Tea and Talk at Sally Lunns with Suzy Turner

Hi Suzy and welcome to Tea and Talk at Sally Lunns.  I feel very privileged to have tempted you away from Portugal where it must definitely be much warmer than it is here at the moment!
Thank you for having me! It is a little warmer in Portugal but it’s still pretty chilly at this time of year. Mornings are often only 2 or 3 degrees brrrrrr

So now we are settled with tea and a great selection of cakes, and you give us a brief bio about yourself including how you came to live in Portugal.
Oooh lovely… can I have a gluten-free and lactose-free one please? lol
I moved to Portugal with my family when I was just ten years old (27 years ago!). Although I’ve enjoyed my years here… my husband and I are actually planning a big move back to the UK. We’re super excited about it, me especially as I find it such an inspiring place for a writer, with all its historical buildings and culture. I just love it there!

When did you first start writing seriously?
It was early in 2010.

What was the trigger?
I was made redundant from my job as a magazine editor. Although that was a real blow, it turned out to be the kick that I needed.

What drew you to paranormal and YA in particular?
I’ve always loved anything to do with the paranormal – witches, ghosts, vampires, etc. I find the subject so intriguing. The YA genre became my favourite after becoming obsessed with Harry Potter and Twilight. It seemed like the natural thing for me to write.

How did you go about getting your first book published?
I tried, and failed, to go down the traditional route and then a friend told me about self publishing on Amazon. I wasn’t even aware it was possible at that time. I was amazed how easy it was!

What made you decide to revamp your covers last year?
I was actually approached by a cover designer (and author) who offered to re-do my covers free of charge. I couldn’t say no to such a generous offer and I think she did a fabulous job.

You have published a fantastic collection of books.  What’s next?
Thank you! I’m about to start writing the next instalment in The Morgan Sisters series. I don’t have a working title just yet though.

Which authors do you admire the most and did they have any influence on your writing?
I particularly admire JK Rowling for not only creating the Harry Potter world, but for making it such a massive success.
I believe that every author I’ve ever read has probably had some kind of influence on me. Margaret Atwood, JK Rowling, Stephenie Meyers, Lisa M Stasse, Shalini Boland…etc. I look up to them all.

What do you do in your spare time?
I like to cycle with my husband. I’ve also just started to teach myself to sew. I have a machine but only ever used it to hem jeans. I actually made a handbag last week! I’m also a bit of a TV addict!

Many thanks Suzy, it was great to meet you, no doubt you’ll be glad to get back to warmer temperatures.  You can find out more about Suzy Turner and her books on the network connections below:

website: http://suzyturner.com

Blog: http://suzyturner.blogspot.com

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Suzy-Turner/e/B0050BSH1I

Facebook: http://facebook.com/suzyturnerbooks

Twitter: http://twitter.com/suzy_turner

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/suzyturnerbooks

Raven (FREE): http://www.amazon.com/Raven-Saga-Part/dp/9899734810
December Moon: http://www.amazon.com/December-Moon-Raven-Saga-ebook/dp/B005JOXSZ6
The Lost Soul: http://www.amazon.com/Lost-Soul-Raven-Saga-ebook/dp/B007NHUEAO
The Ghost of Josiah Grimshaw: http://www.amazon.com/Josiah-Grimshaw-Morgan-Sisters-ebook/dp/B00A37SE0I/ref=pd_sim_kstore_1
Daisy Madigan’s Paradise (FREE): http://www.amazon.com/Madigans-Paradise-Morgan-Sisters-ebook/dp/B00ALUMQE2/ref=pd_sim_kstore_5