Welcome back, Susan! Tell us about your latest book, A Summer at Thousand Island House?
Part-nanny, part entertainer, Addison Bell has always had an enduring love for children. So what better way to spend her creative energy than to spend the summer nannying at the renowned Thousand Island House on Staple’s Island? As Addi thrives in her work, she attracts the attention of the recreation pavilion’s manager, Liam Donovan, as well as the handsome Navy Officer Lt. Worthington, a lighthouse inspector, hotel patron, and single father of mischievous little Jimmy.
But when Jimmy goes missing, Addi finds both her job and her reputation in danger. How can she calm the churning waters of Liam, Lt. Worthington, and the President, clear her name, and avoid becoming the scorn of the Thousand Islands community?
What compelled you to write A Summer at Thousand Island House?
As I researched the Thousand Islands Gilded Age hot spots, I kept coming across the fancy, renowned hotel called Thousand Island House, and I knew I’d write about it one day. It was one of the grand hotels accommodating up to 600 patron who flocked to the Thousand Islands from East Coast cities and beyond during the summer. Built in 1873 in Alexandria Bay, it stayed opened for 63 years until the Great Depression caused its demise.
Who is your favorite character in the story?
I love Addi. She’s so good with children and my thirteen years teaching helped me to channel the days of her life. Also, Jimmy is an adorable child I fell in love with, and it was fun getting to know our U.S. President Chester Arthur. My characters become so real to me; they become friends. Smiles.
What made you decide to become a writer?
I taught Language Arts to middle schoolers for nine years, wrote curriculum for ACSI for five years, then became editor/editorial director at Focus on the Family for nearly a dozen years. So, I’ve had over 1,000 articles and fifteen non-fiction books published. I guess I’ve always had that desire, but when I started writing fiction, I was hooked!
What do you love most about being a writer?
Connecting with my audience, whoever they are, is the best part of being an author. Whether I hear from them in person, through my website or email, on Zoom (I love doing book talks and meeting with book clubs) or on social media, hearing the stories of how my work has touched their lives keeps me going and helps me remember why I do what I do.
Do you prefer traditional or indie publishing?
As a hybrid author, I’ve been traditionally published with large, medium, and small presses. But I also indie publish at least once a year. Prefer? I like the variety!
What’s your favorite fuel (food or beverage) when you’re on a deadline?
That’s easy. A cup of tea in a pretty china teacup when I’m writing. I usually get all comfy and cozy, have a scented candle, and slip into my writing world. When I’m editing, I sit at my desk with a cold drink and chop away. No sweet-scented candle there.
What would you do if you had a whole weekend off to yourself and an unlimited budget?
I love to travel the world. I’ve been to more than fifty countries and still have quite a few more on my Bucket List. When I’m not globe-trotting, I love FaceTiming with my four granddaughters, spending time with family and friends, enjoying my sweet Maltichon, Lucy, hiking, swimming, and ticking off my Bucket List—which is very long.
Thank you for visiting my blog this week, Susan. It’s been fun to get to know you better.
ABOUT SUSAN:
Susan G Mathis is an international award-winning, multi-published author of stories set in the beautiful Thousand Islands, her childhood stomping ground in upstate NY. Susan has been published more than twenty-five times in full-length novels, novellas, and non-fiction books. She has ten in her fiction line including, The Fabric of Hope, Christmas Charity, Katelyn’s Choice, Devyn’s Dilemma, Peyton’s Promise, Sara’s Surprise, Reagan’s Reward, Colleen’s Confession, Rachel’s Reunion, Mary’s Moment and A Summer at Thousand Island House. Her book awards include two Illumination Book Awards, three American Fiction Awards, two Indie Excellence Book Awards, and four Literary Titan Book Awards. Reagan’s Reward is a Selah Awards finalist. Susan is also a published author of two premarital books, two children’s picture books, stories in a dozen compilations, and hundreds of published articles. Susan makes her home in Colorado Springs and enjoys traveling around the world but returns each summer to enjoy the Thousand Islands. Visit www.SusanGMathis.com/fiction for more.
Where can people find you online?
Buy links: Amazon | Barnes&Nobles | Wild Heart Books
Book trailer: A Summer at Thousand Island House book trailer
Social media links: Website |Author Central | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Blog | Goodreads l Instagram| Book Bub|