Susen Edwards joins the Spotlight this week to chat about her latest novel, Lookin’ for Love
Author Name: Susen Edwards
Book Title: Lookin’ for Love
Book Genre: Women’s Fiction – domestic abuse, historical fiction, based on true story
Release Date: 10/15/24
Publisher: She Writes Press
Welcome, Susen! How would you describe Lookin’ for Love?
Based on a compelling and sometimes tragic true story, Lookin’ for Love follows young mother Ava from the go-go bars of the 1970s to the heart of Florida’s drug trade to a Kenyan prison to, ultimately, a place of forgiveness, faith, and love through recovery.
How long did it take for you to write the book? Did you do any research?
The first draft of Lookin’ for Love took about a year to write. Editing took another three months.
I did a huge amount of research, including reading most of The Underground Empire: Where Crime & Governments Embrace, by James Mills and dozens of newspaper and magazine articles exploring the South Florida drug trade in the late 1970s and early 1980s. I also did extensive research into the Kenyan countryside, women’s prisons in Kenya, strip clubs/go-go bars of the era, and today’s Evangelical community.
What drew you to writing historical fiction?
I love stories that take readers back in time. Historical fiction brings the past alive and provides personal connections to people and places from an earlier day.
I expect many of my readers who came of age during the 1970s will relate to the events and characters in Lookin’ for Love.
What’s your favorite part about writing/being an author? What do you find challenging?
I love the journey with my characters. They become real people and take me and the story in unexpected directions. I have an idea of where I want my stories to end, but often not how to get there. I allow my characters to guide me.
Editing is my biggest challenge. It’s said that everyone can write, but only a writer can edit. I continually repeat this mantra as I struggle through rewrite after rewrite.
If you were speaking to someone who hasn’t read your writing before, why should they want to read Lookin’ for Love?
Lookin’ for Love travels across three continents taking readers on an action-packed emotional journey. My writing is fast-paced and sensual, and my characters come alive through dialogue, place, and time. I hope my readers with fall in love with Ava, my protagonist, as she searches for love, forgiveness, and wholeness.
What do you hope readers will take away from this story?
The overall theme of Lookin’ for Love is that it’s never too late to find redemption, healing, forgiveness, and love (especially learning to love oneself).
What about the writing/editing/publishing process has been the most surprising to you so far?
This is my second novel with She Writes Press. I continue to be impressed with the quality of their editorial process, cover design, book layout, and support from staff and other She Writes authors.
Any words of wisdom you give your pre-published writer self (or to a new writer)?
Many avenues for publication are available to writers today: traditional, indie/hybrid, and self-publishing. Don’t think your work is any less valuable to the world if you don’t go with a traditional publisher, and don’t take rejection personally. Have the courage to put your words out into the world and be proud of your accomplishments.
What are your interests outside of writing and reading?
Cooking is my therapy. After a busy day, I plant myself in the kitchen, make a mess, and hope what emerges will be edible (I do make a mean mac & cheese!). To find my center I practice yoga and enjoy walks in nature.
Are you working on a new project? Please tell us about it.
I’ve completed the first draft of a sequel to my debut novel, What a Trip. I’m currently editing the manuscript. The working title is Forgiveness.
What was the last book you read? What did you think of it?
I just finished reading The Radleys by Matt Haig, my favorite author. He is one of the best “world builders” and does an amazing job of turning fantasy into reality.
Where can readers find you?
http://www.SusenEdwardsAuthor.com
https://www.facebook.com/SusenEdwardsAuthor
https://www.instagram.com/susenedwards/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/susenedwards/
Thank you, Susen! Lookin’ for Love is out TODAY.
Lookin’ for Love
Inspired by a gripping true story, Lookin’ for Love begins in 1963, when Ava, nineteen and pregnant, marries a violent alcoholic and is disowned by her abusive mother. She bears two sons, leaves her husband, and turns to go-go dancing to provide for her children, using alcohol and drugs to numb herself to the degrading work. Then she meets Mike, a charismatic drug dealer who promises to give her “a beautiful life.” They move to Florida and begin working for The Crew, one of the largest drug smuggling organizations in the country. The Crew sends Ava and Mike to Kenya to find farmers to grow marijuana—but while they’re there, their home is raided, they’re charged with international drug smuggling, and Ava is sentenced to serve time in a Kenyan prison.
After her release, Ava struggles with sobriety but soon returns to dancing, alcohol, and drugs. Eventually, she hits bottom and surrenders her will to God. Once sober, she learns the power of forgiveness, faith, and love.
Author bio:
Susen Edwards is the founder and former director of Somerset School of Massage Therapy, New Jersey’s first state-approved and nationally accredited postsecondary school for massage therapy. During her tenure she was nominated by Merrill Lynch for Inc. magazine’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award. The author of Doctor Whisper and Nurse Willow and What a Trip, she is currently a full-time writer and the secretary for the board of trustees for her town library. Susen lives in Middlesex, New Jersey, with her husband, Bob, and her two fuzzy feline babies, Harold and Maude.