Ask the Author: Susan Haught
Answered Questions (15)
Susan Haught
Hi, Valerie--
Thank you so much for reaching out to me as I love hearing from readers. It makes my heart happy you enjoyed The Other Side of Broken, and I too, believe Shep deserves his own story, and yes, I will be writing his story to be released in the spring of 2021. Tentative title is On Wings of Dragonflies.
Right now, I'm working on a novella that will be a prequel to the series and offered for free to my email subscribers (you can sign up on my website at www.susanhaught.com), and I plan to release it this fall. Shep also appears briefly in Christmas Under the Tuscan Stars, Book 5 (the sequel to A Promise of Fireflies) and you get to know him a little better. He's a keeper!
I'm so glad you love Ambrose as much as I do. He's enigmatic, wise, and a bit mysterious, and one of my favorite parts to write. His story will be the final one in the series after Shep's. You'll find out what happens to him and a nice twist, and has something to do with A Thousand Butterfly Wishes in case you haven't read that one.
Thank you so much for your kind words--it makes my heart happy you enjoy my work. It's readers like you who keep me plugging along, turning out stories that are dear to my heart.
Thanks again,
Susan
Thank you so much for reaching out to me as I love hearing from readers. It makes my heart happy you enjoyed The Other Side of Broken, and I too, believe Shep deserves his own story, and yes, I will be writing his story to be released in the spring of 2021. Tentative title is On Wings of Dragonflies.
Right now, I'm working on a novella that will be a prequel to the series and offered for free to my email subscribers (you can sign up on my website at www.susanhaught.com), and I plan to release it this fall. Shep also appears briefly in Christmas Under the Tuscan Stars, Book 5 (the sequel to A Promise of Fireflies) and you get to know him a little better. He's a keeper!
I'm so glad you love Ambrose as much as I do. He's enigmatic, wise, and a bit mysterious, and one of my favorite parts to write. His story will be the final one in the series after Shep's. You'll find out what happens to him and a nice twist, and has something to do with A Thousand Butterfly Wishes in case you haven't read that one.
Thank you so much for your kind words--it makes my heart happy you enjoy my work. It's readers like you who keep me plugging along, turning out stories that are dear to my heart.
Thanks again,
Susan
Susan Haught
I'm working on the sequel to A Thousand Butterfly Wishes which will be out in October 2017. The idea came from several of my readers who wanted to see what happens to Rachel after the twist at the end of Butterflies. I truly did not want to write this book--it's rather emotional, but Rachel tapped me on the shoulder (actually, she hit me over the head) one night and shared her story. I couldn't not write it. And then Miles showed up--the adventurous veterinarian, search & rescue volunteer, and kitten rescuer who's been in love with Rachel and her therapy dog Zoe, for nearly five years, and a soft spot for Bug (Nicole). Now is his chance, because....he'll be the one to put her back together after a harrowing face-to-face with her past.
It wasn't an easy story to write, but it had to be told. The tentative title is A Song for Ladybug and is scheduled for release October 2017.
Thanks for asking, and HAPPY READING!
It wasn't an easy story to write, but it had to be told. The tentative title is A Song for Ladybug and is scheduled for release October 2017.
Thanks for asking, and HAPPY READING!
Susan Haught
Must I decide on just one? First, I'd go to Hogwarts (I'm still waiting on my letter) to learn how to perfect my magical skills, then I'd go through the stones at Craig na dun and find Jamie Fraser because, you know, he's Jamie and all, and use magic to get rid of such things in the 18th century like head lice and perhaps turn some wicked characters into mice and sic Adso on them. Don't worry, Claire, I'll share the laird of Fraser's Ridge...all things are possible in fiction. Happy reading, all.
Susan Haught
I'm so excited about this project! When A Thousand Butterfly Wishes was published, I kept feeling Rachel's story wasn't quite finished, so I wasn't completely taken off guard when she kept talking to me, prodding me, and quiet honestly, stomping her foot! So, when I started receiving feedback from readers who read Butterflies, the recurring theme was that they wanted more of Rachel's story. Wow. Noting like hitting you over the head!
I started working on the sequel in February 2017, and it's going extremely well. I'm so excited introduce my readers to a new cast of characters who will interact with Rachel, get to know her beautiful daughter, revisit Ambrose and his mysterious ways, and meet Miles Malone--veterinarian, mountain climber, search & rescue volunteer, kitten rescuer, and holder of Rachel's heart. I'm so in love with him, and I think you will love him too. I'm shooting for a late summer 2017 release.
CHEERS!
I started working on the sequel in February 2017, and it's going extremely well. I'm so excited introduce my readers to a new cast of characters who will interact with Rachel, get to know her beautiful daughter, revisit Ambrose and his mysterious ways, and meet Miles Malone--veterinarian, mountain climber, search & rescue volunteer, kitten rescuer, and holder of Rachel's heart. I'm so in love with him, and I think you will love him too. I'm shooting for a late summer 2017 release.
CHEERS!
Susan Haught
I love this question, because I learned the hard way that you must learn the craft before you begin to write.
Education is your friend. Read everything you can, attend workshops and conferences, and surround yourself (at least sometimes) with other authors.
I spent an entire year writing my first novel only to learn it was a train wreck! I spent the next four years learning the craft, then the next two rewriting what I'd written. Not a good way to plot your writing life!
Second thing is NEVER EVER give up on your dream. Don't let anyone tell you you can't do it. You can, and should. If you've a story to tell, no one can tell it like you can.
Always learn. Always dream. Always read. Always write, and then write some more.
Best wishes!
Education is your friend. Read everything you can, attend workshops and conferences, and surround yourself (at least sometimes) with other authors.
I spent an entire year writing my first novel only to learn it was a train wreck! I spent the next four years learning the craft, then the next two rewriting what I'd written. Not a good way to plot your writing life!
Second thing is NEVER EVER give up on your dream. Don't let anyone tell you you can't do it. You can, and should. If you've a story to tell, no one can tell it like you can.
Always learn. Always dream. Always read. Always write, and then write some more.
Best wishes!
Susan Haught
Oh, this has so much potential!
The best thing for me is disappearing into the worlds I create. I love hanging out with these people I create because they're the type of people I'd love to hang out with in real life.
Once I'm in the throes of a scene, it's as if I'm in this kind of bubble where the characters, the setting, and the story unfold in front of my eyes, and it's the most fabulous place on earth to be...connected with my characters. I love them. And I hope you do too!
The best thing for me is disappearing into the worlds I create. I love hanging out with these people I create because they're the type of people I'd love to hang out with in real life.
Once I'm in the throes of a scene, it's as if I'm in this kind of bubble where the characters, the setting, and the story unfold in front of my eyes, and it's the most fabulous place on earth to be...connected with my characters. I love them. And I hope you do too!
Susan Haught
Great question!
My father wasn't a very nice person, and I always wondered what it would be like had I had a different dad. I envied those who adored their fathers and wanted to spend time with them. All I ever wanted was to be away from him--as far away as possible.
With this in the back of my mind, my first novel, A Promise of Fireflies deals with this very subject--what if you find out as an adult that the man you thought was your father, wasn't?
It's not a mystery in my own life, because I knew who my father was, but I imagined it differently my entire childhood.
Thanks for the question. I think a lot of writers have things in their past they call upon to add flavor and authenticity to their stories. Don't you think so, too?
CHEERS!
My father wasn't a very nice person, and I always wondered what it would be like had I had a different dad. I envied those who adored their fathers and wanted to spend time with them. All I ever wanted was to be away from him--as far away as possible.
With this in the back of my mind, my first novel, A Promise of Fireflies deals with this very subject--what if you find out as an adult that the man you thought was your father, wasn't?
It's not a mystery in my own life, because I knew who my father was, but I imagined it differently my entire childhood.
Thanks for the question. I think a lot of writers have things in their past they call upon to add flavor and authenticity to their stories. Don't you think so, too?
CHEERS!
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.
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.
Susan Haught
My favorite fictional couple? Has to be Rachel & Nico from A Thousand Butterfly Wishes. How can I not love the characters that are a part of my soul, ones I created?
They're a special couple, not only because of their compassion for the elderly, but because they are exactly what the other needs at this time in their lives. They're both over thirty and must deal with their pasts respectively, yet each will help the other overcome obstacles that keep them from living the lives they desire. Nico is the kind of man everyone dreams about--not only handsome and caring, but he knows exactly what Rachel needs to deal with the past and he allows her the space to deal with it with love and ultimate respect. He's got rare qualities that make him the ideal mate for Rachel.
Logan and Ryleigh from A Promise of Fireflies are also a fave. Why not? Again they're my characters. They're in their forties and have baggage, but they also possess the necessary characteristics that allow them to think before they act, rely on their experiences to make tough decisions, and are still sexy as heck. They know what love is. They know how to treat each other and how to nourish a relationship--once they get there!
Other than these amazing characters, my favorite right now are Jamie and Claire from Outlander. They're deep and richly created, and aren't the typical couple. I love the way they interact with each other and those around them. I must admit however, that I'm not a fan of the immense amount of horrible things that happen to them--they have gone through more crap in the short time they're together than normal couples would ever see in a lifetime even if they included their entire extended families. It's a bit hard to swallow. I like to relate to the characters, and Jamie and Claire don't come across as relatable for that very reason. However--I love reading about them (and seeing them on TV), I just can't say they are your normal everyday couple experiencing a troubling time, or even two. If one isn't in a life and death situation, the other is. Sort of unbelievable. But fun to read!
I also believe my favorite couple is the one I'm currently reading--no matter what book it happens to be. I enjoy becoming immersed in their lives and lost in the story.
They're a special couple, not only because of their compassion for the elderly, but because they are exactly what the other needs at this time in their lives. They're both over thirty and must deal with their pasts respectively, yet each will help the other overcome obstacles that keep them from living the lives they desire. Nico is the kind of man everyone dreams about--not only handsome and caring, but he knows exactly what Rachel needs to deal with the past and he allows her the space to deal with it with love and ultimate respect. He's got rare qualities that make him the ideal mate for Rachel.
Logan and Ryleigh from A Promise of Fireflies are also a fave. Why not? Again they're my characters. They're in their forties and have baggage, but they also possess the necessary characteristics that allow them to think before they act, rely on their experiences to make tough decisions, and are still sexy as heck. They know what love is. They know how to treat each other and how to nourish a relationship--once they get there!
Other than these amazing characters, my favorite right now are Jamie and Claire from Outlander. They're deep and richly created, and aren't the typical couple. I love the way they interact with each other and those around them. I must admit however, that I'm not a fan of the immense amount of horrible things that happen to them--they have gone through more crap in the short time they're together than normal couples would ever see in a lifetime even if they included their entire extended families. It's a bit hard to swallow. I like to relate to the characters, and Jamie and Claire don't come across as relatable for that very reason. However--I love reading about them (and seeing them on TV), I just can't say they are your normal everyday couple experiencing a troubling time, or even two. If one isn't in a life and death situation, the other is. Sort of unbelievable. But fun to read!
I also believe my favorite couple is the one I'm currently reading--no matter what book it happens to be. I enjoy becoming immersed in their lives and lost in the story.
Susan Haught
Hi, Tonni--Thank you for your question. I'm a little late in responding as we've been through three snow/rainstorms that left our internet rather fickle for the last four days.
In answer to your question, yes, I love and write poetry quite often. I find when I'm moved by something in my life, the words come easily and I can express myself through this medium. It seems to satisfy that inner "nudge" to get it down on paper--much easier than penning an entire novel!
So far, Fireflies is the only novel with poetry, but the companion to it, In the Shadow of Fate, is the culmination of both journals that appear in Fireflies. As I wrote the novel, the poems sprouted from the characters as they journeyed through their individual hardships, thoughts, and their innermost feelings. I thought it would be fun to catalog both journals. Actually, it was Ryleigh's idea at first to loan Ryan's work to the world, and I eventually talked her into sharing hers as well. I think it turned out to be a nice compromise!
In a future novel, On Wings of Dragonflies, one of the main characters is a songwriter, so there will be some of his work in it as well. It's been said, "songwriters are modern day poets", and this character (as of yet unnamed) is no exception.
Thank you for your great question, Tonni! I love poetry, and I hope I'm able to relay that passion in my work.
In answer to your question, yes, I love and write poetry quite often. I find when I'm moved by something in my life, the words come easily and I can express myself through this medium. It seems to satisfy that inner "nudge" to get it down on paper--much easier than penning an entire novel!
So far, Fireflies is the only novel with poetry, but the companion to it, In the Shadow of Fate, is the culmination of both journals that appear in Fireflies. As I wrote the novel, the poems sprouted from the characters as they journeyed through their individual hardships, thoughts, and their innermost feelings. I thought it would be fun to catalog both journals. Actually, it was Ryleigh's idea at first to loan Ryan's work to the world, and I eventually talked her into sharing hers as well. I think it turned out to be a nice compromise!
In a future novel, On Wings of Dragonflies, one of the main characters is a songwriter, so there will be some of his work in it as well. It's been said, "songwriters are modern day poets", and this character (as of yet unnamed) is no exception.
Thank you for your great question, Tonni! I love poetry, and I hope I'm able to relay that passion in my work.
Susan Haught
Thank you, Elizabeth. Your kind words mean the world to me. You sound like a nice person too!
Why romance? Hmmm...The idea of two people falling in love fascinates me. What brings them together? Why/how/when/where do they meet? Why now? What do they find in common? Or draws them apart? Why do some who seem so perfect fall apart? Why do some who seem destined for divorce stay together? What ultimately keeps them together? What circumstances surround them that they must endure to keep the one they love beside them? Or, what happens that they love someone so much they must let them go?
However, I'm not as fond of the typical formula "romance" books as I am ones with more meat so to speak, the ones where the love story is oftentimes secondary to the overall story. That's what women's fiction is all about--the journey of the main character (can be female or male) and how they navigate the circumstances they're dealt in the story. That's what I love to read, and that's what I enjoy writing. The emotional arc of the character is what drives the story for me. That's not to say this doesn't happen in all genres, but it's the contributing factor to a women's fiction book, more so than plot.
That being said, I do enjoy a quickly read formula romance once in awhile, a scary or gruesome King novel, or a magical fantasy. And I love, love, love poetry.
This is a great question, Elizabeth. Thanks for asking...it really made me stop and think.
Have a wonderful evening. CHEERS!
Susan
Why romance? Hmmm...The idea of two people falling in love fascinates me. What brings them together? Why/how/when/where do they meet? Why now? What do they find in common? Or draws them apart? Why do some who seem so perfect fall apart? Why do some who seem destined for divorce stay together? What ultimately keeps them together? What circumstances surround them that they must endure to keep the one they love beside them? Or, what happens that they love someone so much they must let them go?
However, I'm not as fond of the typical formula "romance" books as I am ones with more meat so to speak, the ones where the love story is oftentimes secondary to the overall story. That's what women's fiction is all about--the journey of the main character (can be female or male) and how they navigate the circumstances they're dealt in the story. That's what I love to read, and that's what I enjoy writing. The emotional arc of the character is what drives the story for me. That's not to say this doesn't happen in all genres, but it's the contributing factor to a women's fiction book, more so than plot.
That being said, I do enjoy a quickly read formula romance once in awhile, a scary or gruesome King novel, or a magical fantasy. And I love, love, love poetry.
This is a great question, Elizabeth. Thanks for asking...it really made me stop and think.
Have a wonderful evening. CHEERS!
Susan
Susan Haught
HA HA! Elizabeth--yes, I can be. I am a Stephen King fan, and the scarier the better. I've also read books by Blake Crouch, Dean Koontz, Peter Straub, etc. I enjoy a shape-shifter series now and then, and a few other paranormals, but it's not my preferred genre. Huge HP fan, so a bit of fantasy too.
I read all sorts of books because as a writer, I want to see how other authors put words on a page. Some are fabulous, like Diana Gabaldon, and some are storytellers with little finesse, like Stephen King. One thing they have in common is they know how to tell a story. That's all that matters, right?
Take care, kiddo,
Best wishes to you--
Susan
I read all sorts of books because as a writer, I want to see how other authors put words on a page. Some are fabulous, like Diana Gabaldon, and some are storytellers with little finesse, like Stephen King. One thing they have in common is they know how to tell a story. That's all that matters, right?
Take care, kiddo,
Best wishes to you--
Susan
Susan Haught
I had to smile--the books we enjoy are unique to each of us, right? Keep on plugging away, kiddo. Best wishes,
Susan
Susan
Susan Haught
Hi, Elizabeth--
I read the first few pages on Amazon. Congrats! by the way on publication.
I read the first few pages on Amazon. Congrats! by the way on publication.
Susan Haught
Hi, Elizabeth--
I read the blurb and the first few pages of your book, and unfortunately I don't think I could do it justice. It's not the type of book I would normally read, so I'm afraid I wouldn't be fair to the story or you. As an author myself, I want readers who enjoy my genre to read and review my books. I'd be interested if you have anything in women's fiction, romance, or mainstream.
I wish you the best for much success!
Susan
I read the blurb and the first few pages of your book, and unfortunately I don't think I could do it justice. It's not the type of book I would normally read, so I'm afraid I wouldn't be fair to the story or you. As an author myself, I want readers who enjoy my genre to read and review my books. I'd be interested if you have anything in women's fiction, romance, or mainstream.
I wish you the best for much success!
Susan
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