Susan Merrifield currently lives in Texas with her three cats and fiancée. While raising two children and living with an alcoholic for 30 years, she had to put her writing on hold, but has now moved forward in her writing career.
Susan is God fearing and considers herself a good Christian. She cares about people and tries to do right by them.
She loves animals and often rescues animals in need. Susan’s menagerie has included horses, sheep, a goat, a pig, birds, a miniature donkey, and of course cats and dogs.
Exclusive Interview
Please tell our readers a little about yourself.
I'm a native Texan, born in Ft. Worth and raised mostly in Houston. After marriage, I lived in the Dallas area, and way out in the hill country in a small town called Utopia. I have always had a major love for animals and have had many in my lifetime. If I could, I'd save all of them. I am now single and belong to a singles group that has really helped me become a strong and confident woman. I started writing in Junior High School and got serious about it in my twenties. But then came marriage, kids and life. My writing went on the back burner. The kids are now grown, and I decided to get serious about it again.
What inspired you to write your book?
My inspiration for my first book was while living in Utopia I decided to become an EMT. I wanted to write a book that I would be knowledgeable in and I always like a good romance. The inspiration for my second book was knowing what I went through for 30 years, I wanted to share with readers what it was like with the hopes of helping anyone in that kind of situation. The inspiration for the third book was an old Metallica song about a whipping boy and when I heard it I thought that would make a great story. Knowing there was already a whipping boy book, I took it into another direction and as it came onto the page, my mind just went with it and it exploded from there.
Could you tell us a bit about your book and why it is a must-read?
Three books are actually published. The first one is called "Fifth Life" and it is a Christian romance, mystery. A woman's husband and only child are killed in a fatal car accident. She survives and starts seeing the paramedic who helped save her. Now, someone is trying to kill her and it's up to the two of them of figure out who it is.
The second one is "Surviving an Alcoholic Marriage and Living To Tell About It." It's a memoir of my life living with an alcoholic for thirty years.
The third one is "From Dungeons to Daylight." It is a fantasy, adventure with a little romance thrown in. It starts off in the 16th century, goes to the 21st century then back to the 16th. A prince is born, but a plot has unfolded to replace the prince with another baby boy. The rightful prince is ultimately imprisoned and becomes a whipping boy, while the imposter begins to rule the kingdom. With the help of a fallen knight who recognizes the rightful prince, he escapes from the dungeon, but finds himself on a new adventure in another time where he falls in love. The prince desperately wants to get back to his own time and kingdom, but will his new love survive the journey through time?
Where is your favorite place to write? Do you have a special hangout or any writing
rituals?
My favorite place to write is at home. I don't really have any rituals, but most times I will dream a story. I wake up during the dream and continue the story in my head all the way to the end. Most of the time I know how they're going to end. Then I quickly get up and write it down so I don't forget.
What’s the most surprising thing you learned about yourself while writing your book?
The most surprising thing I've learned while writing is that when I begin to write a story,
everything just falls into place and I can easily follow what my brain is telling me.
It's interesting that the story falls into place as I write and continues to the end.
What do you find are the most rewarding aspects of being an author?
The most rewarding aspects of becoming an author are that people seem to enjoy what
they're reading. I've had some people tell me they couldn't put it down and finished in one
sitting. That's very rewarding to know that your work is appreciated and they enjoy it.
I love to see the smiles on faces when they're talking about my books.
Who are some of the writers who have influenced you?
Some of the writers who influenced me are, believe it or not, Stephen King. I love the
way he writes, even though I could never do what he does. I've also been influenced by
Stephenie Meyer. Her Twilight series was so imaginative and perfectly written. V.C.
Andrews is another one. I followed all of her series. While being romantic they also have
some sinister storylines to them.
On a more personal note: Tell us a little about your “real” (non-writing) life — family,
job, hobbies, etc.
As I mentioned earlier, I finally became single after being married for 30 years to an
alcoholic. I moved to San Antonio and joined a singles group. I met a lot of people and
made a lot of friends. During this time, I met a man who I thought didn't exist anymore.
He is the love of my life, which I never thought would happen for me, but it did. We stay
very active and love to travel. We bought a Fifth Wheel and really enjoy seeing the
country. We're also in a pool league and play 3 times a week. I love karaoke and try to
sing. It's fun, even though I'm not really a singer. The singles group has several parties
throughout the year, so I attend them as well.
Who is a creative person (not a writer) who has influenced you and your work?
I have a friend, Rose. She has been a big influence on my writing. She pushes me forward and is always telling me how talented I am, and I need to keep the writing up. If it wasn't for her, I might not have accomplished as much as I have and certainly not as quickly.
What advice would you give to aspiring authors who may be reading this interview?
The advice I would give to an aspiring author is never give up. If it's something you love
doing, then you owe it to yourself to keep doing it. Even though life may get in the way
at times, it's always there waiting for you and you can always return to it.
What’s next for you? What are you working on now?
I'm actually working on a new novel, which contains a lot of suspense, intrigue and of
course romance. It’s the story of a woman who is buried alive and saved in a way I think
will resonate with a lot of readers. She’s then left to try to find out who wants her dead.
What is your preferred method to have readers get in touch with or follow you (i.e.,
website, personal blog, Facebook page, etc.) and link(s)?
I can be reached through my website which is https://susanmerrifield.com, or by
email Katiesdream@yahoo.com. I also have a new Facebook page at
https://www.facebook.com/merrifieldsusan. I’d love to hear from new people.
Author Susan Merrifield has authored three books, including two fiction novels, "From Dungeons to Daylight" and "Fifth Life," and one non-fiction, "Surviving an Alcoholic Marriage and Living to Tell about It."
"From Dungeons to Daylight" is a romance/suspense story of Phillip, a man born into royalty during the 16th century who is switched at birth with the King's hand, Cormac's, own child. After deciding to try to win back his kingdom, Phillip falls into a deep sleep and is thrust into the 21st Century where he meets Laura and James. The three find a way to get Phillip back to his kingdom, with Laura, but the task may find them in bodies neither one recognizes.
"Fifth Life" is a romance/suspense story following the life of Maddie Sloane. Maddie is living the ideal life until a fatal accident kills her only child and husband. A handsome paramedic, David, saves her life. Several months later she brings brownies to David’s station to thank him and the immediate attraction is obvious. Maddie decides to become an EMT-B. But now, someone wants revenge and Maddie has no idea why. Can David protect her?
"Surviving an Alcoholic Marriage and Living to Tell About it" is a true story based upon my experience with a long, difficult relationship with an alcohol-abusing husband. Through my journey, I provide advice to others who might be in a similar situation, hoping they will learn from my experience.
Books by Author Susan Merrifield are available through various online retailers, including Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Links to purchase her books are available on her website at http://susanmerrifield.com.