Ask the Author: Susan Spann
Answered Questions (10)
Susan Spann
I'm so sorry I'm just now seeing this!! I've loved feudal Japan since I saw the SHOGUN miniseries back in 1980 (I can't believe it's been over 30 years...). The inspiration for the series came from a combination of my love for Japan and an idea that popped into my head one morning while I was getting ready for work. Out of nowhere, I thought: "most ninjas commit murders, but Hiro Hattori solves them." I knew immediately that was such a cool idea, I just had to write it. From there, I picked the time period because the mid-16th century was the height of real ninja activity in Japan, and also the time when the Jesuits were present - allowing me to create a Holmes and Watson feel to the books.
Susan Spann
Thank you so much!! (I'm sorry I'm so late responding - I'm traveling in Japan and haven't had access to goodreads until just now). I'm so, so happy you liked the book - it means a lot to me!
Susan Spann
Yep, Hiro is in his early 20s - I've left his age a little vague, but he's a couple of years older than Kazu. (Giving you any more on that could be a spoiler, so I'll leave it there.) Father Mateo is older by several years, but also under thirty.
Susan Spann
I've actually considered writing that part of the story, and probably will at some point. Mainly, I haven't decided whether to write it as a novel-length work, a novella, or a series of linked short stories. One way or another, though, I almost certainly will tell that part of the story in time!
Susan Spann
I love the Halloween scenes in HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER'S STONE, even though that's not technically a "Halloween Theme" in its entirety. (I often re-read it at this time of year because of the costume and fantasy elements.)
THE WOMAN IN WHITE is a classic for this time of year. Chuck Wendig's BLACKBIRDS is also creepy, and though not specifically Halloween, the idea of a protagonist who can see how people are going to die works for the Halloween season.
Also, I'm just starting Delilah Dawson's SERVANTS OF THE STORM, which is nice and creepy, and promises to be an excellent read for this time of year.
THE WOMAN IN WHITE is a classic for this time of year. Chuck Wendig's BLACKBIRDS is also creepy, and though not specifically Halloween, the idea of a protagonist who can see how people are going to die works for the Halloween season.
Also, I'm just starting Delilah Dawson's SERVANTS OF THE STORM, which is nice and creepy, and promises to be an excellent read for this time of year.
Susan Spann
My upcoming novel, FLASK OF THE DRUNKEN MASTER (Minotaur Books, July 2015) lets me bring back several of my favorite characters from the earlier Shinobi Mysteries.
I've loved Suke the monk from the time I first "met" him in the first Shinobi Mystery, Claws of the Cat (Minotaur Books, 2013) and I'd always planned to give him a chance to shine. He's not the only "favorite" I've brought back in FLASK, but he's the one who prompted the original idea (as well as the title) for this installment.
I've loved Suke the monk from the time I first "met" him in the first Shinobi Mystery, Claws of the Cat (Minotaur Books, 2013) and I'd always planned to give him a chance to shine. He's not the only "favorite" I've brought back in FLASK, but he's the one who prompted the original idea (as well as the title) for this installment.
Susan Spann
Hi Lope! It's nice to meet you.
I have some ideas set in the modern day also, but I don't know when I might write them. It depends on both the Shinobi series (and how many books I write in it) and on which of my other ideas I write first!
Thank you for asking!
I have some ideas set in the modern day also, but I don't know when I might write them. It depends on both the Shinobi series (and how many books I write in it) and on which of my other ideas I write first!
Thank you for asking!
Susan Spann
After submitting the third Shinobi Mystery, Flask of the Drunken Master, to my publisher last spring, I started work on the fourth book in the series.
The working title is "Blood of the Outcast." All I can say right now is that it features Hiro and Father Mateo, along with a few old friends and several new ones!
The working title is "Blood of the Outcast." All I can say right now is that it features Hiro and Father Mateo, along with a few old friends and several new ones!
Susan Spann
I don't actually believe in "writer's block." I think we go through periods when it's harder to write, when the words don't flow--I call it "writing through mud." My answer is: write anyway. Write even if you know you'll have to toss it all and replace it in editing. Eventually, you will write your way out the other side and things will start to flow again.
It's hard to stay motivated when that happens, but writing something--even if it's terrible--is the best way to get back to writing well.
It's hard to stay motivated when that happens, but writing something--even if it's terrible--is the best way to get back to writing well.
Susan Spann
Never give up, and always keep striving to improve. It took me ten years and 500,000 words to get my first publishing deal, and I don't regret a single day or a single sentence, because they made me a much better writer than I was in the beginning.
You can do this, if you want it. Keep writing and never give up.
You can do this, if you want it. Keep writing and never give up.
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