Suzette D. Harrison, a native Californian and the middle of three daughters, grew up in a home where reading was required, not requested. Her literary “career” began in junior high school with the publishing of her poetry. While Mrs. Harrison pays homage to Alex Haley, Gloria Naylor, Alice Walker, Langston Hughes, and Toni Morrison as legends who inspired her creativity, it was Dr. Maya Angelou’s I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings that unleashed her writing. Harrison prefers happy endings, but loves creating flawed characters and storylines with intricate layers and depth, offering readers unexpected plot twists. The award-winning author of Taffy is a wife and mother who holds a culinary degree in Pastry & Baking. Mrs. Harrison is currently cooking up her next novel…in between batches of cupcakes.

1) First, I want to thank you for taking the time to do this interview with me! When did you know that writing is what you were called to do? What is it about being a writer that you love the most? What about being a writer frustrates you the most?

You’re welcome and thank you for making time and space for me. I wrote poetry from childhood through early adulthood and thought that was my creative trajectory until a life crisis steered me towards fiction. When that crisis resolved itself it was through the power of literature and I knew immediately that that was what I wanted to do. I wanted to offer healing words in the form of fiction. I love the ability to create worlds and characters, to bring them from mere idea to 3D form so that they live, move, and breathe in readers’ imaginations.

A frustration I often face is not having enough time to write because I currently work full-time.

2) Can you tell us a little about your book(s) and where our readers can find out more about them and you?

My author tagline is “Decadent Fiction Past & Present” because I write both African-American historical and contemporary fiction. My first love, however, is historical fiction. That’s when and where I dive down into the blood and marrow and spirit of a story and let the ancestors write through me. I love complex, layered characters, humor, and depth; and penning stories that elevate and celebrate us as Black women. Readers can discover more about me and my writing at www.sdhbooks.com

3) Where do you draw your inspiration from for the stories that you manage to weave together and the characters that you create?

Inspiration can come from a myriad of sources: a conversation, something I see, a segment from T.V. Sometimes I hear a name, a title, or a phrase. Other times a character will present themselves to me and send me on a search to discover who they are.

4) Do you have a schedule for when you write? Do you outline your novels? How long does it generally take you to finish a novel? What projects are you currently working on?

I typically wake up at 5:00am to write Monday-Friday as I try to reserve the weekends for my family. But when I’m deep in the seat of a story, I might find myself writing a bit on weekends as well. The average time it takes for me to complete a first draft is 4-6 months. I’m currently working on a multi-generational novel that takes place in the 1940s and involves a host of themes (e.g. homelessness, mental illness, segregation, colorism, etc).

5) What’s the first book you ever read that really moved you emotionally? Who is your favorite author to read? What book are you currently reading?

It may not have been the first, but the book that moved me most emotionally and literally changed the trajectory of my life was Dr. Maya Angelou’s I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.

My favorite author is Dianne McKinney Whetstone, but my favorite book is Sugar by Bernice McFadden.

I’m currently reading Profit First by Mike Michalowicz and just finished Finally Yours by Suzette Riddick.

6) What has been your most significant achievement as a writer thus far? Where do you see yourself within your career in the next five years?

My most significant achievement as an author was self-publishing Taffy in 2016 after multiple rejections from others in the book industry. It empowered me and increased my confidence in my writing and opened an entirely new world to me as an author.

I will be writing full-time in the next five years.

7) How have you dealt with rejection within your writing career? What is your advice for other writers to better be able to cope or navigate their way through the publishing process, be it traditional or self-publishing?

When shopping my manuscript for Taffy, I received rejection letters galore. That left me with self-publishing as my only option. It was frightening, daunting and even up until the time I approved the final files for distribution it was nerve wracking. But I did it and haven’t looked back since. Sometimes your writing journey will take you places or require more of you than you initially imagined. Follow the journey. It’s leading you somewhere.

8) Do you find it hard to juggle the creative side of being a writer against the business side of being a writer, in terms of marketing and promotion and things of that nature? How hard has it been (or easy) for you to build up your author platform?

I’m a creative being and would rather be writing any day, all day. Business is not my forte. Or so I thought. I’ve learned through self-publishing that I can wear multiple hats and do the doggone thing (whatever that “thing” may be). Being a hybrid author (self- and traditionally-published) has afforded me experiences and opportunities that have stretched me, caused me to grow.

Building an author platform requires regularity, consistency, and in some regards, transparency in order to connect with your reading audience. Connecting with readers is one of my greatest joys as an author, and I accomplish that through not just social media, but book club chats, my newsletter, and live interviews or panel participation as often as I can.

9) So many writers say that they hate reading their own work. Do you ever enjoy reading your own work back to yourself after it’s out there for the rest of the world?

Yes, I do enjoy reading my own work. And with my most recent novels being available on Audiobook, I enjoy listening to them and the narrators who bring them to life as well.

10) Do you believe that there is ever a point in life where it’s too late for an aspiring writer to become successful in this industry? Do you feel a late start would hinder their chances?

That depends on the person and how committed they are to the process. And whether or not they believe in their work and in themselves. Age isn’t a determinant of someone’s ability or success. Being a “person of a certain age” doesn’t preclude anyone from achieving their goals or dreams. My 81 years-young mother is preparing her debut novel. Honey, age is only an indicator of the time you’ve been here, not a built-in limitation.

11) I feel like writing is a remarkable tool to help people not only express themselves, but also to cope emotionally and mentally. I know for me I write to be and feel more authentic. What unique quality is there about you, about your art, that you feel represents your authenticity? How does writing help you to be more empowered in your purpose?

For me writing is cathartic, creative, and an act of purpose and completion. I don’t seek to emulate or duplicate anyone. I prefer to be genuinely, uniquely me. I write for my readers, but I also write for myself, my Creator, and my ancestors. It’s a privilege and joy, and I’m forever grateful for the gifting.