terrence ritchey asked Susan Vreeland:

Hello this is a stupid question but I am Looking for new authors to read. I am tired of the same Horror writing. If I may ask how would you describe your style of writing and what is your favorite book you wrote? Thanks for your time.

Susan Vreeland Oh my goodness, Terry. Outgrow horror novels! They appeal to the basest of human sentiments--the hunger to hurt and the succumbing to fear. There is so much more value, as I think you are ready to discover, in more literary novels that address issues of the heart and that give you something of substance to take away. This is how reading can enrich your life.

I write historical fiction related to art, primarily painting. My characters are artists of the past--Vermeer, Renoir, Monet, Pissarro, Cézanne, and Chagall. One book, Clara and Mr. Tiffany, is the story of a stained glass artist who worked for Tiffany studios and designed stained glass lampshades. All of my seven historical novels on art themes have been called literary, but they are very readable by people who know nothing about art. Four of them have been New York Times Bestsellers.

My three favorites (I can't choose just one) are my first one, Girl in Hyacinth Blue, that traces a Vermeer painting in reverse chronology back to the year when Vermeer painted it. Since I love France, another favorite is Luncheon of the Boating Party, which brings to life Renoir and his fourteen friends who gathered together every Sunday in 1880 at a restaurant terrace overlooking the Seine to model for Renoir. My most recent novel, Lisette's List, also takes place in France, but it's during World War II and the Occupation, in a small village. A family's collection of paintings had to be hidden from grasping German hands, but was stolen from its hiding place. It's up to Lisette to find them.

Please spend some time on my website, www.susanvreeland.com, to find out more about these novels and to enjoy the paintings connected with the story.

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