Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Susan Hawthorne and my books are published under S. Tilghman Hawthorne.
I’ve written several award-winning novels, including Bitter Prophecy, Feather of the Blue Heron, The Christmas Angel and When Shadows Dance. They’re all published as ebooks on Amazon and When Shadows Dance is also published on Barnes and Noble, iBooks, Kobo, abs several other platforms!
I also am learning to design book covers, love to garden, and play with my two little dogs, Dixie and Zephra.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is The Christmas Angel. I realized that not everyone is filled with joy at Christmas. There can be a lot of reasons for this, but the one I chose to write about is loss.
My main character, Julie, lost her parents and younger brother the year before in a bad car accident. She was in the car also, but luckily survived.
A college student, she’s come home for Christmas and is having a hard time allowing herself to feel happy.
A forgotten gift and, perhaps, a little touch of magic, bring her a better understanding of the true meaning of Christmas.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Many people like to play music while they write, I prefer it to be very, very… did I mention VERY… quiet. 😀
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Oh my! Charles Dickens, Louisa May Alcott, Harper Lee, Isaac Asimov, Ray Bradbury, Anne McCaffrey, Stephen King, Dean Koontz. J.R.R Tolkien… so many more!
What are you working on now?
My current work in progress is a Fantasy, tentatively named Legacy!
It’s about a young half elf girl who inherits her grandfather’s magical medallion which plunges her into an adventure she always dreamed of but is now not so sure she wants!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still experimenting with that! There’s so many different paths. And I write in different genres!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t be afraid to follow your dream!
On facebook there’s many, many groups whose goal is to help new authors find their way. Get involved, it’s a lovely community!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Listen to criticism, it can be really helpful. But remember, the final decision is yours 🙂
What are you reading now?
I’m currently reading Brian Sanderson’s The Way of Kings, the first book in his Stormlight series. It’s utterly fascinating! He has a wonderful way of making you feel you know his characters! I love that!!
What’s next for you as a writer?
I have a whole file full of story ideas. I’ll have to live to 150 to get them all down on paper!! 🙂
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 books I’ve already read are incredibly etched in my heart and soul, so I’d take a huge pile of new ones!
Sanderson, for sure!
Author Websites and Profiles
Susan Tilghman Hawthorne Website
Susan Tilghman Hawthorne Amazon Profile
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