Time to feature another writer this week. Today I’d like to welcome Susan G. Mathis. Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I’ve been teaching writing, editing, or writing most of my life. But before I jumped into the fiction world, I served as the Founding Editor of Thriving Family magazine and the former Editor/Editorial Director of twelve Focus on the Family publications. My first two published books were nonfiction. Countdown for Couples: Preparing for the Adventure of Marriage with an Indonesian and Spanish version, and The ReMarriage Adventure: Preparing for a Life of Love and Happiness, have helped thousands of couples prepare for marriage. I’m also the author of two picture books, Lexie’s Adventure in Kenya and Princess Madison’s Rainbow Adventure. Moreover, I’m published in various book compilations including five Chicken Soup for the Soul books, Ready to Wed, Supporting Families Through Meaningful Ministry, The Christian Leadership Experience, and Spiritual Mentoring of Teens. I’ve also several hundred magazine and newsletter articles. All that was a great foundation for my writing and publishing present and future.
When I started writing fiction…and I was hooked! My imagination has become my playground and the characters my friends. And since I love research, historical fiction is perfect for me. I love the challenge, the freedom, the fun of creating with the Creator. But…I only tell this to those who love fiction—or they might lock me up as a crazy person. Smiles.
Wow! You definitely have an extensive writing background. What genre do you write?
I’m hooked on the wonderful world of historical fiction, and especially the Thousand Islands Gilded Age history. But technically, the sub-genre I write in is called “faction”—factual fiction. The setting and owners of that castle, mansion, or resort are all real characters and stories, and then I overlay fictional servants who tell the story. It’s rather complicated, but oh so much fun.
This gives me so much “scope for the imagination” as Anne Shirley would say. I am also blessed to have accomplished other diverse published works, but it’s tough to promote books to three different audiences—the nonfiction premarital audience, the picture book audience, and now the historical fiction reader audience. So, what have I learned? I love historical faction/fiction and am going to stick with that! Smiles.
I write historical romance. My focus is character growth. I’m sucker for romance and happy endings, so if a relationship is part of my main character’s storyline, all the better!
You have me intrigued. Tell us about your recent release.
Elizabeth Montonna, daughter of the Tibbett’s Point Lighthouse keeper, thought she’d love the lighthouse life forever—until her mother, on her deathbed, reveals a long-buried secret. Now Elizabeth’s world has been turned upside down, making her question if she’ll ever truly belong and be loved. But when a dashing young sailor appears on her shore, wounded and disoriented, she finds purpose in helping him recover. Although the man knows nothing about his past or identity, his kindness and character steal a little more of her heart each day. If only she knew his full name.
When Owen awakes on the shore of Lake Ontario with no knowledge of who he is, or where he was headed when his ship wrecked, he has no choice but to accept the hospitality of the lighthouse keeper and his lovely daughter. But as Owen works to repay their kindness, and his relationship with Libby turns into something more, he knows their budding romance can go no further until he uncovers his past.
With each passing day, Owen inches closer to discovering the secrets of his identity, but will the revelations bring him closer to Libby or tear them apart forever?
Sounds like a fun read. How is faith interwoven in your books?
Every book I write is a journey of healing and hope, and this one was no different. My faith walk is reflected in each of my stories to one degree or another.
I can relate to that too. What things do you like to do outside of writing?
I love to travel the world. I’ve been to more than fifty countries and still have quite a few more on my Dream List. When I’m not globe-trotting, I love FaceTiming with my four granddaughters, spending time with family and friends, enjoying hiking, swimming, and ticking off my Dream List—which is very long.
Sounds like you stay busy. 🙂 Do you have a favorite setting for your books?
I grew up just twenty minutes from the Thousand Islands—the setting for all my stories—in upstate New York. Actually, half of the 1,864 islands are in NY and the other half in Ontario, Canada. So, I spent every summer and more exploring the beautiful region. I’ve stayed on several of the islands and camped and rented cottages there. So, after I wrote my debut novel about the largest island, Wolfe Island, I was hooked. There are so many fascinating stories to tell.
Now, I take an annual Thousand Islands Book Tour to the islands where I meet with fans, friends, and family. I’ve stayed in Singer Castle, Casa Blanca, and other places that are the settings of my book. I’ve talked with the owners of the islands, local historians, and researched in the Thousand Islands archives.
All my novels are based on a specific place in the Thousand Islands and are the true stories of the owners of that island. So, my plot is generally true. Then I overlay the storyline of the fictional servants to create the story. This makes my stories a bit more challenging, but I love a good challenge.
Wow! Sounds like an interesting area. Tell us a little about your research for this book.
Though I visit the lighthouse annually, I also researched online, in books, and with interviews. With all the details I collected, I wove a story that is visceral, interesting, and I think, memorable.
I love lighthouse stories. What do you wish you knew about writing before you got started?
As a kid, I read incessantly, so that is always helpful to becoming a writer. But I wish I had journaled more—and kept the journals I had as a child. That was never encouraged in my childhood, but I liked to write and never kept my work. My four granddaughters now journal and it’s a fascinating glimpse into their precious lives.
I have a lot of my stories I wrote in high school. 🙂 Where can readers find you online?
Susan’s website: https://www.susangmathis.com/fiction-books
Buy links: Amazon | Barnes&Nobles | Wild Heart Books
Book trailer: Libby’s Lighthouse book trailer
Social media links: Website |Author Central | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Blog | Goodreads l Instagram| Book Bub|
Thanks for stopping by today, Susan. It’s great to learn more about you and your writing.
Thank you for sharing
Thanks for stopping by!