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Susan Braun Interview

Susan Barnett Braun

Tell us a little about yourself and your work.

I’m a teacher who stopped working when my 3 girls were born. When I taught, I still wrote devotionals and teaching tips, which I had published in magazines. But as my girls got older and I had more free time, I began writing more. I began with my blog in 2008, and expanded into books. I’ve written five of those now.

You’ve got 20 words to sell your work. Tempt us.

My best-seller is about “Mad” King Ludwig. He invited his horse to dinner, slept during the day, and died in water 3′ deep.

Where do you like to write?

In my kitchen, at my computer.

Is there anything you must have in order to write?

Quiet — as in, I prefer it when no one else is home. Sometimes I do tune in to a Pandora station related to the subject matter I’m writing about.

What books have influenced you most, both as a person and as an author?

I like to read a lot — both because I enjoy it, and because I feel that the best way to be a good writer is for good writing to “rub off” on me. I began by writing my memoir, and I was influenced in that by “A Girl Named Zippy” and “The Glass Castle.”

What is the one thing that has helped you develop most as an author?

See above. Reading the works of good writers.

What do you want to achieve most from your writing?

Like most authors, I love knowing that others are reading (and hopefully enjoying) something I’ve written. I’m a quiet, introverted person, and writing is my preferred way to connect with others.

What is the ideal relationship between editor and author?

Mutual respect. It also helps when an author (or anyone, really) is teachable. I see this not just in writing but in my role as a school teacher, and also as a piano teacher. Agree or disagree with advice, but at least be humble enough to accept and try the suggestions offered.

If you had a direct line to someone who loves your writing, what would you say?

You made my day! Thank you for reading my work.

If you had a direct line to someone who hates your writing, what would you say?

Thanks for giving my books a try. I don’t like some books I read either, so no hard feelings. There are books out there for everyone …

If you could give one piece of advice to an aspiring author, what would it be?

Write. Write every day. The more you do it, the better you’ll become. Read and discover a writing style you enjoy. You can also make note of things you don’t like.

What does your writing future hold for you?

I’m currently quite busy with my blog. I sometimes write creatively there, but more and more I write for clients, and I’m enjoy that different type of writing. No books on the horizon currently, but I like checking my sales figures and my reviews each day at Amazon.

How have you set about the task of creating enticing cover art?

As an author with a small budget, I have done a few myself (with the help of my graphics-gifted teen), and I’ve gotten ideas from talented professionals at fiverr.com as well.

How often do you read? What genre?

I read every day. Many genres — I tend to alternate between fiction and non-. I’m not a romance or a sci-fi fan, but pretty much everything else is fair game. I love history, memoir/biography, literary fiction, the list goes on …

For Susan’s books, visit the links below.

Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge: A Biography for Children I Love to Tell the Story: Growing Up Blessed and Baptist in Small Town Indiana Not So Happily Ever After: The Tale of King Ludwig II Sophie, Pay Attention! A Dog Called Naaman

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  1. Attic GirlAttic Girl04-14-2016

    It was enjoyable to read about Susan Barnett Braun and the pleasure she derives from her writing skills. It sounds like she touches many lives in various ways. Indie Book Butler, thank you so much for the interview. It shows me what a homemaker/wife/mother can accomplish in her own home.

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