Susie Pruett has been a member of Writers’ League of Texas for about two years. She makes her home in Austin,Texas. She will be attending the Agents & Editors Conference in June.
Scribe: In what genre(s) do you write?
Susie Pruett: I write historical fiction with romantic elements. I don’t call them romances, because they don’t follow the traditional formula of the romance genre. But, really, don’t most stories have a love story somewhere in them? Currently, I am finishing a novel set in 1911 America and London. I have a wonderful story waiting to be finished set in early 1850’s Victorian London centered around the Crimean War.
Scribe: What authors would you like to have coffee or a beer with and which beverage?
SP: Do you mean living or dead? Gee, there are so many. I am an avid reader of all kinds of books with always at least two books going at once, so I read a lot of authors. So, for the short answer, here goes. As for the living author I would like to have a chat with, the first name that comes to mind is Ken Follett. Honestly, his historical novels are some of the best I’ve read. As for a dead author, probably Edith Wharton. I’d have lots of questions to ask her about her world and the people she knew. I think I would probably order a Mexican Martini – the kind that comes in the shaker.
Scribe: If you were stranded on a deserted island, what book would you want to have with you to keep you sane?
SP: That is a loaded question with lots of possibilities. I mean, c’mon. Stranded on a desert island? Yikes! If I were stranded alone, I would want a book with some instructions about survival skills. If I was certain rescue was coming, I might like something about keeping my spirits up. But, if this is about pure reading pleasure and killing time, then maybe an anthology with lots of stories in it to keep from being bored. Can’t think of one single book, though.
Scribe: What have you learned from your association with the Writers League?
SP: So far, I’ve learned that writers of historical fiction can use real historical figures and make stuff up about them as long as the facts aren’t changed. Believe it or not, I didn’t know that. I learned this from the workshop I attended. Other than that, I have enjoyed connecting with other authors who are friendly and accepting – even when they hear the word “romance.”
Scribe: Where do you see your writing taking you (or you taking it) in the future?
SP: I am working toward publication. And I want to be listed as a NY Times best seller. Why not dream big, eh? I have had a request from an agent for my manuscript and hope to go the traditional route to publication. Whether or not any of that happens, I will always write because I have stories to tell. I won’t say I will continue to write for the joy of it, because as all writers know, it’s not all joy. This writing is hard work. I will continue to write because I must.
Scribe: Is there anything else about you that you would like to share with the world?
SP: An opportunity for blatant self-promotion! Thank you for this opportunity to plug the Historical Novel Society (HNS). The HNS is based in the UK and in the USA. There is a website (historicalnovelsociety.org) where you will find more information. The 2014 convention is in London and the 2015 convention will be in Denver. The conventions have dynamite speakers, costume events, live readings, workshops, opportunities to pitch to agents and editors and of course, networking with other writers of this genre. I am on the board in the USA and I urge all writers of historical fiction to join this fantastic society and attend the convention in Denver.
