Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a busy Mum and a lifelong avid reader. I discovered the MM romance genre a couple of years ago and found I really enjoyed reading it, and have also met some amazing people along the way. I started writing seriously one year ago. Just sat down and knocked out a book in two weeks, it was pouring out! It was raw and messy, but I liked the story.
Over the next year I took on a proofreading role. This helped so much in honing my skills, and eventually I wrote something I thought might just be worthy of publishing.
Of course it got knocked back, I understand why. I was still learning. Finally I felt confident enough to put my story out there, and I decided to self-publish. I really love having the control of what I want my cover to look like, to what font I want to use.
Everything has been done by me, so it may not be technically perfect, but I hope the story and the characters shine through enough to forgive that.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I See You is my debut novel. I worked in the casino industry for nearly ten years, in a variety of roles. Such an eye-opening career, so many stories to tell.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m not really a planner, per se. I like to come up with an idea, get some general flow happening and then let my keyboard take me where it wants to go.
People do look at me unusually, I guess, when I sit in the back of my car while my son is a football training, banging away on my keyboard like a woman possessed!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
So many! I was a huge Stephen King and Dean Koontz fan when I was a teenager. I grew up on Enid Blyton and Sweet Valley High books. I love Bryce Courtenay and Ken Follett, Clive Barker as well. I’ve primarily been reading MM romance for the last year or so and too many to name there.
What are you working on now?
I’m in final edits on the book I initially wrote. It’s interesting to see where it was back then, and where it is now. Amazing what you can learn and achieve in less than a year! It’s being released on March 25th on Amazon and is titled Shire Boys: Luke & Aiden. It’s the first in another series I’m working on.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Social media is fantastic! Word of mouth seems to be the best tool, although it can also bite you on the bum if people don’t like your book. Blog reviews are great, and this is my first time trying something like Awesomegang, so I’ll have to let you know how that goes.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Stick with it if you love doing it. You’ll find people out there who think what you do is amazing. Nurture them, communicate with them, don’t underestimate or take for granted their enthusiasm and loyalty. They’re the ones who will get you through the darker patches 🙂
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Set your expectations low, then anything that exceeds them is a bonus and will inspire you too keep going!
What are you reading now?
I’m reading Simple Things by Kade Boheme. I’m using it as my down time at the moment as I’m busy getting my book ready for release in a few days.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’, releasing my new book this week, and then back to proofing and working on I Hear You, book two to the Come to Your Senses series. A busy year ahead, but loving it!
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 Power of One by Bryce Courtenay. The Faraway Tree series by Enid Blyton for some escapism. An encyclopaedia so I could keep learning and also a dictionary for the same (they’d make great fire starting material if I needed it as well).
Author Websites and Profiles
Susan Reeves Website
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