•  Home  
•  New Products  
•  My Account  
•  Checkout  
•  Contact Us  

Susan Sosbe

 I currently work as an Administrative Assistant for a small company. I think that's my title. They never really said. They just said, "You're hired...do this stuff here." I do Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Payroll, Bills of Lading, Invoicing and all the other little things that pop up in an office. I'm supposed to do filing, but I despise it. I usually wait until I am so far behind on it that they bring in a temp to do it for me. Oh...wait...maybe I shouldn't have said that out loud.

What compelled you to start writing?

I had stories in my head. It was either write them down on paper, or accept them as my reality. I thought I would have less of a chance of being committed to an asylum if I wrote them down on paper.

Have you always wanted to be a writer?

Since I was old enough to realize that there were people behind the books that I loved to read, that they didn't just appear on shelves, I have wanted to write. That is what I wanted to do. I wanted to create those worlds of words for people to get lost in...if only for a short time.

How did you feel the day you learned you would be published?

I was deliriously happy and in shock. I had put the story aside in my head. I didn't want to let it go completely because I liked it, but since it didn't place in the contest, I was ready to move on. The offer to include it in the anthology came as a complete surprise.

What type of music, if any, do you listen to while you write?

I don't listen to music. I'm too easily distracted and I love to absorb myself in the story...I am as much an observer as I am the creator.

What inspires you and motivates you to write the very most?

Life. What I have done, what I wished I had done. What I would do over and what I would do different. Every aspect of my life has been an inspiration.

What one thing are you the most proud of in your life?

Other than my children? I would have to say wringing every ounce of happiness out of my life and living it with very little regrets.

What about your family? Do you have children, married, siblings, parents? Has your family been supportive of your writing?

I have two sons who are incredibly supportive of me. They think it's cool that I'm going to be in a book. I am in a long term relationship with a man who is my rock. He is my perfect partner -- everything I have always wanted. He comes with a wonderfully rambunctious family of his own. My parents have always supported my writing...always. They have always believed that I could go all the way with it. I also have a brother and sister who I adore...even though I drove them insane when we were kids. I was the baby of the family. I think they barely tolerated me...only because they knew they'd get in trouble if they gave me away. Now we are close and I'd like to think they're glad they kept me around.

The main characters of your stories - do you find that you put a little of yourself into each of them or do you create them to be completely different from you?

There is a little of me, and a little of who I wish I could be. But I also like to think they are each their own person...unique.

Is there an established writer you admire and emulate in your own writing? Do you have a writing mentor?

Probably Nora Roberts. There is not much that she writes that I don't like. As for a mentor, that would be our own Michelle L. Devon. If not for her (or you), my writing progress would be seriously delayed. Who would have thought it takes more than a dream to be a writer?

When growing up, did you have a favorite author, book series, or book?

I devoured the Sweet Valley High series by Francine Pascal. There was also a historical series that I loved. They were simply the girls' names as titles and each book was from a different time period of American history.

What about now: who is your favorite author and what is your favorite genre to read?

Again, Nora Roberts. I especially enjoy her trilogies. My favorite genre would be romance with a twist. I also enjoy historical works. If it intrigues me, then I learn what I can about that time period.

Hey, let's get morbid. When they write your obituary, what do you hope they will say about your book/s and writing? What do you hope they will say about you?

"Susan Sosbe was a talented author who sold millions of copies worldwide. Her books captured the essence of the human spirit and she captured the hearts of her devoted fans. She will be greatly missed."

Location and life experience can sprinkle their influence in your writing. Tell us about where you grew up and a little about where you live now - city? Suburb? Country? Farm? If you could live anywhere you want to live, where would that be?

I grew up in a small town in upstate New York called Greenfield Center. It was on the outskirts of Saratoga Springs and the area is rich in history. It fed my love of history that I still carry with me today. Now, I live in Wingate, Indiana. It's another small town where everyone seems to know everyone else. I love small towns. There is nothing else like them. I love driving down the street and having someone wave at you...and you have absolutely no idea who they are. That's the kind of friendliness you find here.

If I could live anywhere...I guess it doesn't matter. I have learned that I could live anywhere as long as I was surrounded by people I love. But I must confess, a mountain view would be lovely.

Do you have any pets? What are they? Tell us about them.

I have a dog, Maggie. She is part Labrador and part Rottweiler She is very smart, very loveable and very high maintenance. She believes that we exist only to pet her...constantly.

Bring us into your home and set the scene for us when you are writing. What does it look like? On the couch, laptop, desk? Music? Lighting, handwriting?

Organized chaos...and that's all I have to say about that.

Do you watch television? If so, what are your favorite shows? Does television influence of inspire your writing?

I like comedies...Two and a Half Men, My Name is Earl. I also love the History Channel and the Discovery Channel. Those two channels do influence my writing to some degree.

What about movies? Same as above.

I love romantic comedies, dramas and suspense. The three key elements to a fulfilling life.

Is there anyone you'd like to specifically acknowledge who has inspired, motivated, encouraged or supported your writing?

Above all...my parents. I can't begin to describe what their support has given me. There is also my high school English teacher...Mr. Atherton-Ely. One short encouraging message on the top of a graded short story assignment still has an impact on my life. And more recently, Rissa Watkins and Michelle L. Devon. I feel like I would still be floating around, with no direction, with just my dream of being a writer as my raft if not for them.

Thinking about your writing career, is there anything you'd go back and do differently now that you have been published?

No, probably not. I'm a firm believer that the path you take is the path that you were meant to take. If I had taken a different step or started the journey at a different time or a different point in life, I would have missed what I have seen and the people I have met. I'm going to say I did it right the first time.

What is your main goal or purpose you would like to see accomplished by your writing?

I would eventually like someone to come up to me and say that my writing changed their life for the better. It would also be nice to be completely self-sufficient with my writing, but that's secondary.

Is there any lesson or moral you hope your story might reveal to those who read it?

Revenge may be sweet, but it is not always your dish to serve.

More information can be found at www.susansosbe.com