Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a South Florida native but have traveled the world as a destination wedding planner. While planning weddings on Italy’s, Amalfi Coast, the idea for Vida Blue came to my mind.
I have a second book coming out in February 2019, called The Greatest PM of India. A romance fiction that grabs the heart and makes us all think of our love of country and family.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Vida Blue. The inspiration was the romance and beauty of the Amalfi coast of Italy and specifically the town of Positano. I wondered what it would be like to live there, with the love of your life and what I would do if I lost that someone. How would I start over again? Would I find someone new, could I be with someone else? The protagonist, Ariadne is not me by any stretch of the imagination but her story is real, as real as her flaws and search for life after a tragedy.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I keep my note pad and phone close because I get ideas for a specific story or a sentence in one of my stories at the most uncanny moments. In the shower, riding in an elevator or during a meeting at work. The thoughts will pour out, usually extremely good ideas and I must make an effort to capture it or it will leave me as easily at it came.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
My tastes are very broad, from women writers like Chitra Divakaruni to Science Fiction writers like, Robert Heinlein. It could be a short story that influences me or the idea behind the story like The Best Place on Earth by Ayelet Tsabari. I don’t have a specific genre that I read but I know my forte is Romance and Adventure.
What are you working on now?
An exciting story of a strong, political character in India who is running for the candidacy of Prime Minister. He’s really quite a scoundrel but the people love him and he’s highly supported by the rich and famous. An American writer is unwittingly entangled in his life and becomes a pawn because she is penning a story that resembles his life. A young college student tries to help and the story leads you into a web of dark characters but also shows how humans can teach each other things even if they are not culturally similar.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I think Amazon has been key in promoting my book, as well as, IngramSpark. The social media platform is powerful – Twitter, Instagram and Facebook have been useful in influencing readers to take a look at my book. My website is my writer’s corner and I want to not only promote my works but allow other writers to tell their stories on my page. Sharing is the best!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t give up. Even if you think you will never finish, you will. Keep at it and get a good support group. There were many times I wanted to throw in the towel and my friends, family, even my editor said, “Don’t give up, it’s a good story. It needs to be told.” That would give me the fire to continue until I could no longer think about giving up.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Indie Publish your book. I admit it scared me to death. How will I publish my own book? I don’t have a clue! What I like is that you have total control, no one is telling you what to do or when to do it. Many new authors are afraid to self-publish but I feel completely confident that I did the right thing.
What are you reading now?
The Cuban Affair by Nelson DeMille. Someone gave it to my husband and he had it sitting on the table for so long, it was calling to me. I’m enjoying how the plots are spun in this tale and the beauty of the island of Cuba.
What’s next for you as a writer?
My plan is simple. Continue writing and enjoying the journey. I would love for one of my books to hit the best seller list, who doesn’t wish for that? Even if it doesn’t, I’m content that my story is available and when I hear someone tell me, “where did you come up with that beautiful story?” It makes it worth all the hard work.
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?
I could read Stranger in a Strange Land over and over again. Also, Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell. All those colorful characters, I never get bored with this story. The Great Gatsby is also amazing.
Author Websites and Profiles
Susie Perez Fernandez Website
Susie Perez Fernandez Amazon Profile
Susie Perez Fernandez’s Social Media Links
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