Susan Nicholson Interview Published on: 05, Jan 2021
Since how long have you been living in Canberra with your husband Greg and your King Charles Cavalier Jesse?
I have lived in Canberra Australia since I was 2 years old after moving from Queanbeyan N.S.W Australia. I married my husband Greg in 2007 and we moved into our new home and bought our king charles cavalier Jesse to live with us in 2010!
How has your husband supported you in your writing career?My husband has supported me 100% in writing my story while I cared for my mother who was paralysed from two strokes. My husband Greg kept the home side of everyday life going which was an enormous help!
As an author, what do you believe is your best asset? What three words would you use to describe yourself?As an author I believe my best asset is the ability to write straight from my heart on everyday issues that my audience can relate to! Honest, Raw and Transparent!
How has been your experience of being the founder and an administrator in an Australian support group?I have found my experience as the founder and administrator of the Australian Support Group for a rare genetic disease which I suffer from a challenge and confronting but I am passionate to find anybody who is living in Australia with the disease. It gives encouragement and support to all our members and prior to Covid we could all meet up with each other so it gives a real sense of belonging and bonding!
What challenges did you face while writing your debut novel "Life, Loss, and Love"?While I was writing Life, Loss and Love it was very healing to be able to write my truth but I was also very aware that my children and family/friends would be reading it and I felt like I put my heart and soul on the line to be judged which caused me great anxiety but I felt this story needed to be told! because it covers many social issues that are not talked about and often swept under the carpet!
What was your favorite part, and your least favorite part, of the publishing journey?My favourite part of publishing was that it was finally going to reach people who needed to hear how you can overcome tragedy but I found the hardest part was getting people to read it and review it. Publishing was harder than writing it!
Are you friends with other authors? If so, how have they helped you in your journey as a writer?I became friends with other authors and they helped me by encouraging me to keep going when I was in a place I didn't feel I could keep writing and they have helped me with understanding how to self publish. I called on a couple quite often and they were a wonderful support to me.
What do you consider the toughest aspect of being an author?The toughest part of being a non fiction author is that I write about my struggles and lives of my loved ones and finding a balance of what needs to be written about and what needs to be left out!
Do you ever leave book reviews on other author's books? What do reviews mean to you?I leave book reviews to any book that I have read because I know now the time and energy that goes into writing a book and I have a greater appreciation of authors now! When someone leaves me a book review it is like GOLD to me because to receive how my story has helped them and what they have got from reading my book helps me and I always feel emotional and so grateful and validated. I often wish I knew more about them and I want to reach out to them because in their review they have told me a bit about themselves.
What kind of books do you like to read in your spare time? Who is one of your favorite authors?I love non fiction true stories as I am very interested in people! I also like to read self awareness and self help books because I believe we can always understand ourselves better. My favourite author for self help is Melody Beattie.
What, to you, is an ideal setting or environment for a good writing session?I love a quiet setting for writing and with a little background noise but no music or television on as I need to have no distractions
If you could describe your journey as an author in one word, what would it be?One word to describe my journey as an author is "Challenging!"
Are you working on anything at the present you would like to share with your readers about?I would like to work on a second edition and add another chapter or two because a lot has happened since I finished and I would like to bring the readers up to date as they have expressed this in some of their reviews and talking to a few people who have read Life, Loss and Love!
What do you think of AllAuthor? Has this website been helpful to you?AllAuthor website is wonderful with giving my book and myself more exposure and I have found them amazing helping me with the technical side of things which I find difficult. I have also made friends with other authors and have a following! I find AllAuthor very professional and understanding which has helped my journey so much more!
