Love Lines From God: Susan Mathis

Thursday, April 9, 2020

Author Interview with Susan Mathis

Today, Love Lines from God welcomes author, Susan Mathis.

After a career in writing nonfiction, I hear you’ve settled into writing only historical fiction. What is your most difficult writing obstacle?

Transitioning from writing nonfiction to historical fiction was a huge leap but a wonderful discovery in finding my sweet spot. I studied fiction writing for about two years before launching out in this wonderful journey. I read books about the craft, went to writing conferences, and learned from mentors, critique groups, and more, and I’m thrilled to dedicate the rest of my writing career to this genre. Now I have five published historical fiction books on the market and am working on another for the end of the year.

Why do you write what you do and where do your ideas come from?

I grew up just twenty minutes from the Thousand Islands. In fact, my husband and I visit the Thousand Islands region in upstate NY every summer. It’s a beautiful, largely unknown piece of the world where the St. Lawrence River meets Lake Ontario. There are nearly 1800 islands there, including the largest, Wolfe Island, which is in Ontario, Canada.

I chose the Gilded Age because that’s when the playground of the rich and famous took off—1872 until about 1910. The Bournes were one of the Gilded Age titan families from New York city whose “hunting lodge” called The Towers was built on Dark Island. Intrigue, mystery, and beauty surround this Thousand Islands Gilded Age story.

All summer long, tourists enjoy cruising around the Thousand Islands, passing by Pullman Island (the setting of my first novel, Katelyn’s Choice), and hearing the stories of yesteryear. As a historic landmark, these islands are invaluable, and so are the stories that go with it.

What kind of research did you have to do?

Ah, how I love research, and I love to be accurate. Besides combing through volumes of information, there’s nothing like being there on the island. The owner of the island has had us over to visit the island twice now. He’s toured us around and let us roam at will to get the “feel” of being there. My sweet hubby took hundreds of photos that jog my memory as I write.

I’m also super blessed because my historical editor is the president of the Thousand Islands Historical Association and has written several nonfiction books about the island. She’s awesome and has gone through each of my manuscripts with a fine-tooth comb. When I mistakenly have my character take a left instead of a right to get to the kitchen, she faithfully corrects me.

What is the hardest thing about the creative process of writing?

Sleeping. I lie in bed and think about the next scene, the next chapter, and the next book until I have to get up and write it down.

What are the challenges you believe Christian writers face now and in the future?

Being salt and light in this ever politically-correct and darkening world without beating readers over the head with the truth. We need to season our writing with love and truth, but also make it palatable for not just the choir.

If you would, please tell us what was the hardest thing about writing your last book? And how long does it typically take you to finish your books?

It takes me less than six months to write a full-length novel—three to four months for a novella. I guess the hardest thing was knowing how much detail to add to my story. There was so much interesting information I could’ve added, but that’s where my wonderful editor helped me slice and dice it to perfection.

Name your three biggest frustrations about the writing business.

Spending so much time marketing, low return on investment (few authors get paid what they deserve) and Amazon gobbling up so much of the marketplace.

On the flip side, what excites you the most about the creative process?

Dreaming up the story! The characters. The scenes. The plot. And taking real historical figures and places and integrating them into a story that shows what it was like back then. My imagination really is my playground.

Tell us a little about Devyn’s Dilemma.

Longing for love, can she escape the shadows that follow her to Dark Island?

1910, Thousand Islands, New York. Others may consider The Towers castle on Dark Island an enchanting summer retreat, but to Devyn McKenna, it’s a prison. Yet as she works as a maid for Frederick Bourne, former president of the Singer Sewing Machine Company, her life blossoms under the kindness of his family and fascinating entrepreneurs such as J.P. Morgan, Thomas Lipton, and Captain Vanderbilt. But more than anything, the growing friendship of Mr. Bourne’s valet, Brice McBride, begins to pry away the painful layers that conceal Devyn’s heart.

Brice is drawn to the mysterious Devyn even though he’s certain she’s hiding a secret, one far more dangerous than the clues they find in The Towers that hint of a treasure on the island. When Devyn is accused of stealing Bourne’s investment in Vanderbilt’s New York City subway expansion, he might not be able to protect her.

Can you give us your social links so others can follow you?

Website: www.SusanGMathis.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SusanGMathis

Twitter: https://twitter.com/@SusanGMathis

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susangmathis

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/susangmathisaut

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6044608.Susan_G_Mathis

And can you give us the buy links for you newest book?

Lighthouse Publishing: https://shoplpc.com/devyns-dilemma

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Devyns-Dilemma-Thousand-Islands-Gilded/dp/1645262731

Susan G Mathis is an award-winning, multi-published author of stories set in the beautiful Thousand Islands, her childhood stomping ground in upstate NY. Her first two books of The Thousand Islands Gilded Age series, Devyn’s Dilemma and Katelyn’s Choice are available now, and she’s working on book three. The Fabric of Hope: An Irish Family Legacy, Christmas Charity, and Sara’s Surprise are also available. Visit www.SusanGMathis.com for more.

Susan is also a published author of two premarital books with her husband, Dale, two children's picture books, stories in a dozen compilations, and hundreds of published articles. Susan makes her home in Colorado Springs, enjoys traveling globally with her wonderful husband, and relishes each time she gets to see or Skype with her four granddaughters.

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Friday, March 22, 2019

Interview with Author, Susan Mathis

Today, we welcome author, Susan Mathis, to Love Lines from God.

Susan, tell us about your book, Katelyn’s Choice.

The Gilded Age comes to life in this first installment of the Thousand Islands Series with Katelyn’s Choice.

Katelyn Kavanagh’s mother dreamed her daughter would one day escape the oppressive environment of their Upstate New York farm for service in the enchanting Thousand Islands, home to Gilded Age millionaires. But when her wish comes true, Katelyn finds herself in the service of none other than the famous George Pullman, and the transition proves anything but easy.

Thomas O’Neill, brother of her best friend, is all grown up and also working on Pullman Island. Despite Thomas’ efforts to help the irresistible Katelyn adjust to the intricacies of her new world, she just can’t seem to tame her gossiping tongue—even when the information she’s privy to could endanger her job, the 1872 re-election of Pullman guest President Ulysses S. Grant, and the love of the man of her dreams.

When did you decide to become a writer? In other words, what made you actually sit down and write something?

I can’t remember not writing. I’ve taught Language Arts for nine years to fourth to eighth graders, had my own newspaper column, have written missions curriculum, and have written just about anything God put in my path.

Before I jumped into the fiction world, I served as the Founding Editor of Thriving Family magazine and the former Editor/Editorial Director of 12 Focus on the Family publications. My first two published books were nonfiction, co-authored with my husband, Dale. I also authored two picture books and am 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 swore I’d never write fiction, but never say never! My hubby and I went to a book talk/signing, and after we left, I jokingly said, “I could write a story about a quilt!” I then proceeded to tell him the entire story, and he said, “Well, write it!” Thus began my journey of writing historical fiction.

Every writer is eventually asked this question, but where do your ideas come from?

I grew up in the Thousand Islands, and there are so many wonderful stories to tell. The Thousand Islands Gilded Age is full of wonderful islands and characters like George Pullman, Frederick Bourne, and hundreds of famous people like J.P. Morgan, Vanderbilt, and others. So I aim to tell at least some of them.

Why do you write what you do?

I fell in love with the Thousand Islands as a young girl, but it wasn’t until the summer of 2016 that I felt inspired to write The Thousand Islands Gilded Age series. By then I had completed my debut novel, The Fabric of Hope: An Irish Family Legacy, a story set partially on the largest island, Wolfe Island, Canada. Christmas Charity is also set in the Thousand Islands.

What is the hardest thing about the creative process of writing?

Time. I have too many ideas for one lifetime.

What surprised you the most during the research or writing of your book?

A few years ago, my husband and I visited Wolfe Island, Pullman Island, and Singer Castle on Dark Island. We met some wonderful people who kept the intriguing Thousand Island history deep in their hearts, and I gleaned all kinds of valuable information and made special friends in the process. My historical editor is the president of the Thousand Islands Historical Association and a Thousand Islands author herself. Seeing and experiencing the area as I wrote made my writing come to life, and my historical editor keeps the history accurate.

If you’re a Christian, what are the challenges you believe Christian writers face now and in the future?

The market is so inundated by the good, the bad, and the ugly that it’s hard to find the space and audience.

If you would, please tell us what was the hardest thing about writing your last book? How long does it typically take you to finish your books?

Both of my novels took about six months to write. The hardest part was finding the time to get it out of my head and onto my computer. The toughest scene to write was a near-drowning scene. As a former lifeguard, I know how traumatic it is to nearly drown.

Name your three biggest frustrations about the writing business.

The time it takes to do all the marketing, social media that constantly changes its algorithms, and the challenges of building a platform.

On the flip side, what excites you the most about the creative process?

Everything! I love creating a world and characters that touch the readers’ lives.

What themes do you return to again and again in your writing?

In all my stories, I include an Irish character and tea, since I’m Irish and love tea! But faith, hope, and love are reoccurring themes in my stories.

What are you reading at the moment, and who are a few of your favorite authors and why?

I enjoy reading everything from children’s picture books to nonfiction to contemporary and historical fiction. But if I had to choose, I’d settle in with Christian historical fiction and that’s what I’m writing from now on.

Tell us about your next project.

Book two of the Thousand Islands Gilded Age series comes to life in Devyn’s Dilemma. It’ll release in April 2020. Here’s the summary of the story: Twenty-year-old Devyn McKenna is nervous about working on Dark Island in the imposing Castle called the Towers, a 28-room structure complete with dungeons, underground passageways, and castle secrets. Devyn struggles to find the self-confidence she needs to carry out her duties as a housemaid in the summer home of the wealthy president of the Singer Sewing Machine Company, Frederick Bourne. As she serves the likes of Brig. Gen. Cornelius Vanderbuilt III and others, her curiosity for learning grows. But when she is accused of stealing his plans for expanding the NYC subway and learns her brother ‘borrowed’ the plans and the man she loves believes she was the culprit, her faith is tested like never before.

Thank you, Susan, for spending a few minutes with us today. We wish you the best as you continue your writing journey.

Author bio:

Susan G Mathis is a multi-published author of stories set in the beautiful Thousand Islands, her childhood stomping ground in Upstate New York. Her first novel, The Fabric of Hope: An Irish Family Legacy, her Thousand Islands Gilded Age series, and her novellas will transport you to a time and place few have visited. Susan makes her home in Colorado Springs, enjoys traveling globally with her husband, Dale, and relishes time with her four adorable granddaughters. Find out more at http://www.SusanGMathis.com.