Ask the Author: Susan Rodgers
Answered Questions (9)
Susan Rodgers
Disappearing into another world. Having a place to hide from the hard truths that come with life and living. I also love the high that comes from fine-tuning passages to the point that they just feel perfect. Usually this takes three or four passes. Rereading those is so satisfying! I usually catch myself saying, "Did I write that? Who wrote that?" I surprise myself at times! My absolute favorite passage is in book ten, Into The Blue - Josh meeting his horse, Blue, for the first time. They're both troubled souls. I loved writing that chapter. And nothing in the world can equal how blessed I feel to reread it and know that it came from me. Pure, sweet joy. (And usually a few happy, grateful tears for the powers-that-be in the universe that granted me such a treasured gift).
Susan Rodgers
I'm currently reading Haruki Murakami's 1Q84. It's a heavy book, though, so I might drift over to a few summer romance paperbacks when it comes time to hang out and be lazy at the beach!
Susan Rodgers
Good question - I'd have to say the whole Drifters series, although I suppose I have favourites within the series - No Greater Love is one (I think a lot of readers would agree), and Let The Music Cry as well as If I Could Sing You Home are also close to my heart. I love book one, A Song For Josh, and I believe it has some very special moments / writing, but I improved as I went along in terms of learning to write more dialogue, etc. I have a few other novels I haven't published yet, as well as a screenplay, and they're all special in one way or another - they all have moments I LOVE to re-read. But I'm biased! I love my characters and feel as if they are friends in another town, so every book is sacred to me :)
Susan Rodgers
The Drifters series came from an old television show I used to watch years ago. My story has been percolating in my head for years and is loosely (very loosely) based on the actors from that show. Also, I work part time in film and television and I know how hard it is to interest execs in creating and producing a television series (it's a dream, but would be like winning the lottery to make that happen for me) so I thought "Well, if I can't produce a show, I'll write about one." Hence Drifters, a television western!
Susan Rodgers
Sometimes stories / scenarios just pop into my head and I can't wait to get them down on paper. Sometimes dreams influence the stories. Mostly music, though, is what takes me off into a dream / fantasy world. That and a good iced mocha to get the brain flowing! It's never a problem to write - I never have to force myself to sit down and be disciplined. I can't wait to write, it's where I'm happiest and most at peace. My old MacBook Pro is my best friend :)
Susan Rodgers
I just started Book Five in the Drifters series, which is tentatively called "Whispers of Home." Book Four, "Riptide," is going online by the end of the summer (2014). Can't wait! I also submitted a few short stories to a contest and may try to find an online magazine to take them :)
Susan Rodgers
Practice your craft and just do it. Eavesdrop on conversations and borrow from what you've heard. I'm still working on this! And read, read, read!
Susan Rodgers
Everything!!! Being alone with my characters in a fictional world is a magical experience. Also, when the world is getting me down or I'm stressed about something, I just "go away." I go hang out with my characters in their world and suddenly I feel better. I've been doing this as long as I can remember, even as a small child. In many ways it's a gift although for a long time I thought I was the only person in the world who did this. It was a big secret. Then I read a similar account in a Lucy Maud Montgomery novel and I realized that not only had I found a soulmate, but I was also no longer alone!
Susan Rodgers
Music! I listen to music and before I know it I'm off and running. I have a playlist for the Drifters series that immediately brings Jessie to mind. This includes songs by Eva Cassidy (Songbird, Somewhere Over the Rainbow, and Fields of Gold) as well as a few Sarah McLachlan tunes and even Colin James (Into the Mystic). I've never experienced serious writer's block, though (thankfully!). In my case it's usually more of a "I've got all this in my head, now to find the time to put it on paper!"kinda deal.
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more