
Debbie: Susan, please tell us a little about yourself.
Susan: I grew up in Pittsburgh and after living in many states, from Alaska to New York, I relish living and working in East Lansing. I am managing editor for an online magazine – YaleGlobal Online – which explores globalization defined as the interconnectedness of our world. These connections turn up in politics, economic, trade and security alliances, labor, health care, environment and many other ways – and what better job could there be than exploring the world and such connections through reading and writing? Chance encounters can leave lasting effects, and with instant global communications, a few ideas resonate and travel far. Such connections and encounters have found their way into my stories.
Debbie: And, of course, we want to know all about your books.
Susan: All my writing focuses on characters, ordinary people, both parents and their children, who question troublesome policies that others in their communities take for granted. As an editor and former newspaper reporter, I enjoy analyzing how public polices influence families and small communities – and analyzing these through fiction.


Debbie: Other books or projects on the horizon?
Susan: I have started a third book set in Afghanistan, but may take a detour into a story about a family with many secrets and resentments – possibly set in Michigan or Pennsylvania.
Debbie: Upcoming appearances?
Susan: Nothing on the schedule at this moment, but I always enjoy to speaking about writing and publishing, the celebrity culture, and many topics related to globalization for libraries, book groups, senior centers, clubs or classrooms for students of all ages. I have given many programs in Maine, Connecticut, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Florida, Georgia as well as Michigan.
Debbie: Do you have a favorite Michigan bookstore? And/or a favorite Michigan library?

Debbie: How about a favorite place in Michigan?
Susan: The lakeside communities are stunningly beautiful, friendly and peaceful – Alpena, Saugatuck, Cheboygan – with the Great Lakes, again it’s very hard to decide!
Debbie: Do you have a Michigan event or happening that you love to attend?

Debbie: A few fun Michigan people we should all know about?
Susan: Peg Herring is a talented and thoughtful mystery writer who juggles three series (The Loser Series, The Dead Detective Series and the Simon and Elizabeth Tudor Series) along with many other projects. She is fantastic at organizing, motivating and mentoring writers of all levels. She is adventurous and never shoots down new ideas. Connie Doherty, who just released her first mystery book, has a great voice and imagination.

Debbie: Something you'd like a non-Michigander to know about Michigan?
Susan: The people are open, friendly and the best at making their communities welcoming places.
Debbie: Last question. Some folks in Michigan refer to themselves as Michiganders, others as Michiganians. For our ongoing vote tally: are you a Michigander or a Michiganian?
Susan: Count me in with the ganders.
Debbie: Susan, we'll add you to the Michigander column. Thank you for joining us today for Michigander Monday!
To learn more about Susan and her books, visit her web site (which includes her blog), Facebook page, Twitter account, and Yale Global.
3 comments:
I have know Susan from her times in CT. Not only is she a great author, but she is a great mother to a wonderful son. Always willing to help out and is a great friend to those she meets.
I have long appreciated how clearly Susan is able to bring awareness and understanding of complex issues to a broad audience.Both in her journalism and fiction she stands out as a voice of authority and compassion. I'm looking forward to her next book!
I'd like to return Susan's compliment. She also encourages other writers and listens to others with discerning intelligence. Along with all its other enticements, Michigan has many good mystery writers. We're glad Susan has joined the native Michiganders and quickly become part of the writing community in our beautiful state.
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