historical fiction writer, amateur photographer, retired computer guru and math geek
I spent two years on the twisted road of writing. There were roadblocks and switchbacks. Ice, snow, rain. (uphill both ways?) At first I didn't really know where I was going, only that the journey must be undertaken. I had to tell this story, but how? How could I take a bunch of letters, over … Continue reading To the Finish Line!
Marketing can be the toughest part of writing, especially since so many authors are introverts. In the past couple of years, I've done a few book talks and two book fairs and maybe--just maybe--I'm getting comfortable with it. I'm signed up for an authors and crafters show in August and an author meet and greet … Continue reading Getting Out of My Cave
Whew! It's been quite a year! But now the Christmas tree is down and ready to recycle, the ornaments and stockings safely packed away until next December, and 2023 is nearly over. A year ago I learned that War Sonnets had received a bronze award from the Historical Fiction Company, the same organization that had … Continue reading 2023: The Year That Was
One of the most stressed "rules" of writing is that a prologue is a no-no. Agents hate them. Many readers wont even bother to read them because they think a prologue is a bunch of first-page exposition that contributes nothing to the story. Well, if you read War Sonnets don’t skip the prologue. Why? Every … Continue reading Prologue vs. Epilogue: What’s Your Opinion?
I remember the first time I heard it: Your first novel will never see the light of day. No matter how good you think it is, it’s probably not ready for prime time and it probably never will be. “Not my novel!” I thought. I was indignant. Downright upset. Crushed. How could this—my best work, … Continue reading Shelved: When your “best” just isn’t good enough
A lot has been happening since War Sonnets was launched on July 5th. In July I was honored to be a guest on the local TV show, Bridge Street. And in August I was a guest of the Cato, NY Rotary Club where I shared my writing journey. Would your group (library, rotary, etc) be … Continue reading “War Sonnets” Update
It's here! This past Wednesday, July 5, War Sonnets was officially released! I'm so excited to finally see the results of seven long years of research and writing. Orders are rolling in and I've already received my first (3!) 5-star reviews! If you haven't yet ordered a copy, you can get one here, or order … Continue reading Happy Book Birthday!
愛し国 親、妻、子供 いざ帰国 Itoshi kuni Oya tsuma kodomo Iza kikoku Beloved homeland Parents, dear wife, and children, I return to you! Home! Going home! I’m going home today. War’s brutal horrors past, I’ve lived to see The happy faces of my family; But I am not the boy you sent away. I am a well-trained … Continue reading The Poetry of War Sonnets: Going Home
If you haven't already heard (what, you couldn't hear me shouting from the rooftop?) the e-book version of War Sonnets is now available for pre-order on Amazon, Apple, Kobo, and Barnes and Noble. Paperback and hardcover copies will also be avaible soon. In the meantime, here's a little teaser: the opening chapter of War Sonnets: … Continue reading War Sonnets Teaser
Susannah Willey Writes 