Suzanne McKenna Link Interview

• Q. Can you tell us a little about yourself and what inspired you to become a writer?

  Ans. I have always been a creative. Writing and artistic outlets ferried me through challenging times in my childhood and adolescence, as old piles of half-finished stories and sappy poems attest to. Having earned a graphic design degree, I focused on the visual art side of my creativity and found work as a newspaper page layout artist. This is where I rediscovered my love of writing. I bonded with two women editors, and when I asked if I could write for them, they gave me assignments. They were the principal motivators on my early writing journey. Articles could only be 500 words, and it taught me how to grab the reader’s attention and tell a complete story as tightly as I could. It grew my confidence, and I believe my overall ability to write improved because of that experience. I still work at the office in the art department.

• Q. What genre(s) do you primarily write in, and what draws you to that particular genre?

  Ans. I write what I call women's romantic fiction, a cross between contemporary romance and women's fiction. Love relationships are key elements in my novels, but the core of my stories will always center on my main protagonist's journey to find and embrace her inner strength.

• Q. How do you show appreciation and love to your followers and readers? Do you actively engage with them on social media or through other means?

  Ans. At this time, I try to actively engage with readers via social media.

• Q. What advice would you give to aspiring authors who are just starting their writing journey?

  Ans. My advice to aspiring writers is to learn and focus on the key elements of storytelling — plot, conflict, climax and resolution. If you plan on publishing, hire a professional editor. Novels containing typos, inconsistencies and runaway storylines frustrate readers, and you’ll likely lose them. Affording a good editor is possibly the biggest expense for an indie author, but required. A skilled editor will make your work shine.

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