
What is your favorite craft book?
Plot and Structure – James Scott Bell
Which do you think is the most underrated craft book? Why?
Writing the Breakout Novel – Donald Maass It’s a practical, empowering classic craft book.
What is your favorite (or most anticipated) writers conference?
ACFW-CS Write in the Springs. On April 19-20, 2024, Misty Beller will present “Writing for Success: From story concept to published author” at Glen Eyrie Conference Center’s Great Hall! This conference is limited to eighty people, so it’s personal, relational, and inspiring.
What’s your favorite other source (YouTube, podcast, etc.) for writing tips/info?
It may sound silly, but the online Thesaurus because I can pop on there and find just the right word when I get stuck. Smiles.
Who is your writing mentor/inspiration? Why?
Melanie Dobson. I’ve enjoyed watching her grow and love love love her writing. She inspires me to grow and try new things, too.
What’s the worst writing advice you’ve ever received? Why was it bad?
After a career as a journalist, the editorial director at Focus on the Family, and a published author of fifteen non-fiction books and hundreds of articles, an agent said I couldn’t/shouldn’t write fiction. WRONG! I’ve written eleven award-winning stories to date. If God inspires you to write, then you should write.
What’s the best writing advice you’ve ever received?
Be a lifelong learner. Never, ever think you know it all. Keep on learning.
What would you say is the best writing tip for new authors?
Study the craft. Read craft books. Watch videos. Join a writers group. Go to writers conferences.
What is your best self-editing tip or advice?
Your brain works in two different realms…the creative and the logical/editing. Don’t mix your creative writing with your self-editing. Do each at different times. For me, when I’m writing, I have a hot cup of tea and scented candle to set my creative mood. When I’m editing, it’s cold tea, a hard chair, and an all-business mood. And I do them on different days. It works!
Please share your most encouraging tip for frustrated/discouraged writers.
Never give up. If God’s called you to write, keep writing, even if it’s a random scene every day.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
Thanks for having me on your blog, Karin. LOVE your stories!

Tell us about your newest release/upcoming release.
A Summer at Thousand Island House
She came to work with the children, not fall in love.
Part-nanny, part entertainer, Addison Bell has always had an enduring love for children. So what better way to spend her creative energy than to spend the summer nannying at the renowned Thousand Island House on Staple’s Island? As Addi thrives in her work, she attracts the attention of the recreation pavilion’s manager, Liam Donovan, as well as the handsome Navy Officer Lt. Worthington, a lighthouse inspector, hotel patron, and single father of mischievous little Jimmy.
But when Jimmy goes missing, Addi finds both her job and her reputation in danger. How can she calm the churning waters of Liam, Lt. Worthington, and the President, clear her name, and avoid becoming the scorn of the Thousand Islands community?
Susan G Mathis is an international award-winning, multi-published author of stories set in the beautiful Thousand Islands, her childhood stomping ground in upstate NY. Susan has been published more than twenty-five times in full-length novels, novellas, and non-fiction books. She has ten in her fiction line including, The Fabric of Hope, Christmas Charity, Katelyn’s Choice, Devyn’s Dilemma, Peyton’s Promise, Sara’s Surprise, Reagan’s Reward, Colleen’s Confession, Rachel’s Reunion, Mary’s Moment andA Summer at Thousand Island House.
Her book awards include two Illumination Book Awards, three American Fiction Awards, two Indie Excellence Book Awards, and four Literary Titan Book Awards. Reagan’s Reward is a Selah Awards finalist. Susan is also a published author of two premarital books, two children’s picture books, stories in a dozen compilations, and hundreds of published articles. Susan makes her home in Colorado Springs and enjoys traveling around the world but returns each summer to enjoy the Thousand Islands. Visit www.SusanGMathis.com/fiction for more.
Where can people find you online?
Buy links: Amazon | Barnes&Nobles | Wild Heart Books
Book trailer: A Summer at Thousand Island House book trailer
Social media links: Website |Author Central | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Blog | Goodreads l Instagram| Book Bub|