Interview Suzanne Hurley

by Alison Stuart

1) When did you start writing?

As far back as I remember I always wrote. I began with short stories then gravitated to working on my High School newspaper. I continued to write, even if it was just to put my thoughts down on paper. I always loved and continue to love the creativity and freedom of creating imaginary worlds of fiction.

2) What or who has been the greatest influence on your writing?

My three brothers have been my greatest influence since they share a love of mysteries as well. They owned the series 'The Hardy Boys,' and as a young child, I borrowed and devoured every one of their books and grew up with Frank and Joe Hardy as well as Chet Morton. I then gravitated to Agatha Christie and then to every mystery I could get my hands on.

3) What inspired you to write Changeable Facades?

Camping in Plum Orchard State Park near Pax, West Virginia, inspired me to write this book. I fell in love with the area and the warm hospitality of the people I met. It was while I was jogging through the park that this plot formed, took root, and flourished. The many hills, twists and turns of West Virginia mirrored the many twists and turns I tried to create in my own book.

4) What sort of work do you do with young people and do you find yourself drawing on real people in your writing?

I am a Chaplain in a High School so I work with young people on a daily basis. Although I write about young people, the ones in my book are purely fictional, not based on anyone I know.

5) Changeable Facades is intended to be the first in a series, what’s next in store for Samantha Barclay and when can we expect to see it?

I am currently working on two more books about Samantha. In the second book she is thrust into a 'career dilemma.' A student she is counseling hides her secret life, lies to Sam and is in worse shape then she lets on. In the third book Samantha is transferred to another school to help find a young boy who is missing. I don't have a publishing date for them.

6) Would you describe your writing style as a “plotter” or a “pantser” (fly by the seat of your pants!)?

I'm a bit of both. I write with a plot in mind, but I also allow my creativity to take wing and fly. Often my characters take on a life of their own and they end up doing or saying things, almost of their own accord.

7) Who would you say is your greatest supporter? 

My best friend Michael, his family and my family. They encourage me, share my excitement and also understand the long hours of seclusion it takes to write a book.

8) Are you a member of any writing groups and if so how has being a member of a writing group influenced your writing?

I am a member of 'Sisters in Crime' and 'Epic.' They're very helpful and informative, but the greatest group I belong to is the 'Wing's Author Forum.' All of the authors there are helpful, creative and just wonderful to all of us 'newbies.' I have met such outstanding writers there as Dorothy Bodoin, Billie Williams, Dee Carey, Trisha Fitzgerald-Petrie (who designed my beautiful cover) and Marguerite Arotin who wrote reviews for my book. All in all my experience at Wings has been exciting, and rewarding. Lorraine and the whole Wings staff are the greatest people to work with.

9) Do you have a writing schedule?

I write best early in the morning. When I am working, I write for at least an hour before going to my school. On weekends and holidays I'll start writing early in the morning and continue all day--sometimes writing eight or nine hours straight.

10) What book/s do you have on your bedside table today and which one are you enjoying the most and why?

I have Marcia Muller's latest novel 'The Ever Running Man,' and Alafair Burke's novel 'Dead Connection.' I just started to read Dorothy Bodoin's novel 'A Winter's Tale', also published by Wings. I'm enjoying 'A Winter's Tale' the most. It's the third in a series about Jennet Greenway and her experiences at Foxglove Corners--a great series to read, relax with and enjoy.

11) This is your first novel, how are you feeling?

Exhilarated, thrilled and excited. It's still hard to imagine that an idea I had, turned into reality and is now a published book. It's a dream come true.