AUTHOR INTERVIEW - SUZY TURNER

Suzy Turner is the writer of Raven which is in the August Giveaway and December Moon part two of the Raven Saga.

1. What is your name, where were you born and where do you live now?
   Suzy Turner. I was born in the town of Rotherham, South Yorkshire, England but I've lived in the Algarve, Portugal, since I was ten years old (25 years).
   
   
   
2. What is the name of your latest book, and if you had to summarise it in less than 20 words what would you say?
   Raven: Part I of The Raven Saga. After the disappearance of Lilly's parents, she has to move to Canada where she unravels some frightening yet intriguing family secrets.
   Ok... that's 21!!

3. Do you have plans for a new book? Is this book part of a series?
   Yes, the sequel, December Moon, comes out in September! The third and final instalment (The Lost Soul) will be out March 2012.
   
   
   
4. How long have you been writing?, and who or what inspired you to write?
   I've written ever since I left school, at first as a journalist, then as a features writer before I finally decided to write books. The very first book I wrote was inspired by an interview in Cosmo Magazine with one of my favourite authors at the time, Jenny Colgan. But Raven was inspired by a visit to Powell River in Canada a few years ago. It was such a beautiful place that my creative juices began flowing and Raven was born.
   
   
   
5. Have you ever based characters on people you know or based events on things that have happened to you?
   My characters are entirely fictional... but they won't always be! I've got some great ideas up my sleeve for my chick lit books... with both characters and events based on real life!
   
   
6. Is there a certain Author that influenced you in writing?
   Not really. I have been inspired by certain authors like JK Rowling, Stephenie Meyers, Margaret Atwood, Jenny Colgan, Jean M Auel but I wouldn't say that any influenced me as such.
   
   
7. Which format of book do you prefer, ebook, hardback, or paperback?
   I was always a paperback girl until my Kindle arrived and now I am obsessed with it!
   
   
   
8. What is your favourite book and why? Have you read it more than once?
   The Handmaid's Tale is one of my favourite books and I've read it twice. It's such a powerful story set in an 'infertile' future. Marvellously-well written by Margaret Atwood. Other favourites include Harry Potter and Twilight.
   
   
   
9. Do you think books transfer to movies well? Which is your favourite/worst book to movie transfer?
   Oh yes absolutely! I think the final Harry Potter movie is one of the best ones. It was just fantastic. Lord of the Rings comes close too, as does The Devil Wears Prada. Worst? Hmmm... perhaps The Golden Compass, it was okay but it could have been so much better.
   
   
10. What are you currently reading? Are you enjoying it? What format is it?(ebook, hardback or paperback)
    I'm reading Outside by Shalini Boland. I've had little time to read lately but it is excellent!
    
    
    
11. Is there a book you know you will never read? Or one you tried to read but just couldn't finish?
    Probably something like War and Peace. I'm not into books that take so much concentration. I like to be taken to another world when I'm reading a book... I don't want my brain to hurt! There have been a few books that I've started reading and then stopped but only to start them again months or years later and loved them. I guess it all depends on my frame of mind.
    
    
    
12. Are there any New Authors you are interested in for us to watch out for? and Why should we watch out for them?
    Shalini Boland, Johanna Frappier, Patti Roberts... I've read their books and I've been totally blown away by them. Even though they write YA, they are so different. I am in awe of all of them. Also Miranda Dickinson... she's a traditionally published chick lit writer and her books are amazing.
    
    
    
13. What do you think about book trailers?
    I'm a huge fan! So much so, in fact, that I created two websites purely for book trailers (http://yatrailerpark.com and http://chicklittrailerpark.blogspot.com) I also have trailers for my own books.
    
    
    
14. What piece of advice would you give to a new writer?
    Persevere... never give up on your dream.
    
    
    
15. Do you or would you ever use a pen name?
    I don't at the moment but I will do in the future because I want to try my hand at a few different genres.
    
    
    

Where can readers follow you?

Your blog details? http://suzyturner.blogspot.com
Your web site ? http://suzyturner.com
Your facebook page? http://facebook.com/suzyturnerbooks
Your Goodreads author page? http://goodreads.com/suzyturner
Your Twitter details? http://twitter.com/suzy_turner
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Raven-The-Saga-ebook/dp/B004ZZJ462 

Thank you for taking the time to do this interview and allowing us a glimpse into your world as a writer.