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Susan G Mathis

What message do you hope readers take away from this book?

Hope. All twelve of my Thousand Islands’ stories have hope as the central theme. Hope for a better future. Hope for love. Hope for healing. Libby’s Lighthouse also focuses on forgiving betrayals, healing broken hearts, and embracing God’s redemption.

Are you a plotter or a pantster?

All my novels are based on a specific place in the Thousand Islands and the true stories of the owners of that island. So, my plot is generally true. Then I overlay the storyline of the fictional servants to create the story. I develop a general outline, but often my characters have a mind of their own. I’ve even argued with them. Smiles.

Reflecting back, what do you see as most significant to your publication journey?
I’ve been teaching writing, editing, or writing most of my life. But before I jumped into the fiction world, I served as the Founding Editor of Thriving Family magazine and the former Editor/Editorial Director of twelve Focus on the Family publications. My first two published books were nonfiction. Countdown for Couples: Preparing for the Adventure of Marriage with an Indonesian and Spanish version, and The ReMarriage Adventure: Preparing for a Life of Love and Happiness, have helped thousands of couples prepare for marriage. I’m also the author of two picture books, Lexie’s Adventure in Kenya and Princess Madison’s Rainbow Adventure. Moreover, I’m 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’ve also several hundred magazine and newsletter articles. All that was a great foundation for my writing and publishing present and future.

When I started writing fiction… I was hooked! My imagination has become my playground and the characters my friends. And since I love research, historical fiction is perfect for me. I love the challenge, the freedom, the fun of creating with the Creator. But…I only tell this to those who love fiction—or they might lock me up as a crazy person. Smiles.

What’s your biggest challenge in balancing writing time with your other responsibilities?

Marketing. I can end up down a rabbit hole too easily. Since I'm a morning person, I generally spend three to six 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 and/or marketing aspects of writing.

How do your faith and spiritual life play into the picture and affect your storytelling?

Every book I write is a journey of healing and hope, and this one was no different. My faith walk is reflected in each of my stories to one degree or another.

What spurs you to 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.

Where do your story and character ideas come from?

I grew up just twenty minutes from the Thousand Islands—the setting for all my stories—in upstate New York. Actually, half of the 1,864 islands are in NY and the other half in Ontario, Canada. So, I spent every summer and more exploring the beautiful region. I’ve stayed on several of the islands and camped and rented cottages there. So, after I wrote my debut novel about the largest island, Wolfe Island, I was hooked. There are so many fascinating stories to tell.

Now, I take an annual Thousand Islands Book Tour to the islands where I meet with fans, friends, and family. I’ve stayed in Singer Castle, Casa Blanca, and other places that are the settings of my books. I’ve talked with the owners of the islands, local historians, and researched in the Thousand Islands archives.

All my novels are based on a specific place in the Thousand Islands and are the true stories of the owners of that island. This makes my stories a bit more challenging, but I love a good challenge.

If you could have coffee with an author, dead or alive, whose work you admire, who would that be? What would you ask him or her?

Well, you stumped me here, but just for a moment. The first person that comes to mind is my dad. He died three months before I was born, and I’d love to spend time with him. I’d ask him about his life, his dreams…and heaven. Sigh…

What is the funniest thing that has happened to you as an author?

While on my book tour, a parade had just ended, and I was casually walking down the street when a woman came yelling, “Susan G Mathis” repeatedly. She carried a large backpack, and I worried she was crazy. But when she drew near, she pulled out all of my books and begged me to sign them!

What do you think makes your style of storytelling unique?

I write in what is called “faction”—factual fiction. The setting and owners of the castle, mansion, or resort are all real characters and stories, and then I overlay fictional servants who tell the story. It’s rather complicated, but oh so much fun. This gives me so much “scope for the imagination” as Anne Shirley would say.

What do you enjoy doing when you are not writing?

Traveling (50 countries so far and dozens more on my Dream List), swimming, hiking, exploring the area, etc.

What books are on your nightstand right now?

The Bible. I read novels mostly on my iPad.

Finish this statement: If I were not an author, I would be...

an editor.



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Kathy McKinsey lives in Lakewood, Ohio, with her husband Murray and the oldest of their five children. Besides writing, she enjoys activities with her church, editing for other writers, braille drawing, crocheting, knitting, and playing with their rambunctious cat. https://www.kathymckinsey.com




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