Hi Glynis, how are you?

Welcome, Suzan. I am well thanks. Let’s get to learn more about you …

What is your genre? Why did you choose it?
Fiction and non-fiction. Writing fiction allows me to make up stories and tell people about them. I also write non-fiction and these are open learning workbooks for staff working in the care sector, enabling them to study and learn at their own pace.
I also wrote Beyond My Control: Why the Health and Social Care System Need Not Have Failed My Mother. This is a true account of what happened and looks ahead to how we can all contribute to keeping vulnerable people in the health and social care system safe from harm.

I’ve read the book and it is truly heartbreaking. You have my sympathies.

Do you work on more than one manuscript at a time?

I do work on various writing projects at the same time. An idea comes into my head and I think, Oooh, I want to write about that! And I start writing it.

Currently, I have 3 projects on the go-a rom-com [sequel to On The Rails], a Supervision Pack [for Health and Social Care staff] and a small book, Chatty Cat and Me, The First Two Months. It tells the story of the rescue cat I got. I love my cat and was telling everyone who would listen about her, and thought, why not write about her first two months and raise money for cat rescue centers, so, that’s what I am doing. The cover is in draft form but it is lovely, isn’t it? And yes, that is Chatty Cat on the cover.

Do you work with a writing/critique group?

Writing and critique groups are great. I have some great people who will read through for me and give me feedback. I’m eagerly waiting for feedback on Chatty Cat and Me. I can’t wait!

Can you remember your first reading book?

Yes I can, well, at least the title and the cover. It was called Janet and John and it had a yellow cover.

Do you nibble on snacks while writing? If so, what is your chosen treat?

Oh yes! On a nice sunny day, grapes, and drink lots of water. On other days it can be biscuits with a cuppa.

Tidy desk or a bombsite? Describe your writing area with us.

Mmmnn… do you really want to know? Ha ha! Today my desk is tidy as I need to concentrate but sometimes it is a bit untidy, but never a bombsite, unless Chatty Cat has been on it.

I tend to use my desk for writing in the morning or during the night [I write better during the night] and if I am writing in the afternoon then I will use the laptop whilst watching TV.

Are you published in the traditional manner or self-published? Share your journey.

I’m happy to say I am both! My non-fiction books are traditionally published and my fiction book [novel] is self-published. Chatty Cat and Me will probably be self-published as this route enables it to get out there quickly, and so many people are asking when it will be published. Soon!

Who would you say have been the three most influential authors in your reading/writing life?

Oh dear! I have to be honest and say there aren’t any!

What advice would you like to share with other writers/authors with regard to preparing a manuscript?

There are some great programmes out there, both on the internet and on DVDs that enables you to structure your novels. Some authors plan and others don’t. You will find out what works for you. I don’t plan, I just write. I run a consultancy and planning is key and this could be why I don’t plan my writing. Having said this, some planning is needed when I have tight deadlines. I love tight deadlines as this gets the adrenaline flowing.

If the movie rights to your novels are purchased, who would you like to play your main characters?

In my latest book, ‘Beyond My Control: why the health and social care system need not have failed my mother’ I would like Meryl Streep or Helen Mirren to play me, and Brenda Flicker to play my late mum.

I was on my way to the supermarket, when … Do you have a tale to tell relating to an everyday, boring event?

Emptying the shopping from the heavy filled trolley into the boot of my car I look over to the two men talking quietly in the trolley park. Rugged looking, both in jeans, t-shirt and trainers. I glance at them, look away, and turn and glance again. They see me looking…
Ooh, my imagination has gone wild! 🙂

Where to find Suzan:
Website: http://www.spcconsultancy.com
Facebook Authorpage: http://goo.gl/zfiqyv
Facebook: http://goo.gl/i2Lp5U
Twitter: @suzancollins
Blog: http://suzancollins.wordpress.com

Where you can find Suzan’s books:
Amazon
UK http://goo.gl/SZgln9
USA http://goo.gl/qNk4SR
Italy http://goo.gl/nuzYya
Australia http://goo.gl/ibc10L
Canada http://goo.gl/GIdQLH

Waterstones http://goo.gl/8oBjUB

Thank you Glynis, I have had a great time. Good luck with your writing!