Around the Fire book & author blog with today's guest, Susie Black, with her latest release, Death by Dreidel

​D: Susie Black is back Around the Fire today. We have coffee brewing and some wonderful insights into her life, writing, and advice to others. While I pour, Susie, why don't you introduce yourself and let us know the you behind the official bio?
​SUSIE: I am a curious student of human nature who sees each day as a gift, an opportunity, a mystery, an adventure, and a challenge. I strive to find something to laugh about every day. 
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D: What a great outlook on life. Other than writing, how do you fill your day?
SUSIE: I am a voracious reader. I read all types of mysteries, but favor the same kind of stories I write-cozy mysteries. I am an avid stamp collector, sailor, jazz and oldies Rock N Roll fan, and an enthusiastic walker.

D: I'm a fan of Jazz and Classic Rock too, though I've never sailed, I admire those beautiful boats out on the lake. Who is your network or support system? 
SUSIE: First and foremost, my very patient and supportive husband and son, who tirelessly answer my incessant questions like, “How does this sound?” or “Is this funny or am I the only one who’s going to laugh at the line?” Secondly, a cabal of generous author colleagues whom I call on for their opinion, knowledge, and information. Thirdly, “the Aprils,” my trusty two super readers who read and critique my final manuscripts before I submit them to my editor.
D: I love that, the Aprils. Who or what books or authors are your inspiration?
SUSIE: I have many authors who are my inspiration: Joan Hess, Anne George, Carolyn Haines, Carl Hiaasen, Dave Barry, Nancy J. Cohen, Janet Evanovich, S.V. Date, Donald E. Westlake, and Elmore Leonard are my favorites. Books that inspire me: The Axe by Donald E. Westlake, Maximum Bob by Elmore Leonard.
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D: Let's talk about your world personally.Do you have any fun or outrageous talents?SUSIE: I can single-sail an obstacle course without flipping the sailboat over.What is your neighborhood like?SUSIE: I live in a gated community in Palm Desert, CA., on a golf course with a water hazard inhabited by ducks & geese.Are there any places you frequent?SUSIE: I walk the gorgeous grounds within our community with a variety of palm trees, and desert flora and fauna in a riot of colors that look like a painting.What makes them special?SUSIE: I am continuously amazed at what not only grows in this challenging climate, but thrives.  ​Lightening RoundDoes writing energize or exhaust you?SUSIE: BothWhat are common traps for aspiring writers?SUSIE: Telling, not showing. Overuse of words.What is your writing Kryptonite?SUSIE: Not listening to my characters.Do you want each book to stand on its own, or are you trying to build a body of work with connections between each book?SUSIE: Both. I write a series with continuing characters and locales, but each book can stand on its own.If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?SUSIE: Trust your gut. Don’t be afraid to fail. You can’t please everyone.How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have?SUSIE: I have nine published books. Number ten is contracted, with no release date yet, and I have just submitted number eleven to my editor.What does literary success look like to you?SUSIE: When a reader says, “I stayed up all night reading your book. I could not put it down.”What’s the best way to market your books?SUSIE: Target your specific audience and reach the largest number of potential readers at one time: Blog and Podcast spots and interviews.What kind of research do you do, and how long do you spend researching before beginning a book? Or for example, along with my friend "Google" I’ve visited sites and museums to get a feel for several book scenesSUSIE: Since all my books take place in the LA garment district, I go to the California Apparel Mart in downtown LA, visit stores, talk to buyers and sellers.What’s the most difficult thing about writing characters from the opposite sex?SUSIE: Getting their reactions right to situations and making sure they speak like a manHow do you select the names of your characters?SUSIE: All of my characters are based on real people I knew, so I do a variation or a play on their name. For example, Mr. Newman/ Mr. Oldham; Mr. Turpin/Mr. Tyne; Mr. Arbetman/Mr. Workman(Arbetman in German means workman.)If you didn’t write, what would you do for work?SUSIE: A stand-up comedienne.Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?SUSIE: I read every review, but I do not respond to them. The good ones I revel in. I try to learn something to improve my writing from the bad ones if they give constructive criticism.What was your hardest scene to write?SUSIE: The scene where the protagonist realizes who the murderer is.What one thing would you give up to become a better writer?SUSIE: ChocolateWhat is your favorite childhood book?SUSIE: Nancy Drew -SeriesDoes your family support your career as a writer?SUSIE: Yes, I am so fortunate. 150%How long on average does it take you to write a book?SUSIE: Three months.If they made a movie about your life, what would the title be, and who would play you?SUSIE: Rag Lady and Melissa Rauch (Judge on the new TV show Night Court) would play me.Do you have a particular object, like a piece of jewelry or a keepsake of some sort? Can you tell us what makes it special to you?SUSIE: A bookmark my son made for me in kindergarten for Mother’s Day.What is your favorite mug or teacup if neither T-shirt with a graphic or Meme?SUSIE: A mug that my wise-guy nana gave me when I started selling ladies’ swimwear. The mug says: “Things Could be Worse: We Could be Trying on Swimsuits”        Years ago, there was a commercial that talked about a “Kodak Moment.” It’s a moment in time you catch in a picture. One you never want to forget. What is yours?SUSIE: When the Rabbi pronounced Larry and me husband and wife, and he stepped on and broke the wineglass with his shoe, according to Jewish tradition.If you could only choose one song to play every time you walked into a room for the rest of your life, what would it be?SUSIE: My Way, by Frank Sinatra. If you could eat anything in the world right now, what would it be?SUSIE: Stone CrabsWorst household chore?SUSIE: Cleaning the toilet bowl.Would you rather have unlimited international first-class tickets or never have to pay for food at restaurants?SUSIE: Unlimited international first-class tickets.Did you ever win something? What?SUSIE: Yes, a pastrami sandwich at Nellie’s DeliDo you play board games? What games do you like?SUSIE: Yes. Scrabble, Monopoly, and Clue.Who is the most interesting person you’ve met and talked with?SUSIE: Best-selling Author Harlen CobenWhat was your first job?SUSIE: As a girl, a babysitter. As a young adult, a sales clerk in a department store.What’s the most amazing natural occurrence you’ve witnessed?SUSIE: An earthquake.What was the best money you ever spent as a writer?SUSIE: A large flat-screen computer.Thank you Susie for spending time with us. I know everyone will enjoy your pictures.  Now that you know everything about Susie I bet you want to know about her new release! Death by Dreidel 
Holly Swimsuit Mystery Book 6
by 
Susie Black 

Amateur Sleuths/Cozy Mysteries 
 ‎ May 21, 2025

Mermaid Swimwear President Holly Schlivnik attends an industry Hanukkah party to honor Rapido Swimwear CEO Leni Waxman as the Mount Cedars Hospital Woman of the Year. The guest of honor collapses and dies in the middle of the event. An autopsy confirms that Leni expired as a result of poisoning by coming in contact with a purposely contaminated dreidel. There is no shortage of suspects—Leni had no problem destroying anyone who threatened her top-dog swimwear industry position. When Holly’s business partner is wrongly arrested for Leni’s murder, the irreverent sales exec can’t mind her own beeswax. The wise-cracking snoop sticks her nose everywhere it doesn’t belong to flesh out the real killer. But the trail has more twists and turns than a rollercoaster and nothing turns out how Holly thinks it will as she takes on a ruthless killer hellbent on revenge. 
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