On Writing Archive - Susan May Warren

Archive for the ‘On Writing’ Category

Take a Chance on Darek Christiansen

May 11th 2013

Posted by Susan

Hello, yeah. Hi. So, I’m Darek Christiansen, and Susie told me I had to show up and introduce myself. So here I am. Listen, it’s no mystery that I don’t want to be here. I really need to be getting home to Tiger, my five-year-old son. But apparently the resort needs a little public relations, so here I am.

I run the Evergreen Resort, a handful of cabins and an outfitting service for campers and canoeists located on a lake in the north shore of Minnesota. It’s a family operation; my parents inherited it from my grandparents. I never really wanted to take it over, but I had to do something to give my son a stable life after I lost my wife in a terrible car accident. Unfortunately, the man who killed her lives in our town. OK, he was actually my best friend, but that seems so long ago, it’s hard to imagine that Jensen and I were ever anything but enemies.

OK, so yes, I struggle with forgiveness. And the guilt that I never really wanted this life. I was going to be a HotShot, a fire manager, fighting wildland fires. But life doesn’t give you what you want—it gives you what you deserve. Which means I’m not going to end up with the cute new assistant county prosecutor who just arrived in town. Even if she did buy me in the town fundraiser/bachelor auction. Because what she doesn’t know is that I’m the last man she should hang out with.

But deep inside, I’m hoping she’ll take a chance on me. Because what I really want (and don’t tell anyone) is to start over. To build a new life. I am just not sure how to get there.

I hope you’ll go on the journey with me in Susan May Warren’s newest novel about me, and my family, and life on a resort in the north shore of Minnesota. Take a Chance on Me is available now!

Behind the Pages of ‘Duchess’ | Plus, Win a Kindle Fire

Apr 24th 2013

Posted by Susan

There is nothing better than diving into a story like this one, surrounding yourself with research and ideas, the culmination of a storyline you’ve been working on for two years. I loved penning this novel because I knew that after the hard beginning of Heiress, with so much pain and so many mistakes made by Jinx, and the bittersweet middle story, Baroness, where Rosie walks so far away from her inheritance, Rosie’s redemption would be rich and profound. I loved watching her discover that she didn’t need the world’s applause she longed for—that she had it all inside, with the love of God. If you’ve read all three books, perhaps you noticed the themes . . .

Read the rest of this over on Duchess’ official page!

I’m thrilled to announce the release of Duchess, the conclusion of the Daughters of Fortune series. I’m celebrating with a Kindle Fire HD Giveaway.

One “glam” winner will receive:

A brand new Kindle Fire HD
Signed copies of Duchess, Baroness and Heiress

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 11th. Winner will be announced on 5/13/13 on my blog. (We’ve extended the contest!)

Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.

Take a Chance on the Christiansens

Apr 20th 2013

Posted by Susan

They’re a family you might find next door. Or in your church. Or maybe they’re like your family. Parents trying to figure out the delicate steps of guiding adult children into responsibility, hoping to leave a legacy. When I crafted the Christiansen family, I looked close to home, at our family, and the families of our friends. At their challenges, and joys, and their hopes to raise children who embodied the values they were raised with.

Then I created a family I’d like to get to know, to hang out with, and to watch. To fall in love with. I hope you do, too.

Here’s a glimpse of the pack.

John Christiansen is the owner of Evergreen Outfitters and Cabin Rentals (aka Evergreen Resort). John is a former football player, and has spent his entire life running the resort, which has been in the family for three generations. It’s a hideaway in the woods, located on beautiful Evergreen lake, with canoeing, fishing, hiking and lots of quiet breezes perfect for reading. (I know I’d like to visit!)

Find out even more about my new book, Take a Chance on Me, by clicking here.

Words I Needed to Hear

Oct 27th 2012

Posted by Susan

(Read the first part of this post here!)

Annalise opened her eyes and found Pastor Dan standing in front of the altar, on the floor of the sanctuary.

“I have a word from the Lord for you today, church. I don’t know who this is directed to, but someone needs to hear it.” He smiled, something so kind in it that Annalise had to look away.

“‘I love you,’ says the Lord. ‘I see you, and I know you, and I love you. Period. I know stuff about you that you don’t even think I know, and yet I love you. I know the things you’re hiding, and yet I love you. I love you so much that even what I know about you didn’t stop me from sending Jesus to the cross to save you. In fact, the very fact that you are suffering is why Jesus went to the cross. To redeem you. My love is not an equation, something you have to earn or barter for. I love you-I bless you even in the midst of your sin. Not to condone it, but to remind you of the glorious reunion that awaits when you come to Me. My blessings are to remind you of My great love and to turn you in to My arms. You cannot repay My love. Or My grace. You can only rejoice in it.’”

“This is my only sermon today. Do not let your circumstances define God’s love for you. He loves you. Period.”

Period.

Annalise couldn’t breathe. Couldn’t move. Perhaps her heart had stopped. She prayed that Dan’s gaze wouldn’t fix on her because she might shatter into weeping in the pew.

Or rather, I might shatter into weeping. Because, not only was that exactly what my character needed to hear, but I needed to hear it, too.

See, I was overwhelmed. Not necessarily with the weight of my sin, like my character, but the weight of LIFE. And when that happens, life becomes an equation. God, if you love me, then lift this burden. Provide health, finances, a good job, blessings, and I promise to (you can fill in your blank[s] here). I needed reminding that no, God’s love isn’t an equation (which is a good thing, because I can guarantee that it would be my end that didn’t add up!).

In fact, I need to hear this pretty much every day. God loves me. Period. Regardless of my situation, my sins and the mistakes I make.

Maybe you need to hear it to, so here goes.

God loves you. There’s no condition on that. No, if only, no just do this. Just . . . He loves you.

Thanks, God, for showing up. And thanks, Pastor Dale, for listening to Him and sharing His word with us all.

I promise not to text in church.

If you want to read the entire story, check out You Don’t Know Me, my newest novel, now hitting the stands, about a woman who’s been in the witness security program for twenty years and hasn’t told a soul—not her husband, her children, her town. . . .

Which is sort of a bad thing when the man she put in prison breaks out and comes looking for her. Talk about overwhelmed! Yikes!

It was a fun, emotional, and blessed story to write. A story of Amazing Grace.

Thank you for your letters! I so appreciate you reading and sharing my books with your friends. Give this one to someone who is hurting, or feeling overwhelmed. I wrote it for them; I wrote it for us.

When I’m in the Middle of a Book

Oct 22nd 2012

Posted by Susan

Summer is over, and fall is here (even if it doesn’t feel like it). With fall comes school and new routines and a general feeling of being overwhelmed.

I admit that sometimes, when I am in the middle of a book, I get overwhelmed.

As much as I love a story and map it out, there comes the day, usually about chapter 13 or so, where I look up to the heavens and say the following:

1. Why did I think I could do this?

2. Why would anyone want to read this story?

3. And for the love of Pete, would someone tell me what this book is about?

My panic usually ends with three things:

1. A bowl of popcorn. (Really. Sadly. Yes)

2. A call to my best friend, Rachel Hauck.

3. Prayer over the phone for Divine Intervention.

And sometimes, it’s rinse and repeat all the way to the end of the book.

So, there I was, last January, in the middle of story snarl, not sure what I was doing. I just knew I had a character who felt so steeped in her sin, she couldn’t escape. I had a plot that seemed to tighten around me, and I had a deadline that loomed like a freight train, comin’ straight at me. It was a Sunday morning, and I’d tossed the night away staring at the ceiling, taking scribbled notes in the dark, and asking God—who seemed be silent (I’m not going to say ignoring me, but it felt a little that way)—for help. I knew I’d done it—dug myself a hole too big to climb out of this time.

I got up, bleary-eyed and tired, and trudged my way to church.

I’m not sure what happened during the first half of the sermon. I sang, I’m pretty sure of that, but I admit to not paying much attention. Suddenly, our pastor closed his sermon notes and looked up at us.

Busted. Oh, I was so busted, and I knew it. I surreptitiously closed my Nook. Not checking my email. No, not me.

And then, (and in our Baptist Church, this is very unorthodox, so we all sat at attention) he came out from behind the pulpit, down to the sanctuary floor. Find out what happens on Saturday!

Get to Know Me: Colleen

Oct 13th 2012

Posted by Susan

Colleen: I’m here. So, what do you want? I know you’ve already talked to my parents, and grandma, and Uncle Frank—and even my boyfriend? Listen, I only have a tiny little microscopic pitiful role in your story, You Don’t Know Me, so I don’t know what the big deal is.

Susie: Yeah, well, you might think you have a tiny role, but the fact is, you play a huge part in this story. You’re the only daughter of Annalise and Nathan and the powerful motivation to why Annalise does everything she does, not to mention the catalyst for her decisions. And you give me a way to bring Tucker into the story.

Colleen: Tucker, Tucker, Tucker—everybody loves Tucker. Sheesh. I’m the volleyball star.

Susie: And the spoiled brat.

Colleen: Do I have to stay?

Susie: Sorry. But I pretty much thought you should have been grounded the entire story, so—

Colleen: I’m so misunderstood.

Susie: A little true, and you have a few redeeming qualities, so I didn’t kill you off.

Colleen: Should I be thanking you? Sheesh.

Susie: Colleen, help me and my reader friends love you—what do you want? Really want?

Colleen: (sigh) I want . . . I want less pressure. I want everyone to realize how hard it is to be a teenager today, and my mother expects me to be just like her: perfect. But I’m not perfect, I’m just . . . I’m just normal and confused and overwhelmed.

Susie: What if I told you that your mother wasn’t perfect?

Colleen: Have you met her? She’s the PTA mom, she attends every game, brings treats and never has a bad hair day. My mother is a superstar. No, she’s perfect. And I’m not. Period.

Susie: Colleen, I think you need to read the book. You might find a few surprises. And, by the end, you might even change into someone we all like.

Colleen: I’m not sure if that’s a compliment or not. I’m so confused.

Susie: Colleen Decker is played Rooney Mara. Check out her story in my new book, You Don’t Know Me, in stores October 1.

You can read my other character interview here (Annalise, Nathan, Frank, Helen, and Tucker). You can also enter my latest contest! I’ll be hosting an video chat party and giving away awesome prizes (like copies of You Don’t Know Me and a $200 weekend getaway)! More info can be found here.

Get to Know Me: Tucker

Oct 6th 2012

Posted by Susan

Susie: Hey Tucker. Thanks for being here; I know you’re busy with school and getting ready for the upcoming snowboarding season. Are you going to compete for the Deep Haven Huskies?

Tucker: Yeah, I don’t know. Depends on whether I can afford a new board.

Susie: So, tell my reader friends about you. You star as the boyfriend to Colleen Decker, Nathan and Annalise’s sixteen-year-old daughter. But you’re quite your own character. I think you’re more than we see.

Tucker: Yeah, I don’t know.

Susie: Tell us how you started snowboarding.

Tucker: My dad gets free tickets because he makes snow at Sugar Ridge. My mom and dad are divorced, and my mom works a waitress and bartender at the local tavern. I’m pretty much on my own, especially now.

Susie: I heard about your brother’s death. I’m so sorry.

Tucker: Hey, he died snowboarding, probably catching some serious air, so, you know—if you gotta go . . .

Susie: Right. So, that’s what you want—to be a championship snowboarder?

Tucker: Sure. Yeah. I want to make enough money snowboarding that I can go out west. But yeah, I’m also drawn to Colleen’s family—the fact that they are all there, and she has such a great family. They look like they get along, and her mother is so involved. They invited me to this family dinner once . . . no big deal, but it reminded me of the days before . . . .

Susie: Before your family broke apart.

Tucker: Yeah, whatever. Colleen is cool. Her mom totally freaked when she caught Colleen and me making out, but that fact is, I like Colleen. I’m not going to be stupid with her or anything.

Susie: I’m glad to hear that—

Tucker: It kind of makes me mad that they just see what they want. They look at me, and think, hey, he’s not good enough for our daughter.

Susie: And what do you think –

Tucker: Sheesh. OK, maybe I’m not. But . . . well, I would like to be.

Susie: In fact, you’re all about proving that in this story, aren’t you? You want a seat at the dinner table.

Tucker: Are we done?

Susie: Tucker, you’re a great guy. I think maybe it’s time other people realized that too.

Tucker: I don’t know why the other characters talk such smack about you—you’re OK.

Susie: They don’t like me?

Tucker: I gotta blow. Chill, dude.

Susie: Right. OK, Tucker is played by Milo Ventimiglia. Check out his story in my new book, You Don’t Know Me, in stores NOW.

You can read my other character interview here (Annalise, Nathan, Frank, and Helen). You can also enter my latest contest! I’ll be hosting an video chat party and giving away awesome prizes (like copies of You Don’t Know Me and a $200 weekend getaway)! More info can be found here.

Get to Know Me: Helen

Sep 29th 2012

Posted by Susan

Susie: Helen, thank you for being here today. You star as the second lead heroine in my new book, You Don’t Know Me. You’re Nathan’s mother, and you live across the street from the family. That’s convenient.

Helen: I love it. I can stop over anytime and help out with the kids. Annalise is a wonderful daughter-in-law, and of course Nathan is my pride and joy. He’s been my entire life since his father and I split. I don’t know how he survived the specter that his father left on our lives, but he’s become a wonderful father and husband. I’m so proud of him.

Susie: He nursed you through your cancer, right?

Helen: Giving up his cross-country scholarship to Winona State. He stayed here and earned his real-estate license and is now running for mayor. I am just so blessed by my family. I love attending Colleen’s volleyball games, and attending Jason’s plays, and reading to sweet Henry. My life is perfect. Full.

Susie: But don’t you secretly want to get married again?

Helen: Me? Oh . . . no. I’m perfectly happy single. Besides, I had my chance at marriage. No, I don’t think God wants me to get married again. And besides, I’m not interested in getting hurt.

Susie: Hurt?

Helen: Men. You know. They come with all sorts of secrets and betrayals. I’ll never put myself in that position again.

Susie: Even if the right man came along?

Helen: One without secrets? Please, Susie, I know you better than that.

Susie: Helen, such little faith in me! What if I could give you the perfect man?

Helen: I don’t want any man. I just want to grow old with my family in Deep Haven. Did you know my family has lived here for nearly a century? We’re old family Deep Haven. That’s enough for me.

Susie: So, you’d never move. Not even for Nathan?

Helen: Why would Nathan want to leave? His entire life is here.

Susie: It’s just a question.

Helen: See, Susie, this is why your characters don’t trust you.

Susie: Helen, please. I’m all about the happy ending. Even the ones you least expect.

Helen: Listen, honey, don’t mess with my life, or you’ll never get another homemade apple pie.

Susie: Helen Decker is played Helen Mirren. Check out her story in my new book, You Don’t Know Me, in stores October 1^st.

And don’t forget to enter my You Don’t Know Me contest, which ends tomorrow! Find out more information here.

Win a Copy of My New Book | You Don’t Know Me

Sep 28th 2012

Posted by Susan

In celebration of the release of You Don’t Know Me, I’m giving away advanced reader copies to 10 lucky readers! Yes . . . TEN!!

If you’re interested, simply head over to the form to see what you can do to enter! There are six different chances for you to be added to win!

Winners will receive an advance copy of my newest book, You Don’t Know Me, delivered right to their door. The contest ends 9/30/2012 with winners announced 10/1/2012, so make sure you enter now!

For more You Don’t Know Me fun, check back here at my blog every Saturday morning to get to know a new character from the book. So far, you’ve met Annalise, Nathan, and Frank . . . and there are a few more to meet before the release of You Don’t Know Me!

Fragrance of Grace…

Jul 30th 2010

Posted by Susan

Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus' feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance the perfume.

Ever wonder if what you do makes a difference? If the words you say to your children or the small acts of kindness they never notice, or even the gallant efforts you make to impart great truths matter?

Yeah, me too. Because, as my children have become older, it feels more and more like my parenting is about sacrificial acts that go unnoticed, or even unappreciated. Does my son care that I ran his folder to school (on my way to the airport) after he left it at home? Or my daughter notice that I left her favorite jar of goober (peanut butter and jelly) in her stuff for camp? Or my son notice that I printed off a blog about his desired profession?

Maybe not. But I have to believe that they create a fragrance in our home of love. That my actions are not poured out to them, but actually upon the feet of the Lord, in worship, in gratitude for this rich life. That as I reach inside and give everything I have…there abounds the redolence of grace.

At least I hope so.

So, in a desperate quest to know, I sat down with my son and asked him: What do you miss when I'm gone?

He looked at me and without hesitation said:

Food.

Really, anything else?

Cookies?

And…

Pizza?

Okay, seriously…

Fine, how about popcorn?

Right, well, okay, I got the point. But, as I got up to leave he said, "Wait, Mom. I miss your wisdom, your humor and your good looks."

He was just trying to get on my good side with that last one. But it worked. I'm off to make chocolate chip cookies. Just one of the fragrances I like to leave behind.

But seriously, what fragrance do YOU leave behind? Just something to ponder as we race (or perhaps savor?) summer.

I've been traveling a lot recently – but I am home for a few weeks and enjoyed the 4th of July with my family. I'm working on a new book for a series out next winter with Steeple Hill – a three-book romantic -suspense for Steeple Hill's Love Inspired Suspense line that follows up my Mission: Russia series. This one: a mistaken identity in Cancun (and yes, I forced myself to go there for research. Sacrifices, donchyaknowit.) More on that later. But first…look for Licensed for Trouble, PJ Sugar #3 to hit the stands in August!

Thank you again for all the reader mail – and for your sweet support in the bookstores and online – you leave a fragrance of grace in my life.

Susan May Warren

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Archive for the ‘On Writing’ Category

Take a Chance on Darek Christiansen

Posted by Susan

Behind the Pages of ‘Duchess’ | Plus, Win a Kindle Fire

Posted by Susan

Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.

Take a Chance on the Christiansens

Posted by Susan

Words I Needed to Hear

Posted by Susan

When I’m in the Middle of a Book

Posted by Susan

Get to Know Me: Colleen

Posted by Susan

Get to Know Me: Tucker

Posted by Susan

Get to Know Me: Helen

Posted by Susan

Win a Copy of My New Book | You Don’t Know Me

Posted by Susan

Fragrance of Grace…

Posted by Susan

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