A Conversation with Author Suzan Collins

This evening in the Library we have Suzan Collins, who has dropped in to say hello and to share some insights into her life as an author.

You are very welcome, Suzan, please introduce yourself: 

Hi Pam, thanks for having me along. You want a short bio? I write and I eat cake. I do other things too. I also run two companies.

Did you read much as a child? Are you an avid reader now? Do you prefer books in your own genre or are you happy to explore others?

Gosh that’s a long time ago. Yes I did read but was more into sport. Sport was my love and represented school and college. It is important to read and I try to but finding the time when you’re writing and running two businesses can be quite difficult.

I enjoy reading romance. I will one day try crime/detective fiction as it will make me think whilst I read. At the moment I have two piles of books to be read. All fiction of course. Oh and some on the Kindle. I recently read Keep Smiling Through: Second World War – Letters from Prisoner of War Camps by Sandra Delf. Really thought provoking.

Are you self-published or traditionally published?

Both.

Which genre do you write in and why?

I write in various genres-non-fiction, fiction and children.

Who has been the biggest influence on your writing?

Can I say my cat, #chattycat? Chatty Cat is a rescue cat and has not only influenced me but also some young children who have written stories for the back of the Chatty Cat book series.

What part of the writing process do you find most difficult? How do you overcome it?

Writing non-fiction is fine and I can be very focused, unfortunately I cannot say the same for my adult fiction, I like to write about everything, some of which is not necessary.

Do you have a favourite time of day to write?

Depends on the genre. Non-fiction is best during the night and fiction early morning. Having said this I host #writerscorner at The Coconut Loft Art Gallery a wonderful and inspiring place, food is superb as too are the staff and I get a lot done within the two hours of being there. Check it out it’s just across the road from the beach www.coconutloft.co.uk

What is the best thing about being an author? And the flipside – what is the worst?

The best thing about my non-fiction writing is that I can share my work and inform others. With the fiction I can ‘switch off’ for a while and use my imagination.

The worst thing – let me have a think. Eating too much cake and putting on weight. Ha ha. Sometimes when you have an idea in your head or the characters talk to you and it’s 3 o’clock in the morning and you have to be up at 6am!

Is social media an essential chore or something you enjoy? Which forum do you prefer?

I do enjoy social media as it enables me to engage with readers, friends and fellow authors. Of course I need it for the promotional side as well and can spend quite a lot of time on social media.

If you weren’t an author, what would you be up to?

As a child I always wanted to be a bus conductor and have a ticket machine or work in a pub.

It’s the last day and the earth is facing oblivion – what book would you read?

Oooh don’t want to think about that.

I hear one of your books is in a FINALIST in The People’s Book prize. Tell us more.

CHATTY CAT: My Purr-fect Friends (book three in the Chatty Cat series) is a FINALIST in The People’s Book Prize.

Purr-lease vote for me and my shehooman to win!

http://www.peoplesbookprize.com/book.php?id=1474

Buy links: Amazon UK    /  Amazon US

If you would like to know  more about Suzan and Chatty Cat, see the links below:

Suzan:  Facebook   /   Blog   /   Twitter: @suzancollins

Chatty Cat:  Facebook   /   Chatty Cat Blog   /   Twitter: @chattycatsuzi

Thank you for having me along. Chatty Cat sends a few head bumps.