Susan May

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Susan May

Goodreads Author


Born
in Brisbane, Australia
Website

Twitter

Genre

Influences
My wonderful readers, Stephen King, Hugh Howey ...more

Member Since
March 2010

URL


To enjoy a Susan May starter library of two free books, join her reader's club at
susanmaywriter.net/free-books


I was four when I decided I would be a writer, packed a bag, and marched down the road looking for a school. But for forty-six years, I suffered from life-gets-in-the-way-osis. Setting a goal to write just one page a day cured me in 2010. This discipline grew into an addictive habit that has since borne several novels, and dozens of short stories and novellas--many of which are published award-winners in Australia, the US and the UK.

My childhood reading diet consisted of Edgar Allen Poe, O'Henry, and Alfred Hitchcock Presents, plus horror comics like Tales From the Crypt. Anything out of this world like The Twilight Zone and Outer
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Popular Answered Questions

Susan May Thanks for the question, Vanessa.

I think a good storyline is anything that captures your imagination. If it's a good storyline then it doesn't matter…more
Thanks for the question, Vanessa.

I think a good storyline is anything that captures your imagination. If it's a good storyline then it doesn't matter if the writing isn't brilliant. Think The Da Vinci Code and Dan Brown. Famously not well written, but who of us readers could put it down. I will never forget reading that book everywhere I could.

A good storyline in a thriller needs to have dangling threads that will be solved further down the track. If you get the dangling threads right, then readers can't stop turning the pages.

I try and dangle a few threads all the way through. In Deadly Messengers just when you think you've got the whole thing worked out, ah, ah, ah, there's the howdunnit to solve. Then it becomes a different book and a good ride, I hope.

But, Vanessa, what I consider a good storyline might be different to someone else. It's all subjective. I love fast paced, immersive stories with rich characters, so that's what I try to write. If you can get something original in there, mores the better.

When I was fourteen and writing a fiction essay for school, I asked my mom how to write a good one (she wasn't a writer, by the way). She gave me the best advice that I still hold dear now. She said, "Imagine what everyone else will write and then write something completely different."

So that is probably the magic ingredient to a great storyline. Something you've never read or seen before.(less)
Susan May Hi Jan,

Thank you for the question and I apologise for the delay. I've been busy with all this promotion for Deadly Messengers.

I’m returning to the typ…more
Hi Jan,

Thank you for the question and I apologise for the delay. I've been busy with all this promotion for Deadly Messengers.

I’m returning to the type of story I normally write, which is a dark thriller a la Stephen King and Dean Koontz. The next book THE TROUBLES KEEPER will be out in February or March, 2016, and ready for early readers in January.

I’m in the middle of second edits (which I really don't enjoy ... its where I have to fix up all the terrible writing from the first draft), and it will be off to my editor in early December. It’s a good reason for anyone reading this interview to join my mailing list, as I always offer early reviewer copies to those on my list. Here is the link for that: Susan May Wonderful Readers Club. http://www.susanmaywriter.com/p/loadi...

After THE TROUBLES KEEPER, my next book is going to be an alien invasion story but with a twist. It will be written from the point of view of many characters and told via a forum post format. It’s called The Invasion Forums. I’ll start that in December, while The Troubles Keeper is with my editor. I usually write the first draft of the next book while my previous book is at the editors. So once I’ve finished a book ready for publishing, I go on with the second edits of the draft I've done. I always have something to work on. I’m a factory.

Here is a very early blurb on The Troubles Keeper. I hate writing a synopsis. It’s the hardest part of the book. There will probably be about 50 variations on this until I am reasonably happy, but since you ask:

Rory Fine is an amiable bus driver who spares people from their troubles, one touch at a time. Small worries, heavy hearts, broken souls, all benefit from his magic touch. He spends his time trouble keeping and hoping one day he’ll gain the courage to talk to Mariana, a beautiful passenger on his bus route.

The Trepan Killer doesn’t kill for fun. He doesn’t kill out of need. He’s a serial killer of a whole other kind, searching for a doorway to another world. He’s finally found the victim he needs, but capturing her might not be as easy as the others.

It’s a game of cat and mouse between good and evil, where the enemy has no rules and the world’s emotional balance might be changed forever. Despite his special ability, Rory Fine is ill prepared to be a hero who saves anyone, let alone the world. If he can’t find and stop the most frightening killer imaginable, the girl he loves might be the price he pays.
(less)
Average rating: 3.68 · 8,928 ratings · 1,220 reviews · 233 distinct worksSimilar authors
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More books by Susan May…

Collateral Damage

You read about these odd things happening to other authors where Amazon closes their account or punishes them for breaches, which they say they've never committed, but you never think it could happen to you. You, who is an honest as the day is long and plays by all the rules because it's the right thing to do. Well, I've now had the full independent author experience as it's my turn to be unfairly Read more of this blog post »
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Boy's Life
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Where the Dead Walk
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Extinction Crisis
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Quotes by Susan May  (?)
Quotes are added by the Goodreads community and are not verified by Goodreads. (Learn more)

“Only one word described this situation. It was “F’d.” Right? But I can’t say that word. People who use that word in all its four-letter glory are nothing but common beggars.”
Susan May, Behind Dark Doors

“There is none so blind as those who will not see.”
Susan May, Behind The Fire

“It’s never okay to marginalize anyone. You never know the consequences for those who are bullied or for the bullies themselves. It never ends well—for anyone.”
Susan May, Behind Dark Doors

Polls

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Which Horror/Psychological Thriller should we read?

 
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“Here's to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently. They're not fond of rules. And they have no respect for the status quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them. About the only thing you can't do is ignore them. Because they change things. They push the human race forward. And while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.”
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“Books are the perfect entertainment: no commercials, no batteries, hours of enjoyment for each dollar spent. What I wonder is why everybody doesn't carry a book around for those inevitable dead spots in life.”
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“Everyone needs a hobby,” he said. “And everyone needs a miracle or two, just to prove life is more than just one long trudge from the cradle to the grave.”
Stephen King, Revival

“The worst moment was always taps. It didn’t matter if the bugler played it well or poorly, in tune or out; there was something in the mournful ache of the music, and how it spoke of men dying before their time for something they only vaguely understood and being only vaguely appreciated by the people on whose behalf they died, that made it hurt so much.”
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“You’re wishin’ too much, baby. You gotta stop wearing your wishbone where your backbone oughtta be.”
Elizabeth Gilbert, Eat, Pray, Love

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Comments (showing 1-32)    post a comment »
dateUp arrow    newest »

message 32: by Susan

Susan May Softbananas wrote: "Hi Susan
Thank you very much for your latest new books. I'll be reading one as my next adventure into Mayism.
Cheers as always
(sometimes) Softbananas"


Thank you. I love that. Your next adventure into Mayism. lol. Or what about the world according to Marp. Thank you. I hope you enjoy The Troubles Keeper.


Softbananas Hi Susan
Thank you very much for your latest new books. I'll be reading one as my next adventure into Mayism.
Cheers as always
(sometimes) Softbananas


message 30: by Susan

Susan May Lisa wrote: "I finally got your book downloaded yesterday. I will read it soon. Thank you again."

You are welcome, Lisa. Sorry. I didn't see this comment until just now. :)


message 29: by Lisa

Lisa I finally got your book downloaded yesterday. I will read it soon. Thank you again.


message 28: by Susan

Susan May Doseofbella wrote: "Susan;
Just loaded the Final Deadly Messengers!
Outstanding Cover!!!
Love it. Thank you so very much!

Hugs,
Tammy aka doseofbella"


Thanks Tammy, that is so sweet of you. It's actually a slightly improved version of the book. I did a bit more editing and it's nicely formatted, too. You are so kind to let me know. xx


Doseofbella Susan;
Just loaded the Final Deadly Messengers!
Outstanding Cover!!!
Love it. Thank you so very much!

Hugs,
Tammy aka doseofbella


message 26: by Dustin (last edited Aug 12, 2015 01:15PM)

Dustin Susan wrote: "Dustin wrote: "Hi, Happy Tuesday, Susan!

I hope all's well with you and yours.:)

Thank you for accepting our friendship, it means a lot to me. I'm very much looking forward to reading/reviewing y..."


I am a huge fan, as well, though you have me beat by many years. My introduction to king came in form of Misery, in the summer of 1993. I've been a Constant Reader ever since.:) 'Salem's Lot is excellent, I love it for its simplicity (though there's some complexity, too) beauty, and King's passion for the written word is on full display. Agreed, your book, Deadly Messengers seems pretty dark, and that aspect appealed to me the most. Well that and the intricate plot. I am always in awe of writers that aren't afraid to take it to the next level, to explore the darker elements of this life. I applaud you, my friend!

I've been meaning to get to your PM, and I will do so shortly. I'm looking forward to getting to know you and discussing some good books and possibly writing, as well. I also love the Goodreads community!


Enjoy the rest of your day and week!


message 25: by Susan

Susan May Dustin wrote: "Hi, Happy Tuesday, Susan!

I hope all's well with you and yours.:)

Thank you for accepting our friendship, it means a lot to me. I'm very much looking forward to reading/reviewing your work, as we..."


Dustin, I am a huge fan of Stephen King. Have been reading him since he first released Carrie. I remember when I was 18 reading Salem's Lot and being terrified that there was a vampire at the window. I can still see it vividly now. If you like King, then I think you will enjoy the stories I write. My short stories, I think are very King and very dark. Actually, I will send you my novelette Behind The Fire when I get your email. That is inspired by a King short story and is very him. Somehow, my novels have strayed into slightly different genres. However, the next one of Deadly Messengers entitled The Troubles Keeper is all King and Koontz and its turning out really something I think. My best book yet. Should be out December if I stay on track. :)

Great to connect. I am here for good on Good Reads. I love connecting with other readers. Thanks for your friendship.

xx Susan


message 24: by Dustin

Dustin Hi, Happy Tuesday, Susan!

I hope all's well with you and yours.:)

Thank you for accepting our friendship, it means a lot to me. I'm very much looking forward to reading/reviewing your work, as well as getting to know you.

Take care of yourself and speak soon.

With warm regards, Dustin


By the way, I see that you're also a fan of Stephen King. You are I will get along just fine!


message 23: by Susan

Susan May Jenna wrote: ""You" is my favorite too. Thanks for the friendship! I look forward to chatting about all kinds of book :)"

Thanks, Jenna. Me, too, back to you. I've realised Good Reads is the place I should live. It just seemed so huge before, but now I've explored it, I realise what great place this is filled with wonderful people who think like me. Good to connect, for sure. :)


Jenna "You" is my favorite too. Thanks for the friendship! I look forward to chatting about all kinds of book :)


message 21: by Susan

Susan May Karen wrote: "If you can believe it I am yet to read Rebecca! It has been on my list for such a long time. I must make an effort to get to it"

I've read it so many times. Haven't read it for about a decade, so hopefully it will still stand up. I think so, though, for a mystery. It's really very clever. Great idea to ask a question on your friend send. Love it. xx


Karen ⊰✿ If you can believe it I am yet to read Rebecca! It has been on my list for such a long time. I must make an effort to get to it


message 19: by Terry

Terry Drake Thank you for befriending me!


message 18: by Susan

Susan May Great to meet you, too, Donna. I've decided I'm going to spend more time here at Good Reads. I've been busy over on Twitter and Facebook, but I think this will become my new home. :)
xxx Susan.


message 17: by Donna

Donna Marie Thank you for the friendship, Susan. It would be great to become acquainted.
Best to you
Donna Marie


message 16: by gj

gj indieBRAG Hi Susan -
thanks for becoming a friend!
Please take a moment and stop at our website to subscribe to our newsletter and like us on Facebook- we would love to have you.
www.bragmedallion.com
You might want to join our group- indieBRAG here on Goodreads.


message 15: by Dale

Dale Thele Susan, thanx for accepting my friend request :)


message 14: by Sandra (last edited Jun 14, 2013 08:55PM)

Sandra Thanks for friending me! :)


message 13: by C.J.

C.J. Heck C.J. Heck
C.J. Heck

Hello Susan,
It's such a pleasure having you for a friend. Thank you and best wishes to you.
Warmest regards,
CJ


message 12: by Billy

Billy Masters Thx 4 becoming a friend


message 11: by Susan

Susan May No problems Osman, Follow me on twitter @susanmaywriter I don't do much on Good Reads. Twitter we can connect better. Regards Susan.


message 10: by Osman

Osman Gulum Hi Susan ,Thank you for your friendship.
Regards
Osman


message 9: by Owen

Owen Jones Hi Susan,

Thanks for accepting my friend request.
I hope that you are well.

All the best,
Owen.
Behind The Smile by Owen Jones
http://behind-the-smile.org


Douglas Wickard thanks for the friendship, Susan... check out A PERFECT HUSBAND! Seems to be a hit in Australia! xo.


message 7: by Susan

Susan May Hi, Good to hear. See you on TWitter. :)


Kate Drew Thanks for following me on here, I'm now following you on twitter

(((( Hugs )))) XXXX Kisses XXXX


message 5: by Susan

Susan May Hi guys,

Nice to hook up. U are on Twitter right?


message 4: by MBR

MBR Thanks for the friend request Susan :-)


Collette Scott Hello Susan! Thank you for the friendship :)


message 2: by Susan

Susan May Hi,
Thanks Kim. You have a good job, travelling around saying hi to people. I review for Suspense Magazine in the USA, so I will get in touch. Many thanks.

Warm Regards,

Susan May


Harlequin Books Hello Susan, it is a pleasure to meet you. If you ever have any questions about Harlequin or our books, please feel free to ask.

Kim S, Harlequin Books ambassador


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