series by Jude Austin. Thought-provoking and very good.
What’s next for you as a writer?
The Chiddleigh series! I envision the series ending around 1960, although Book 4 may skip a few generations and be set in the 1500s. After that, the Chiddleighs fortunes come and go as they become embroiled in the English Civil War, the Regency period and the Vistorian era.
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 Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett.
The Wind and the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
The Agony and the Ecstacy by Irving Stone
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