Welcome Suzetta Perkins to The Virgo Girl Blog!
Suzetta is a veteran writer of suspense and children books. A fun fact of Suzetta is that she has traveled to over twenty countries and has lived and visited just as many in the United States. This leads her to have plenty of stories to write about within itself.
What inspired you to begin your writing journey?
The desire to write has always been in me. I’ve been writing since I was a teenager. My first published work can be found in my high school yearbook, in which I was co-editor. During my teen years, I wrote a lot of short stories. I believed that someday I would write a full-fledge novel.
How many books have your written and how long does it take you to write a book?
I’ve written ten fiction novels and one children’s/pre-teen book. My first full-length novel took a year to write and my subsequent books took anywhere from six to three months to write. If the novel was a sequel, it took generally three months, as I was already familiar with the characters.
For a new fan, what book should he/she read first from your collection and why?
While all of my books are my babies, as a new fan, I would suggest Betrayed. It has all the elements of a good suspense story, from beginning to end. I often tell readers that if you read Betrayed, you are a Suzetta Perkins’ fan for life. And that’s not far from the truth. Many of my readers, after reading Betrayed, have written me to say that they’re going to purchase all of my books.
Although your children are grown with children of their own, do you find it hard to have a write/life balance and how do you juggle it all?
Not really. I practically live alone and my time is my own.
You are signed with Strebor books, explain how this happened and what it is like working for Zane?
I acquired an agent who brokered a deal with Strebor Books. Zane is an awesome talent, and I’m more than grateful to have her as a publisher. I’ve been blessed with the luxury of having Zane read my work, critique it, give her input in order that I would put out the best product possible. You can’t get better than that, and I appreciate her and her staff for all they’ve done to boost my career.
A surprising fact that someone may not know about you?
I used to be a model.
What do you feel is the biggest challenge for not only women writers, but women of color in the publishing world?
At my advent into the literary world, women–African American…non-African American seemed to be making great headway in the industry.
How do you, yourself empower women?
I work at a university and have the opportunity to share and nurture young women almost daily. I’m kind of a mother figure on campus, and I often encourage and mentor students with sound advice on questions and issues they might have, along with writing letters of recommendation for graduate school etc. In my writing capacity, I’ve served on panels and given speeches, sharing my journey and aspirations to become a writer. The return on my investment has been a blessing, although I’m not really looking for anything in return.
Best marketing advice for a self-published author?
Do the research. Get online, talk to others who’ve done what you’re trying to do, and purchase books on how to be the best marketer of your book. Writing the book is the easy part; selling the book takes a lot more will and determination.
How big a role does social media play in your book marketing?
Social media plays a huge role in book marketing. You have to advertise where your target market hangs out. Your books will not sell themselves; you have to be your own advocate and be aggressive in getting the word out.
Top three favorite authors?
J. California Cooper, E. Lynn Harris, and Zane
A “must read” recommendation…
Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
What’s next for the Author Suzetta Perkins, any new projects/books coming out?
I’m working on a new children’s book (two companion pieces)–My Daddy’s Gone to War and My Mother’s Gone to War. I have three suspense novels that I’ve completed but do not have a release date as yet.
Final advice for someone who wants to be a writer?
You must have a passion…a thirst for writing. Believe and act on it. Jot down your thoughts and organize them later. You must be a good reader before you can be a good writer.
Share a quick blurb of your work.
Hollywood Skye is about a young girl who loses her father to the war in Afghanistan and instead of coming to grips with it, she leaves her grieving mother to try and find her place in the world. She ends up in Los Angeles to pursue an acting career but finds that behind the bright lights of the city, there is a dark side that swallows her up and makes her life a living hell.
You can purchase Hollywood Skye at any book retail outlet and online at Amazon and Barnes and Noble, and connect with her on Facebook and Twitter.
VIRGO GIRL 5 THINGS TO ASK:
What would you tell your 21 year-old self? Follow your dreams
I start my day with… Prayer
If you could invite any woman to dinner, who would it be? Mellody Hobson of Ariel Investments
Best advice you have received? Stay true to yourself and be the best you can be.
Life motto you live by? Live life to the fullest.