Women’s fiction author, Suzy England, joins the Author Spotlight to talk about her latest novel, Letters for Lucien
Author Name: Suzy England
Book Title: LETTERS FOR LUCIEN
Book Genre: Contemporary Women’s Fiction
Release Date: January 15, 2024
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Welcome, Suzy! How would you describe Letters for Lucien?
LETTERS FOR LUCIEN is the story of a blissfully happy, mature newlywed couple whose fairytale is shattered when their unexpected pregnancy ends in heartbreaking loss. Will the words contained in a collection of letters help heal their grief?
What sparked the idea for this book?
I have never experienced the loss of a child, but I know several couples who have traveled this painful path. LETTERS FOR LUCIEN is my love letter to them.
How long did it take for you to write the book? Did you do any research?
LETTERS FOR LUCIEN is actually the first “book” I ever wrote, way back in the early 2000s. I use quotes around the word book because I didn’t sit down to write one – it was more of a story journal. I had no idea what I was doing in the way of “craft.” It wasn’t polished in any regard. But, I just kept adding to it, week after week, and after two years of playing around with these characters, I’d written over 240K words.
As far as research goes, I consulted a good friend, who is a nurse, to help with the obstetrics/medical aspects of the story. I also reached out to a friend whose infant son passed a few hours after his birth. She agreed to be my sensitivity reader. Talk about brave! I didn’t consider submitting it to my publisher until I got a green light from her.
What drew you to women’s/book club fiction?
I love following characters on an emotional journey. I want all the ups and downs. And give me tears – I want to ugly cry. I also enjoy stories that don’t have happy endings. Those are the stories that stick with me, and make me wonder, What if… I will say that LETTERS FOR LUCIEN has what I call a “hopeful” ending.
What’s your favorite part about writing/being an author? What do you find challenging?
Connecting with readers and other authors is the best part of being an author. Whether online or face-to-face, these connections are priceless. I also really love writing dialogue. It’s my fave! Oddly enough, I write some of my best dialogue in the shower. I’ve heard other authors do too. It’s only weird if it doesn’t work, right?!
As far as challenges go, I struggle with imposter syndrome. I know I’m not the only author who does, and that provides a little bit of relief, knowing I’m not alone and that these feelings are perfectly normal. Also, I’m somewhat addicted to my phone (also not alone in this regard!). Being disciplined enough to avoid social media and focus on writing is tough for me at times.
What do you hope readers will take away from this story?
When readers finish LETTERS FOR LUCIEN and close the book, I want them to feel hopeful. My characters lose their infant son. As a mother of two children myself, I can’t even imagine the pain of losing a child (at any age) and pray I never experience such a tragedy. Sunny and Mathew, my protags, are dealing with intense grief, not just for the loss of their child, but for the profound impact it’s taken on their newly married lives. Yet, they’re surrounded by love – from each other, family members, friends, and mental health professionals. Love, in its many forms, is the core of this story. And loving someone through unspeakable tragedy is a powerful gift.
What about the writing/editing/publishing process has been the most surprising to you so far?
Alexa, play “The Waiting” by Tom Petty (wink, wink). I didn’t sit down one day and decide to be a writer. It just sort of happened, slowly, over time. That should have been my first indicator, right? There is so. much. waiting. in this industry. A complete juxtaposition with our “on demand” world. Publishing is a long, slow game. Whether you’re waiting to hear from an agent, a publisher, or marking off the days until your new novel releases, you have to learn to let go, pour your energy into other projects, and resist the urge to refresh your email ad nauseum.
Any words of wisdom you give your pre-published writer self (or to a new writer)?
For me, it comes down to four things:
- Write the stories you want to read. If you love it, chances are others will love it too.
- Edit, edit, and edit some more. And then, when you’re certain your story is perfect, edit it again because I can promise you missed something (or several somethings).
- If you’re pursuing traditional publishing, be careful not to query literary agents too soon. I have queried agents with manuscripts that were not ready when I naively thought they were.
- Join the #writingcommunity on social media! You will connect with writers all over the world who will support you, cheer for you, and lift you up on the days when you need it most.
What are your interests outside of writing and reading?
Travel is at the top of my list, along with deep sea fishing, snowmobiling, listening to true crime podcasts, watching British television, and baking. I’m also a rabid college football fan (Hook ‘Em Horns!), and just enjoy sports in general (and cheering for all my Houston teams! Go ‘Stros! Go Texans! Go Coogs!).
Are you working on a new project? Please tell us about it.
I’m currently working on two WIPs at the moment. If you’re asking yourself, “why?” – please know that I’m asking myself the same question lol. One is a Women’s Fiction novel, and my first foray into writing in 1st person. So far, I’m really enjoying it! The other is a Romcom in 3rd person (my comfort zone). My goal is to complete the Romcom by April 1st. If I don’t, then I guess the joke’s on me! I actually have several author friends who’ve agreed to “check in” to help keep me on task, which is so kind and so helpful.
What was the last book you read? What did you think of it?
The last book I read was Yellow Face by R. F. Kuang. I absolutely loved it and can say that it 100% lived up to the hype. Kuang’s writing style is amazing (I devoured this book!), and the subject matter–well, as an author, how can I not love it?! Delicious!
Where can readers find you?
Instagram is my favorite place to hang out! Follow me there – @suzyenglandwrites. For those who prefer Facebook, you can find me at @authorsuzyengland. My website is www.suzyengland.com. I’d love for you to check it out and sign up for my newsletter!
Thank you, Suzy! Letters for Lucien is out now.
Letters for Lucien
The elite of the Houston society scene are shocked when confirmed bachelor, Mathew Ellis, tumbles into marriage with NASA atmospheric researcher, Sunny Porter, after a whirlwind courtship. The gossip mill continues to churn when Sunny, a woman pushing forty, becomes pregnant just as they begin the journey of their married lives. Deliriously happy, Mathew and Sunny revel in the excitement of the pending birth–until tragedy strikes. Pregnancy complications result in their worst nightmare and without warning, Mathew and Sunny find themselves burying their infant son.
After several weeks of mourning, Mathew returns to his successful accounting firm, praying his career and a normal daily routine will put him on the path to true healing. Meanwhile, Sunny has retreated into herself. She’s become a ghost-like figure, drifting silently around their home. Mathew fears he’s lost Sunny forever. Sunny’s pain runs so deep, she’s not sure she wants to be found. Will the words contained in a collection of letters help them find their way back to one another?
Author bio:
Suzy England is an Amazon bestselling author of Women’s Fiction and Romcoms who got her start on the global reading/writing app, Wattpad. Her books include Letters for Lucien (2024), Perfect (2023), Chasing Mr. Crown (2020), and The Weekend (2019). A retired elementary educator and native Texan, she lives in Houston with her husband. She loves spending time with her adult children and is always dreaming of her next travel adventure. Suzy is a graduate of The University of Texas at Austin and is thrilled to be a Tall Poppy Writer.