Susan Stovall asked Susan Haught:

What made you decide to become a writer?

Susan Haught Hi, Susan--
This is an interesting question, one I've tossed about many times.

When I was in elementary school it seemed every year my teacher wanted us to write a story about our summer vacation. Lots of kids had interesting vacations to tell about--their trip to summer camp, days spent at the lake or on a beach. But mine were always boring. What kid wants to hear about roller skating around the block? So I started making things up, or greatly exaggerating the things I did. And lo and behold, my stories were always read out loud to the class. Not by me (oh, the horror!) but read by the teacher with all the inflections and oohs and aaahs in the right places. Sweet--as long as I didn't have to read them to the class.

I knew at a young age I could tell stories, but it wasn't until I was in my 20's that I was published. A wrote a short story that was accepted by Focus on the Family's very new children's magazine. I still have the edition and since it was a brand new magazine, it's very different from what they publish today.

When my son left for college, I found myself with a lot more free time even though I still worked a day job. I woke up one night with a vivid scene in my head complete with characters already formed and "talking" to me. Oh boy. Thought I was losing my mind! But the scene wouldn't leave my head, and actually kept growing and changing, and I knew I had to write it down. That's when I knew I wanted to write a book.

It took an entire year to write my first book, and another five after that to learn the craft, (the manuscript was a train wreck!) and another two after that to rewrite what I'd written. Not the most efficient way to plot your writing life!

So, to honestly answer your question, I don't think I chose to write--I think writing chose me. May have had to conk me in the head to realize it, but it finally got my attention. I think if it's in your blood, it will find a way to come out one way or the other.

Thank you so much for your question, Susan. It was nice hearing from you! Take care and God bless.

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