Interview with Sue Dent, Author of Never Ceese

Sue Dent is the author of Never Ceese, published recently by Journey Stone Creations. She's currently working on the sequel Forever Richard, as well as a variety of other writing and graphic art projects.

Q: When did you first decide you might like to become a writer?

I don't know that I ever decided. I just have a creative itch that needs to be scratched. It started with art and I stuck with that for a long time. I didn't really start filling the void with writing until I realized how much I enjoyed it. I still enjoy art and did my own book cover. I love the design aspect as well. Computers and programming are sort of creative for me as well and I incorporate a lot of what I've learned along the way into my writing. For instance, even though I qualify as a "pantser" plotter, once I do have the plot figured out, I flowchart it to make sure all the loose ends get tied up. Or at least the ones I want to be tied up.

Q:What made you decide to write this book? Where did you get your inspirations?

I felt like I was wasting my time and wanted to put a purpose behind my writing. I have two children, one thirteen, one seven. I didn't want them to think I was just playing on the computer all day long when so many things needed to be done. This did sort of inspire me too. I want to prove to my children that you can have a job and enjoy it as well. My decision to write this particular book was that I desperately wanted to show that it was possible to write something inspirational in a genre that is typically very dark.

Q: When you write, are you more a planner - outline, notes - or "stream-of-consciousness" (write as it comes to you)

As I stated above, "seat of the pants!" My mind is my playground. I do use outlines and notes as the story grows because I seem to get so many things going on. It works too because I had one lady tell me she couldn't believe how I managed to tie up all the loose ends back up!

Q: What role do you think religion should play in writing fiction? Do you favor more of an indirect role, or direct role in your style?I write from my heart. I don't believe fiction can be successful and preachy at the same time. I don't believe anything can be which is why Jesus used parables so often. Okay, perhaps that's just my opinion but so be it. Fiction should be written to entertain. If you're a Christian then it should stand to reason that this will influence your words and your message.

Q: What marketing ideas are you working on? Do you have a website or a blog?

My marketing idea initially was to get a publisher because they had distributors. I'd already read how POD's operated and knew I didn't want that. So I studied hard about how to get picked up by a publisher and prayed even harder. I'll let you guess which one of those two options worked but here's a hint: I got the attention of my current Christian publisher ten minutes after I queried them. Yes I have a website and a blog and this wonderful website and the community it serves. I also am helping my publisher with their site as well for the time being.

Q: What's your next project?

My sequel. Be ready for it!! Forever Richard is nearly ready to go to the editor. I'd so like to have it ready for the BEA next year but I don't want to put it out there before its time. Perhaps an ARC will be ready. It's my goal anyway. Q. Who are some of your favorite authors/writers? Which one would you say has been your biggest influence?

John Grisham, Roger Zelazny, Philip Jose Farmer, there's just so many. I used to read non-stop when I was a kid. I'd have to say Mr. Grisham has been my biggest influence but mainly because I love how he paces his books. And he's from Mississippi. Maybe not originally but it's where he spent a lot of his time. I spend so much time writing now though, I hardly have time to read. Sad but true.

Q: What's the best thing aspiring writers can do to hone their craft?

They same thing everyone else does to hone a craft. Practice, practice, practice. If you seem to have a lot of problems with POV, then practice that. Whatever you're weaker at, work on it. Oh and ask other authors what they do when they need to improve in an area. And most of all, learn from others mistakes.

Q: What one thing would you say to aspiring writers to encourage them in their own writing?

Don't think just because you made an A in English and were at the top of your class that you don't need an editor. Don't you dare think that! Look around and find you one you like and let them help you. Yes, you need help! We all do when it comes to fine tuning. If we didn't, why would there be editors?