Meet author Susan G Mathis

Just for fun, I thought you’d enjoy a Meet the Author blog with me.

Tell us about your newest book.

It’s the summer of 1914 and Colleen Sullivan conceals secrets when she joins her aunt on Comfort Island to work in the laundry and await her betrothed’s arrival. She loves to draw and dreams of growing in the craft. But tragedy strikes when her fiancé perishes in the sinking of the ocean liner RMS Empress of Ireland on his way to meet her. With her orphan dreams of finally belonging and becoming a wife and an artist gone, what will her future hold?

Austrian immigrant, Jack Weiss, enjoys being the island’s groundskeeper and is smitten by the lovely Irish lass. But Colleen dismisses him at every turn, no matter how much he admires her art, tries to keep her safe, and waters the blossoms of love. Perhaps introducing her to the famous impressionist, Alson Skinner Clark, will brighten her opinion of him. But rumors of war in Europe means Jack must choose between joining his homeland’s army or staying safe in the Thousand Islands as he makes a life with Colleen. If she will have him.

What genre do you focus on?

I’m hooked on the wonderful world of historical fiction, and especially the Thousand Islands Gilded Age history. It’s gives me so much “scope for the imagination” as Anne Shirley would say. I am also blessed to have accomplished such 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 fiction and am going to stick with that! Smiles.

Why do you write?

Eric Liddel said, “When I run, I feel His pleasure,” and I can sure relate. When I write, I feel His pleasure! So even though it’s hard work, I enjoy it immensely.

What does a day in your writing world look like?

Since I’m a morning person, I generally spend three to five hours plugging away, depending upon the project, deadlines, etc. I spend the first few minutes answering emails, checking on my social media pages, and planning my day. But then I buckle down and write, write, write! When I’ve exhausted my creativity, I take a break and move on to the editorial aspects of writing.

What’s the best part of your author’s life?

Connecting with my audience, whoever they are, is the best part of being an author. Whether I hear from them in person, through my website or email, on Zoom (I love doing book talks and meeting with book clubs) or on social media, hearing the stories of how my work has touched their lives keeps me going and helps me remember why I do what I do.

What writing are you most proud of?

Although I am so humbled to have five published books for adults and children, have published works in several book compilations, have written curriculum, wrote a weekly newspaper column, have had several hundred magazine and newsletter articles, and more, I’m most thrilled to have my family legacy in print. The Fabric of Hope: An Irish Family Legacy is a work of the heart, mind, and emotions as all my books are.

What is your favorite pastime?

I love to travel the world. We’ve been to more than 40 countries and still have several more on my bucket list. When I’m not globe-trotting, I love FaceTiming with my four granddaughters, spending time with family and friends, and enjoying my sweet Maltichon, Lucy.

Do you have other books? We’d love to know.

My first two books of The Thousand Islands Gilded Age series, Devyn’s Dilemma, and Katelyn’s Choice have each won multiple awards, and book three, Peyton’s Promise, comes out May 2022. Rachel’s Reunion is coming in October 2022. The Fabric of Hope: An Irish Family Legacy, Christmas Charity, and Sara’s Surprise, and Reagan’s Reward,are award winners, too. I’m also a published author of two premarital books, two children’s picture books, stories in a dozen compilations, and hundreds of published articles.

What are you working on now?

I’m researching my book four of The Thousand Islands Gilded Age series, Mary Moment, and I’m itching to get started on writing it. I love jumping into my story world and watching where my wonderful characters take me.

Want to support Susan and share the love?

Here are things you can do:

Read Colleen’s Confession and write a positive review on Amazon and Goodreads.
Copy and post your review on Facebook (and other social media you use.) Please be sure to tag Susan.
Watch and share her book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mc3W_tu55vE
Comment and share any social media posts you see about Colleen’s Confession.
Invite Susan to speak at your book club or other group. She loves visiting with you whether on Zoom, FaceTime, or in person.
Give her books as gifts; they make great Christmas gifts!
Take a photo of the book(s) (a selfie is even better). It’s so fun for others to see the book in your personal reading setting. If you read it in a camper or on your sofa or at a table or in bed or in a coffee shop, just take a picture of the book there. Then post it! If you’re on Instagram, this is a great photo for that too. Again, be sure to tag Susan.
On Amazon, click “helpful” on the reviews you like.
Suggest her books to others—word of mouth is still the best!