An Interview with Sue Dent, author of "Forever Richard" (Part 2 of 2)

TCM: There are authors who would gladly embrace the label of “Christian Fiction Author”, yet there are those who would rather be known simply as Christians who write fiction. In your mind, what is the difference and which do you consider yourself to be?

SD: The label Christian Fiction can mean so many things to so many people. What is Christian? Who is Christian? Be more specific for Heaven’s sake! I write for the general market but am respectful of Christian values (Christian as I believe Christian to be) but I may never mention those values directly. Therefore, I prefer to say I’m a writer who is a Christian and even that requires explaining. Good grief!

 TCM: What other projects do you have in the works? How many books are you contracted for with TWCP? 

SD: Well it seems Richard and Ceese will be around for a bit. Their story just keeps growing. I’m eager to get two other books out there though. I may try to work on some simultaneously. All books are speculative in nature and “real” good, of course. LOL

As to how many books I’ve contracted to write with TWCP, the number would be five. I suspect I’ll write way more with them though as I like them. TWCP did state that if anyone wants to buy up said contract for that Rowling multi-digit price tag . . . awwww, I’m just kidding. They have my heart and I’m here to stay. Like I used to say as a kid, “if you don’t believe me, hide and watch.”

TCM: When did you know you wanted to be a novelist? What drives you as a storyteller?

SD: Okay, I’m like this volcano ready to explode. I’ve got all these ideas and storylines and plotlines and they just won’t stop. And this started early on. I don’t remember what age I was but I think during Junior High School or middle-school, as it’s called now.

I’d rush home everyday to watch Bonanza. I’d scour the TV guide every week to find out which episode was on. If it was one where a main character faced a personal trauma, I’d really hoof it (yes, I walked home from school. No, we didn’t live that far away so I’ll spare you the drama.)

Afterwards, I’d go out in my backyard and pace and think up all manner of stories that would place me at the Ponderosa with Lil’ Joe, Hoss and Adam (Adam was my favorite and ironically the only one still alive. No. I’m not suggesting I did anyone in).

I suppose it was all part of the creative process for me, though initially I expressed my creativity through fine arts, drawing, painting, you name it. In college it turned into writing because some professors can be quite boring.  

TCM: What other writers have inspired you the most in your own writing? What are you currently reading?

SD:  John Grisham is a big inspiration to me. I absolutely hated legal thrillers before I read him and by the way, he’s an author who is a Christian. I couldn’t get enough of Roger Zelazny either, Georgette Heyer, Phillip Jose Farmer. For a while, I read a lot of sci-fi/ fantasy. I never read much horror. It scared me. LOL

TCM: What has been the most challenging part of your journey as a writer? What has been the most rewarding?

SD: My biggest challenge has to be learning something new and different. But since I enjoy learning I suppose even that wasn’t all that much of a challenge. Oh, and I’m still learning.

Something quite rewarding happened to me just the other day. On a mainstream site, designed to be slightly tongue-in-cheek, Never Ceese was mentioned.

How is that rewarding you ask?

As my publishers put it, it’s sort of like being asked to be roasted by Robin Williams; you are excited and honored at the same time as being apprehensive.

My book—my debut novel that I’m still basically selling out of the back of my van somehow warranted enough consideration and attention to be listed with books along the line of Lord of the Rings. Yes, I’m honored (or so my publisher and my publicist say I should be). Go see for yourself. http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/ItBurns. Now that’s cool!  

TCM: Where can people go online to find out more about you and your novels?

SD: Here are the main three sites. www.thewriterscafe.com,  www.foreverrichard.com, www.shoutlife.com/suedent 

Shoutlife.com is also the official book launch site for Forever Richard playing host to over 100,000 members and growing. I spend a lot of time here myself. Their members are absolutely wonderful too. Talented and award winning artist E.J. Mickels II, also found at Shoutlife, volunteered to put together the promotional cover for Forever Richard, helping me get the word out that Never Ceese’s sequel was indeed on its way. Do check out the rest of his work when you visit.

Part-owner Steve McLellan graces the official cover as Richard and does a fine job of it, I must say. Steve, Laurie Froehlingsdorf and her husband Hauns have done an outstanding job creating a family friendly social network.

A reminder is needed here to let all readers now that any copy of Forever Richard ordered through The Writers Café Press will be autographed. If you want to buy online you may also go to Barnes & Noble, Amazon, etc. This would probably be the best way to do it because, as I am told by TWCP, it looks like the book’s first printing will sell out in preorders—and it may be a longer time before it actually makes it to bookstore shelves; they are watching the numbers closely.

Here is all the information you’ll need to provide to your bookstore, besides the title and author: ISBN 978-1-934284-03-2

Sadly, though many of my readers are from the market CBA and ECPA serve, neither Never Ceese nor Forever Richard will be in affiliated Christian bookstores, not even at affiliated Christian bookstores on-line. If it follows the trend of most non-affiliated books that appeal to this specific market, eventually both will show up but only after sales show that it’s worth considering.

TCM: Any final thoughts?

SD: My final thought would be a special thank-you to all my readers. I couldn’t do it without you and I wouldn’t even try. I love that you love my work.

I would like to make this point: I’m not the first author to write a Christian vampire/ werewolf novel as so many have claimed. Apparently, I’m just the first and only one to date who has written one so close to lore that also appeals to CBA and ECPA market readers. Alas, I’ll never be recognized for this  accomplishment at any CBA or ECPA award ceremony because I’m not affiliated.

But you enjoy my books—and that’s all the thanks I need. 

And you’re very welcome.

Be sure to check out Part 1 of our exclusive interview with Sue Dent, viewable here.