Interview With Author Susan van der Walt
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am Susan van der Walt, and I published my debut book, Silent Courage: An Introvert’s Authentic Journey with Hearing Loss, on Amazon on February 14, 2025.
Diagnosed with hearing loss at 10, I’ve experienced firsthand how hearing loss and introversion intersect. Many challenges introverts face are similar to—and often intensified by—hearing loss.
My book is both a factual resource and a personal account, offering practical tips for introverts with hearing loss. It is also a valuable guide for those living with someone with hearing loss, helping to raise awareness and educate others on this often-overlooked experience.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book, Silent Courage: An Introvert’s Authentic Journey with Hearing Loss, was published on Amazon on February 14, 2025.
The inspiration for this book comes from my own journey. I was diagnosed with hearing loss at 10 and quickly realized how much it overlaps with introversion. Many challenges introverts face are amplified by hearing loss, making communication and social interactions even more complex.
In this book, I share my experiences, practical strategies, and insights to help introverts with hearing loss navigate life more confidently. It also serves as a resource for those who want to better understand and support people with hearing loss.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I wouldn’t say I have any particularly unusual writing habits—my approach is more practical and structured. I write in short bursts during the week and dedicate longer weekend sessions. I prefer writing in silence and relying heavily on outlines to organize my thoughts. I always aim to create something meaningful and helpful for readers navigating similar challenges.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Several books and resources have influenced my writing. Susan Cain’s Quiet deeply resonated with me, shedding light on the strengths of introversion and helping me embrace my own nature. Hear & Beyond provided valuable insights into navigating life with hearing loss. I’ve also found inspiration from the Introvert, Dear website and the Living with Hearing Loss blog, both of which offer valuable perspectives and practical advice. These influences have shaped my perspective and approach, reinforcing my desire to create a book that offers both understanding and practical guidance.
What are you working on now?
My main focus is marketing Silent Courage and preparing to publish it in paperback and hardcover. In the future, I plan to write mini-books that delve deeply into the specific challenges of introversion and hearing loss. I have several topics in mind, but my first priority is ensuring that Silent Courage reaches the readers who will benefit most.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
As a debut author, promoting my book is still very much a process of trial and error. Some authors have kindly given me shoutouts in their newsletters, which has been helpful. I’m also exploring book promotion sites like Awesome Gang. My main platforms for outreach and engagement are Substack and LinkedIn, where I share daily posts, articles, and insights to connect with readers.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I advise new authors not to put too much pressure on yourself. I decided that writing my book should be an enjoyable process, so I didn’t impose strict deadlines. However, as I neared the end—after completing the first draft and seeing everything come together—I did feel a sense of urgency to get it out into the world.
One of the most helpful things I did was to draw up a step-by-step plan, from writing to publishing, and stick with each step until I completed it. At one point, I got caught up in researching marketing too early, which caused unnecessary stress over something I couldn’t act on yet. Ironically, when I reached the marketing stage, I couldn’t recall much of that research or the resources I thought would be valuable. Looking back, it was a massive waste of time.
So, my biggest takeaway is to focus on where you are in the process, take it one step at a time, and enjoy the journey.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I’ve ever received was from my dad. In Afrikaans, he said: “‘n Botha gaan nooit lê nie!” (A Botha never gives up!)
My maiden name is Botha, and this saying has constantly reminded me to keep going, no matter the challenges or obstacles I face. This mindset has helped me navigate life as an introvert with hearing loss, persevere through times of unemployment, and ultimately write and publish Silent Courage: An Introvert’s Authentic Journey with Hearing Loss.
What are you reading now?
I’m reading Newsletter Ninja: How to Become an Author Mailing List Expert by Tammi L. Labrecque. Even though I have my book blog (Read or Rot, now moved to Substack), I’ve always been terrified of starting a newsletter. But that’s my current project—creating a newsletter for my author platform, Silent Courage.
When I need to recharge in those quiet moments as an introvert, I enjoy reading fiction—mainly archaeological adventure, psychological thrillers, and crime fiction. At the moment, I’m reading a psychological thriller box set by Theo Baxter.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Once I’ve published Silent Courage: An Introvert’s Authentic Journey with Hearing Loss in paperback and hardcover, my next step as a writer will be to create mini-books. These will explore specific challenges faced by introverts with hearing loss, allowing me to go even deeper into the topics that I feel are important to address. It’s an exciting next chapter in my writing journey!
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?
It’s a tricky question, given my love for books! The first book I’d bring would be my Bible. After that, I’d cheat a little and add my Kindle, as it would give me access to many books until the battery ran flat (but that is cheating, I guess…) I’d also bring a survival guide to help me navigate the island and, of course, a notebook for journaling—there’s something about writing down thoughts that help keep me grounded, even in the most unusual situations!
Author Websites and Profiles
Susan van der Walt Amazon Profile
Susan van der Walt’s Social Media Links
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