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“The single most challenging part of attaining publication is…”

Did that get your attention?

Today author Susan Karsten is here to answer that question, among others.

Hi, and thanks for your willingness to appear on my blog! I’m looking forward to chatting with you and learning more about your writing life and style.
Thanks for inviting me over! Happy to be here.

What genre do you write? How did you pick it?
I write Regency historical romance. I picked this genre because I enjoy it, and have read widely in it.

What are your favorite genres to read? Why?
I enjoy historical fiction, mysteries, and psychological thrillers.

How long did it take you complete your first manuscript (published or not)?
My first full-length manuscript, A Match for Melissa, took me a year to complete. It is now published as of August7, 2017. (Available on Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble.com, Pelicanbookgroup.com)

Have your follow-up novels been easier or harder to write? Why do you think that is?
My skill level has grown with each novel, but writing a full-length novel is still a challenge. I think the reason for that is that when one is trying to do her best, there’s always a striving to do better.

What’s surprised you the most about the book-publishing process?
The biggest surprise has been the slow pace of the publishing process.

What’s been the most challenging part of getting a book published?
The single most challenging part of attaining publication is the determination and perseverance required to go through all the hurdles.

What’s your favorite part of the publishing experience?
My favorite experience so far – the most “mountain top” – has been when I got a call from my first agent, saying she had sent me a contract for literary representation.

For learning the writing craft, which do you prefer – books or conferences? Why?
I prefer books. I can take in a greater amount of information. Not to say I don’t enjoy and gain from conferences, too.

If you could recommend one writing conference, what would it be? Why? (If you haven’t attended one, which one would you like to attend? Why?)
I have attended a couple of conferences which were helpful, but to attend ACFW’s annual conference would be a dream come true. I’d love to attend that because the Christian fiction world is so stimulating.

If you could recommend one writing book, what would it be? Why?
Even though I’m not a fan of his, I found Stephen King’s book, On Writing, to be very inspiring. Some of his pieces of advice where memorable.

If you could pick any of your novels to be made into a movie, which one would you pick? Who would you want to play the lead roles, and why?
I would pick book #2 in the Honor’s Point series, A Refuge for Rosanna, if I could choose one of my books to be turned into a movie. A Refuge for Rosanna contains dramatic scenes, mysteries, and action. Not to mention some good-looking characters. 🙂

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

I live in a small Wisconsin town, am the wife of a real estate broker and mother of three. My hobbies include fitness, quilting, and reading.

My love for writing developed while in college where Iearned a BS degree in Home Economics (Apparel Design & Manufacturing), with a minor in Speech.

With child-rearing days at an end, I now invest time in fiction writing. With three contracted Regency historical romances, a humorous chapter book, and a cozy mystery complete, I’m working on a Regency novella.  My personal blog can be found at Graciouswoman.wordpress.com.

 

 

 

 

Thank you so much for appearing on my blog! Have a blessed day!