Let’s get you introduced to everyone, shall we? Tell us your name. What is your age?
Hello. My name is Susanne Leist. Do I have to give my age? Okay, I’m 59 years old.
Fiona: Where are you from?
I’m from Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn.
Fiona: A little about your self (ie, your education, family life, etc.).
I have an M.B.A. in Finance. I worked as a financial analyst in the commodities markets and then as a budget analyst. Later in life, I turned to writing. I have two daughters, both married. I live on Long Island with my husband, Maltese dog, and dwarf bunny (who belongs to my younger daughter. Poor Thumper.)
Fiona: Tell us your latest news.
I’ve recently completed book two of The Dead Game series. The first book resolved the murder mystery, but at the same time, opened a Pandora box of new problems. Its surprise ending leads us to book two.
The second book takes the heroine, Linda, and her friends on a chase through Florida from a private club in Disney World to the swamps of Southern Florida. In its wake, a trail of dead bodies leaves their bloody signature.
Book two should be released this summer. That is if I can stop editing before I send it to the editor.
Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?
I’ve always loved to read books. I grew up reading all types of thrillers and mysteries, from Agatha Christie to Sherlock Holmes. Except for Agatha Christie’s novels, I’ve been able to figure out the endings. Then one day, I decided to write a book of my own, to play with clues like the famous authors, and create a surprise ending. I wanted to be like Jessica Fletcher, played by Angela Lansbury, in Murder She Wrote.
After I wrote The Dead Game, my fantasy came true. I wasn’t so concerned with profits as I was with having people read my words. After I sold the first book, I was on Cloud Nine thinking about someone somewhere reading my story.
Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I still don’t know if I consider myself a writer. I’m a dabbler. I dabbled in Finance, then Marketing, and now writing prose and poetry. Once I published my book, I felt more like a writer than before.
Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?
I wanted to write a book that combined paranormal with mystery. This type of literature is hard to find. I decided to write a paranormal, murder mystery of my own. My book, The Dead Game, has dead bodies and suspects like a traditional murder mystery. However, it also has humans, vampires, and vampire derivatives. And don’t forget the haunted house—we must have one of these.
Fiona: How did you come up with the title?
The Dead play an essential part in the book. Since they enjoy playing evil games to the detriment of the residents of Oasis, I called it The Dead Game.
Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style? Is there anything about your style or genre that you find particularly challenging?
I write what I feel inside. I keep writing until my fingers hurt and my eyes get blurry. Then I edit and edit. Editing is challenging, and I don’t know when to stop.
Fiona: How much of the book is realistic and are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
The book isn’t based on reality in any way, shape, or form. The story and characters evolved from my overactive imagination.
Fiona: To craft your works, do you have to travel? Before or during the process?
I travel through the strange ideas in my mind. I use the computer to check up on places and events.
Fiona: Who designed the covers?
I designed it with Outskirts Press. I asked for a door with a hand holding it open, and blood dripping out. They didn’t have it in stock. So we agreed upon the door with fire around it.The door plays a significant role in my book.
Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?
I can now say I’m a full-time writer. I pen my poetry on my blogs and AuthorsDen.com. After I publish my second book, I’ll work on the third one in the series.
Fiona: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
I learned a lot from the reviews on my book. I wouldn’t have written in multiple points of view, which can confuse readers. My second book is written basically in one point of view with a few other points of view thrown in as needed along the way.
Fiona: Did you learn anything during the writing of your recent book?
I now know to have everything in place before my book is released. The Dead Game first sat on Amazon and Barnes & Noble without a by-line or an author bio. Outskirts Press didn’t prepare me. I had to hurry to compose descriptions and open blogs. I quickly learned about Facebook, Twitter, and Google as social sites to share my book. The first month was hectic. I know better this time around.
Fiona: If your book was made into a film, who would you like to play the lead?
Linda is sensitive and loves to read. She is a good and loyal friend. KatharineMcPhee, Natalie Portman or Emily Blunt would be great leading women.
Fiona: Any advice for other writers?
Have all your social media, blogs, descriptions, and everything else in place before you release your book. Announce the arrival of your book in advance to raise readers’ expectations before the big event.
Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?
The most important thing I want for you is to enjoy my story and let it take you away from the mundane to a world of adventure and where the impossible becomes possible.
Fiona: What book are you reading now?
I just finished Lisa Unger’s book, Crazy Love You. It’s a psychological thriller like Gone Girl. I expected more from Gone Girl after all the hype. Crazy Love You also delivers a story that is slow and predictable.
Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?
My first grown-up book was the Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie. My brother was an avid reader, and I read what he did.
Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?
The TV show, Mom, makes me laugh. If anything happens to an animal in a movie, on TV, or on social media, I’m a crying mess.
Fiona: Is there one person, past or present, you would love to meet? Why?
I would love to meet Angela Lansbury. Need I say more?
Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?
Shopping and swimming in that order.
Fiona: What TV shows/films do you enjoy watching?
I enjoy Supernatural, The Originals, Deception, Riverdale, Mom, and Timeless.
Fiona: Favorite foods, colors, music?
Pizza. Purple. Soft music.
Fiona: Imagine a future where you no longer write. What would you do?
I can’t imagine that. How much shopping and swimming can I do?
Fiona: You only have 24 hours to live how would you spend that time?
Travelling as much of the world as I can.
Fiona: What do you want written on your head stone?
She tried her best. I just made this up.
Fiona: Do you have a blog or website readers can visit for updates, events and special offers?
Hello and welcome to my blog, Author Interviews. My name is Fiona Mcvie.
Let’s get you introduced to everyone, shall we? Tell us your name. What is your age?
Hello. My name is Susanne Leist. Do I have to give my age? Okay, I’m 59 years old.
Fiona: Where are you from?
I’m from Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn.
Fiona: A little about your self (ie, your education, family life, etc.).
I have an M.B.A. in Finance. I worked as a financial analyst in the commodities markets and then as a budget analyst. Later in life, I turned to writing. I have two daughters, both married. I live on Long Island with my husband, Maltese dog, and dwarf bunny (who belongs to my younger daughter. Poor Thumper.)
Fiona: Tell us your latest news.
I’ve recently completed book two of The Dead Game series. The first book resolved the murder mystery, but…
The town of Oasis, Florida, offers tourists a promising glimpse of paradise with its sparkling white sanded beaches, majestic coastline, and legendary sunsets. But suddenly, life changes in the remote town. People begin to disappear, and some even turn up dead on the beach. Once the sun slips down the horizon, dark shadows roam the streets of the town. Overnight, the dream vacation spot becomes an unsafe haven harboring dark secrets and murder.
It all begins with the mysterious invitation to a party at End House. It is a night that neither Linda Bennett nor her friends would ever forget. From this night forward, they find themselves trapped as pawns in a game…caught in a deepening quagmire of deceit and horror…in a power play between good and evil. Pursued by unnatural creatures, they must fight off illusions and elaborate traps. To save themselves and the town, they must reveal the real face of evil–the one controlling the game and its elusive players.
The second book in the series and its title will be released this summer.
THE DEAD return to Oasis. Linda and her friends pursue them through Disney World’s private club to the swamps of South Florida. In their wake snakes a bloody path of dead bodies.
Caught in a love triangle, Linda must choose between a vampire and a human vampire, and somehow, at the same time save the town.
Susanne Leist, Author
I have always loved books. My goal has been to write a book different than any other that I’ve ever read. I believe I have accomplished this goal. THE DEAD GAME is a supernatural thriller with vampires, human vampires, mystery, and romance.
The town of Oasis, Florida, offers tourists a promising glimpse of paradise with its sparkling white sanded beaches, majestic coastline, and legendary sunsets. But suddenly, life changes in the remote town. People begin to disappear, and some even turn up dead on the beach. Once the sun slips down the horizon, dark shadows roam the streets of the town. Overnight, the dream vacation spot becomes an unsafe haven harboring dark secrets and murder.
It all begins with the mysterious invitation to a party at End House. It is a night that neither Linda Bennett nor her friends would ever forget. From this night forward, they find themselves trapped as pawns in a game…caught in a deepening quagmire of deceit and horror…in a power play between good and evil. Pursued by unnatural creatures, they must fight off illusions and elaborate traps. To…
“One day you will know the many ways in which
you are linked with all that is.
The cells of your body are related to the
movements of stars.
The thoughts that you think project far, far, afield,
affecting lives you cannot see.
Everything you do and everything you think
ripples out to affect all else,
to bless it or to detract from this blessing.”
Woo Hoo!
I made a friend in Rarotonga named Emma from the island of Atiu, and she helped me find a hotspot that worked, albeit, it was quite a challenge.
Thank you Emma & Kia Orana!
Raro has amazing pristine beaches,
coral reefs,
and empty, jungle-covered volcanic mountains to explore.
Our son is exploring with us, and tomorrow we head to the more remote island of Aitutaki.
Cheers to you from the unspoiled & ethereal Cook Islands~
Welcome to the first ever “TREAT” Reads Blog Hop! These members of RRBC have penned and published some really great reads and we’d like to honor and showcase their talent. Although there were maybe 3-4 winners who were previously on this list who are no longer with the club, now all of the listed Winners are RWISA members! Way to go RWISA!
We ask that you pick up a copy of the title listed and after reading it, leave a review. There will be other books on tour for the next few days, so please visit the HOP’S main page to follow along.
Also, for every comment that you leave along this tour, including on the HOP’S main page, your name will be entered into a drawing for an amazing gift card to be awarded at the end of the tour!
Whether or not You Grew Up in the 1950s and 60s, you’ll find DOG BONE SOUP (Historical Fiction) to be soup for the soul. In this coming-of-age novel, Shawn Daniels’s father is the town drunk. Shawn and his brother Willie are in charge of handling everything that needs to be done around the ramshackle place they call home—lugging in water for cooking and cleaning, splitting and stacking firewood…But when chores are done, these resourceful kids strike out on boundless adventures that don’t cost a dime. DOG BONE SOUP is the poignant tale of a dysfunctional family struggling to survive in America in the 50s and 60s, when others were living The American Dream.
majestic coastline, and legendary sunsets. But suddenly, life changes in the remote town. People begin to disappear, and some even turn up dead on the beach. Once the sun slips down the horizon, dark shadows roam the streets of the town. Overnight, the dream vacation spot becomes an unsafe haven harboring dark secrets and murder.
It all begins with the mysterious invitation to a party at End House. It is a night that neither Linda Bennett nor her friends would ever forget. From this night forward, they find themselves trapped as pawns in a game…caught in a deepening quagmire of deceit and horror…in a power play between good and evil. Pursued by unnatural creatures, they must fight off illusions and elaborate traps. To save themselves and the town, they must reveal the real face of evil–the one controlling the game and its elusive players.
Susanne Leist, Author
majestic coastline, and legendary sunsets. But suddenly, life changes in the remote town. People begin to disappear, and some even turn up dead on the beach. Once the sun slips down the horizon, dark shadows roam the streets of the town. Overnight, the dream vacation spot becomes an unsafe haven harboring dark secrets and murder.
It all begins with the mysterious invitation to a party at End House. It is a night that neither Linda Bennett nor her friends would ever forget. From this night forward, they find themselves trapped as pawns in a game…caught in a deepening quagmire of deceit and horror…in a power play between good and evil. Pursued by unnatural creatures, they must fight off illusions and elaborate traps. To…
SUSANNE LEIST 