One of my most frequently asked questions is from readers who say, “Any new books, Sue?” Well…
My odyssey toward that illusive “new book” began way back in 2002. That year my sixth Alaska book was published by William Morrow/HarperCollins. That’s when the first of three devastating events took place in my life. First, my publisher requested no more Alaska books. Ouch.
Second, my beloved agent, Rhoda Weyr, retired.
Third, my mother-in-law was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and I became her (and my father-in-law’s) primary caregiver.
The effect on my writing career was immediate. I continued to write, but often my writing time was less than an hour a week. What I did turn out was disjointed and incomplete. The care-giving years were some of the most difficult and heartrending – yet blessed – years of my life. Many times the only way I was able to get through a day was by listening to God whisper love in my ear.
When the Lord took my mother-in-law to a far better life, I decided to write from the foundation of my Christian faith. That meant I needed a new agent who was familiar with the CBA (Christian Booksellers Association) arena.
In February 2011, I was fortunate to have Rachelle Gardner of WordServe Literary (now of Books & Such) accept me as a client. She is currently putting together a marketing proposal that she will send to editors in an attempt to find a publisher for my current manuscript, BILLIONS, a novel classified as women’s contemporary fiction.
In this game, there are no promises. My track record as a published novelist doesn’t guarantee success in the future. I pray that eventually I’ll be able to run a “News” feature on this website celebrating publication. Meanwhile, I count my blessings, for they are many!
Sue
I’m so sorry to here about your Mother-in-law. I can still vividly remember the short time I spent with you when I persented you with the scrimshawed Caribou Antler. It was like being in a close family members home.
May God bless your new journeys with your new book. Is this the same one you were telling me about back then?
I also sent you another email on a different matter. Hope to here from you soon.
I just love that picture of the sunset. I take it was from your back yard across the lake.?
Hi Eldon, great to hear from you! Yes, my husband took the photo from our deck. It’s a preview of my new Monday morning Blog – MySky, No Words, Just Serenity, which will feature Neil’s photography. We figure the world could use a little serenity on Monday mornings! We hope to have all in place by the first Monday in September.
Thank you, Eldon. Good luck with your jewelry line!
Hi Sue,
I can not tell you how your books have given me pleasure. I have been bursting with anticipaton for another to come out. I can’t wait to read your next book. I am so happy that the Lord has touched your life. Isn’t He just awesome? I know you will do great in your writing endeavors.
Thank you so much, Karen! God is good!
Hi Sue,
My Sister the Moon was the first book I read by you. My husband who is an avid reader then gifted me the remainder 5 books of The Ivory Carver trilogy and The Story Teller Trilogy. I cannot begin to tell you how these stories touched me. I hope and I beg that one day you will surprise us with a new story of this genre. I will await patiently.
Thank you, Dora! I appreciate your kind patience!
Hi Sue, First let me say your publisher is crazy. I love the Alaska books and know many many people that do to. I have read both trilogies many times and always feel like I am falling back on an old friend when I start them again.
I understand the challenges of being a care giver I have been doing it for years and it can really put a stop to your life. I hope you can get something new started because your wonderful talent should not be wasted. Thank you for so many hours of enjoyment. Can’t wait till you can bring out something new.
Thank you, Norma. My prayers go your way for your care-giving responsibilities. It’s a good time for spiritual growth, isn’t it.
Hi Sue, I really enjoyed reading your Alaskan historical stories. If you are looking for some subject matter, look just south a bit. The Hidia, Nishga, Timsian are as old as your previous subjects. Waiting for a new story, I to have gone through the caregiver stage in my life and your stories helped me through some difficult times. Thank you Sue.
Yes, Leslie, The Hidia, Nishga and Tsimsian cultures are incredibly interesting and would make wonderful novels. Thank you for your kind words!
Dear Sue, I cannot believe your old publisher wanted you to quit writing Alaska books – that’s really sick. I hope you don’t give up them easily. About Alzheimer’s, why don’t you write about that – place it in Alaska. I’m sure it was a disease back then too. – it’s certainly something we need to know about and know more about. I just finished reading 3 Christian books by Bunn and Oke – I wish you would write about those times also but start when Jesus was a young man. Our country is starving for this history. Keep writing – we need you. Hugs, Maggie in Florida
Thank you so much for your encouragement, Maggie! I love writing, and my life is at the point when I do have more time than a did a few years ago. Parent care is and has been a huge issue in my life for the past ten years, but I’ve learned how to find the time I need and how to ask for it from other members of my family. So this year I have been able to finish a couple of romantic suspense novels for the inspirational market, a whole new kind of writing for me, but lots of fun. I’ll be sure to let all my readers know through this blog and via other means if my agent finds a publisher for what I’m now writing.
I haven’t been to Florida in several years, Maggie, but you never know. If I have a book published, it would be a great place for a signing or lecture tour!!