Susane’s Comments (group member since Apr 15, 2011)

Susane’s comments from the Q&A with Susane Colasanti group.

Jude wrote: "My Questions:

How long did it took you publish your first book?

And your characters always seem so real. How is it that you make such good characters that really carry their own voices and storie..."

I started writing the first draft of When It Happens in 1996 and it was published in 2006...so about 10 years all together! During that time I was in grad school and then teaching. So I wasn't able to write every day, or even every week. When I was a teacher, most of my writing time was restricted to breaks and summers. I submitted the manuscript to publishers in 2001 and signed my contract in 2004. It was hard to be patient, but I had a Knowing that the book would be published. That certainty kept me moving forward.

Realistic fiction is my thing. When I'm working on a new book, I write down everything I know about my characters. A lot of those notes aren't incorporated directly into the story, but knowing my characters as well as I can off the page makes them feel more real on the page.

Hi Jude! Of course I remember you! Thanks for being such a dedicated reader...and an amazing song writer <3

My teen years were really lonely. High school was the worst time of my life. But no matter how bad things were, I could always rely on my favorite books to make me feel better. I still consider good books to be my friends. And the authors who wrote them are rock stars in my eyes.

Back in the day, we didn't have the wide selection of teen novels that are available now. So there weren't a lot of early influences in that realm. The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton had such a strong impact on me that I began thinking about writing my own teen novel after I read it. I wanted to reach out and hopefully help my readers feel less lonely the way that book helped me.

These days, my fave YA authors are Laurie Halse Anderson and Blake Nelson. Among grownup novels, I love Jodi Picoult, Garrison Keillor, Jonathan Tropper, Tom Perrotta, Stephen King, Anne Tyler, Nick Hornby, and Steve Martin.

What about you? Which books have inspired you, connected with you, or maybe even changed your life?

This discussion is starting before So Much Closer's May 3 pub date, but you can get a feel for the book by reading the first four chapters on my Scribd sampler. You can also watch the book trailer and read a synopsis. You'll find everything on my website.

For now, we can start by discussing any of my previous books. Feel free to ask about anything - characters, plot, setting, those quirky details I adore...it's totally up to you!

Are you an aspiring writer? Do you want to know what the author life is like? Have you been wondering about the publication process? Then this discussion is for you! Any questions about writing are welcome.

Welcome, friendly neighbors! This is my first Goodreads Q&A group and I am stoked. I'll be back on April 25 to start answering your questions.

Since you probably already know some things about me (fan of The Office, enjoyer of cupcakes, BFF of New York City), I'd love to get to know you. Please tell me three things about yourself (or more!). And feel free to start any discussion topic you wish. This is your group. So...who's here?