Today a new friend is visiting us here at Bibliophile’s Retreat (or should I say 3 friends). Author Suzanne Woods Fisher is sharing with us about herself, writing and her book Copper Fire. Read my reviews of Copper Star and Copper Fire. For Suzanne’s tour schedule with the featured book as well as several other links to explore check out this post.
Now On With the Interview:
1. Who do you want to meet and why? If I could pluck one person out of history (aside from the Lord Jesus, of course), it would be Simon Peter. He’s someone we can all relate to (so VERY human), and we see a before-and-after picture of him in Scripture. A little unusual! This fall, I’m going to be speaking at a women’s church retreat on Peter. The entire weekend will be about Peter! So he’s on my mind a lot lately. A lot.
2. What’s your favorite comfort food?
Just one?!
3. What would be your dream vacation?
An Indian Summer Fall on Nantucket Island, when all of the summer people have gone home and it’s quiet. Oh, I need my computer with me. It’s an inspiring place to be!
4. Is there anyone who has influenced / encouraged you to write other than God who ultimately gives us any talents including creativity? Who and how / why?
My niece, Hilary. She gave me a book by Brenda Ueland, If You Want to Write (published in 1938) that has this quote in it: “Everyone is talent, original, and has something important to say.” Reading that became that “moment” when I took the plunge to write a novel. Kept it a secret, though, even from my family, for five months!
5. Can you give a brief synopsis of your journey to publication with your first book?
As I said, I wrote the novel secretly, in a cramped laundry room on an antediluvian computer. When I finished, I told my family that I had written a book, and my teenaged son said, “So that’s why there’s no food in this house!”
From that point, came first readers, and queries, proposals, rejections, more proposals, and finally, an offer from a little publishing house, Vintage Inspirations. It was 2 1/2 years, from start to finish. I remember that afternoon when the UPS guy delivered the pre-publication copies. I was just about five feet away from that laundry room…but what a journey!
6. What else have you written / are you currently writing (including unpublished works)?
Grit for the Oyster is a devotion for aspiring writers that will be out in late August. It was written with three other wonderful writers and I think will be very well received. For the Love of Dogs is a novel, set in 1969, about a woman going blind, learning to have faith in things unseen. It will be released in February 2009. In Spring 2010, Amish Peace in an English Life (non-fiction) will be published by Revell/Baker.
7. What first gave you the idea for the Copper Springs books?
I had an interest in Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and an interest in the John Tracy Clinic…their histories collided in 1943, so that’s where the story began.
8. What else would you like to share with readers about yourself or Copper Fire?
I have been a non-fiction writer for twenty years, and always thought I couldn’t write fiction, that a writer was on one side or the other. Not true! All of my research skills made my fiction writing more credible. And writing fiction has helped me “jazz” up my non-fiction writing.
9. Share with us one of the craziest things you’ve done or that’s happened to you?
Hmmm…sometimes, I can’t believe I’m writing books! Especially fiction. Just amazed.
10. What five books would you take with you to a desert island?
NIV Study Bible, and four books about surviving on a desert island.
11. What concept or scripture is God revealing more deeply to you in this season of your life? And how is that revelation influencing your life?
“Do not despise small beginnings” (Zechariah). I love that thought…starting small.
12. Why did you start writing and when?
As a child. Loved to read and write! But I was never, ever identified as a good writer!
13. How do you choose names and get to know your characters?
When writing historical fiction, I look for popular names of that time. Developing the characters takes a while…but soon, they really come to life in my mind.
14. What’s your favorite character / scene from the Copper Springs books (so far)?
I really like Louisa’s flawed character, and her sense of humor about herself. She inspires me not to take myself too seriously.
15. Do you have any teasers you can share for the next Copper Springs book (if there is one planned) or your next project?
I was at a book club the other day and the women encouraged me to write another book because they wanted to see what happens to Elisabeth and Danny, Aunt Martha and the judge. I finished up Copper Fire so that the reader feels “satisfied.” (I hate books that just set you up for the sequel.) But…in the back of my mind, I do think about fast forwarding the family a few years, placing Danny in Israel in its infancy.
16. Are there any closing remarks you’d like to share?
Thanks so much for hosting me today! Love your questions, Melissa, and I appreciate how thorough you are.
You’re welcome and Thank you for taking the time to share with my readers.
Readers use the link in the post with her tour schedule (see link above) to check out and enter Suzanne’s book a day giveaway, click on her picture to visit her website and use the bookcovers to purchase a copy and read more about the books. Don’t forget to check out the links for the book excerpts on the post with the tour schedule as well.
