Susan Kaye Quinn is a local author of a new young adult novel published over the summer, called Life, Liberty and Pursuit. It's a captivating love story about Eliza, a college-bound teen, and David, a navy recruit.
You can download the book's first chapter for free on this official website. (If you'd like to read the entire book, Palatine Public Library has two copies on order, coming soon!)
We were fortunate to be able to catch up with Susan recently and here's what she has to say:
Q: So, what are you currently working on?
I’m currently immersed in the third draft of my YA novel Open Minds. It’s a paranormal story about a future world where everyone reads minds, except for one sixteen-year-old girl. My first YA novel Life, Liberty, and Pursuit (a contemporary love story) came out over the summer. I also have a science fiction novel for younger kids (ages 8-12) that I’m sending out to agents and editors, trying to get published.
Q: What are you reading now or planning to read?
I just finished Behemoth (awesome), Paranormalcy (sweet and awesome), and White Cat (I adore Holly Black), and I have a crazy long TBR list. Next up in the queue: Hush, Hush (that cover? serious awesome), 13 Treasures (a middle grade book) and Found (Margaret Haddix’s new series – she rocks).
Q: What are your favorite genres? Your favorite authors?
I’m a Scott Westerfeld fangirl, as well as loving Holly Black and Rick Riordan’s work. My favorite genre has always been science fiction, but steampunk (which is more like retro SF) and paranormal have grabbed my interest lately.
Q: What do you do when you are not reading or writing?
I blog, a lot. Wait, that’s writing. I also go visit my sons' (ages 7-12) classrooms and talk about publishing a book and writing. Wait, that’s writing too.
Besides the usual mom-type-things, like driving to fencing practice and nagging my boys to practice piano, I love to watch Big Bang Theory and scheme to get my husband to watch Scott Pilgram vs. The World. I also like to talk about books with my friends, and help them find books for their kids. Wait, that’s reading!
Q: One book that you will never be too old to love is...
Harry Potter. It’s just a fantastic read, and now that I’m an author, I appreciate J.K. Rowling’s masterpiece on a completely different level.
Q: What were you like as a teenager? If you could redo your teen years, what would you do differently?
I was a geek. Math and science were my strengths (which is why I became an engineer), but I read voraciously. I used to write stories for my friends, serialized so that each day was a new mini-chapter, and I spent a crazy amount of time in our local bookstore, searching for a new release from my favorite authors (Larry Niven, Orson Scott Card, Jerry Pournelle).
If I could go back in time, I would tell my teen self, “Self, don’t be so shy. People will like you if you just let them know who you are. And that guy that wanted to kiss you at that party? Just don’t. He’s a loser.”
Q: What was your first job?
Newspaper delivery girl. Seriously – I tricked out my bike to carry the papers. I was maybe 11. I’ve also worked as a bookeeper, a lab technician, and the sales lady in the women’s delicates section (not the best gig). My “real” jobs include turns at NASA, General Electric Aircraft Engines, and the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR). NCAR had, by far, the best view (it hugs the Rocky Mountains)
Q: The last movie you saw was...
Scott Pilgrim (awesome) and Splice (really not so awesome).
Q: The last thing you ate was...
Peanut butter english muffin (yum).
Q: Do you have any pets?
Two kittens, Ninja and Techy. Because writers need cats.
Q: You desperately wish you knew how to...
Follow a map. I’m directionally handicapped.
Q: Does your life have a soundtrack?
No, but Lady Gaga and Green Day take up way too much space on my iPod.
Q: How do you make a bad day better?
Laugh.
Q: Go to the nearest window and look outside. What do you see?
Beautiful fall weather in Palatine. Fall is my favorite season. It almost makes up for winter, but nothing can really compensate for having to live through August.
Q: Participating in this interview has conveniently enabled you to avoid...
Laundry. But if it wasn’t this, I would have found another excuse.
Thank you, Susan!
It has been wonderful getting to learn more about a local author. Check out Susan's blog, Ink Spells, here.
5 COMMENTS!:
I loved LL&P...and I'm not a teen. It was romantic, but also dealt with the struggles of what happens when it's time to move beyond that first instant attraction. It also has a great message for young women--you can be devoted to your guy, but still be true to yourself and your life. It's on my list to buy for my daughters.
Awesome interview! Mrs. Quinn sounds like such a down-to-earth woman, which I tend to forget authors can be. haha I've always regarded authors as celebrities, so it was nice to read that she enjoys many of the same things as me. :)
I agree, Sean. It's very inspiring to hear from a local writer and author!
@Katherine I'm so glad you enjoyed it! Send me (susankayequinn at comcast dot net) your address, and I would be happy to send you some signed bookmarks!
@Sean and @Megan Authors are definitely real people. Perhaps a little more demented than most. :)
What a terrific blog - I'm linking it to my school's blog next week! Susan Kaye Quinn is not only a fabulous writer, but very generous about sharing her knowledge about writing and the publishing world with others. A real inspiration to me!
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