Q&A with Author Suanne Laqueur
Her intro on her Facebook page reads: “Readeur. Writeur. Loveur. Nappeur. Painteur. Cancer killeur. Hot AF.” And I cannot think of anything more perfect for Suanne Laqueur. I’m going to add to that description of my birthday buddy (yes, we share a birthday, but I can just about guarantee her celebrations are way cooleur than mine): listeneur, supporteur, and boredom killeur.
I first met Suanne when she attended Charm City Romanticon 2023. She was a complete mystery to me. Recommended by one of my favorite authors (A.M. Johnson), I was intrigued by her writing, added her to my TBR immediately, and watched new readers rave about her stories. As my life was chaos, her books remained on my TBR for longer than I care to admit. Because I am kicking myself on a daily basis for not jumping into her stories sooner. And, no, I am not kidding about the daily kicking. Because once I dove in to An Exaltation of Larks, I was obsessed.
Now, hear me out. I jumped into the audiobook, having no idea what to expect other than the incredible praise I’d heard from others. I didn’t know the plot, the characters, nothing. I figured this would be another distraction during my commute to the dojo or the occasional road trip. Yeah, I was so way off base. The story, the characters, the narration—otherworldly in its impact on me. We’re talking lasting impact. Like, I want to teach classes with these novels, the Venery series, and Suanne’s backlist. These characters are living rent free in my head by my invitation, and I never ever want them to leave.
Did I jump into Suanne’s messages and bawl my eyes out over certain scenes? Yes, yes I did. Did I send her random quotes from her own books so she would know where in the story I was and how it was affecting me? Yep, did that too. Did we have beautiful conversations about all the things related to her stories? Absolutely. Because I truly believe Suanne is so invested in her stories and characters that they become part of her world too.
But we also had wonderful conversations about writing in general, and the world in general. Things are really rough for a lot of people right now, and Suanne has been an amazing sounding board for me. I’ve found so much relevance to life and the world in her stories, and hearing/reading her thoughts on it all as well has been a true comfort.
I truly enjoyed reading Suanne’s Q&A. It’s a little snippet into her life as an author. But what I’m really looking forward to is seeing Suanne at CCR this year. We recently read Larks for an online bookclub and Suanne and narrator Darren Eliker joined us for a Zoom discussion after. And after that amazing experience, my fangirling is primed for hugs and major emotional chaos.
How did you get started writing?
I’ve always told stories in my head and wrote them down in journals and notebooks. For a long time it was just a private thing I did, a hobby. The few people I did share them with enjoyed them but I just never thought to take any next steps. But when I was 46, and realized I had this one manuscript I’d been working on for like 25 years, all of a sudden the impulse was there: stop f*cking around and put it out there.
Where do you recommend a new reader start in your backlist?
I recommend An Exaltation of Larks which is the first book of the Venery series. First in that I wrote it first—the Venery novels are interconnected standalones which can be read in any order. But to get a feel for me and my writing, I say start with Larks.
Do you have a favorite/most memorable scene/ part in a novel you've written?
So hard to pick one. But all of part 9 in The Voyages of Trueblood Cay is the closest I’ve ever come to divine intervention. I was writing this climactic, messianic, nine-day sacrificial tableau, half Christ-figure, half Odin, and I had no idea how or if I was going to pull it off, how to start, how to get through one day let alone nine. Yet somehow, I did. I don’t know how it did. I look back at that section now with no clear memory of how the hell I wrote it. But it’s one of the best things I’ve ever written.
Is there a part of your career as an author you thought was going to be difficult but has wound up being really wonderful?
I knew that as an indie author, to make a success of it I was going to have to go out in the world and be people-y about my work. To answer intelligently when asked, “So what do you do?” and even more eloquently, “So what do you write?” Even ten years in, I’ll be doing my pitch and my alter-ego is standing behind me horrified, “Oh my God, you’re babbling. What are you saying? Can you get to the point? Well, that could’ve been an email…” But sometimes someone will come by my table and I’ll sell them a book in ten seconds. And that feels awesome.
Are there specific themes, tropes, or subgenres you’re more drawn to as an author, reader, or audiobook listener?
As an author, I’m drawn to family dynamics: both blood and found family.
I’ll read pretty much anything. With audiobooks, I tend to listen to non-fiction mostly. Or fiction that I’ve read before and I’m revisiting. I’ve gone back to so many of my childhood favorites on audio. Like the entire Little House series with narration by Cherry Jones, which was a treat.
What is your favorite part about being an author?
Definitely the events and signings. Meeting the readers and my fellow authors. Finding out you touched someone’s life to the point where they line up to see you. I’ll never not be surprised by it.
Any favorite authors you want to send a shout-out to?
KJ Charles is a national treasure and I hope one day the UK declares her so.
Catherynne M. Valente is criminally underrated. Her Fairyland series literally changed me.
AM Johnson is a master of the human experience.
Emma Scott writes fabulously intelligent romance.
Any and all Laurie Colwin fans can come sit by me.
Is there someone(s) who’s been influential in your life as it relates to your career?
I’m sure nobody will be surprised when I answer it’s my audiobook narrator, Darren Eliker. If I’d filled out an application with the Universe, I couldn’t have been sent a more perfect person to interpret my work. He just gets me on an artistic level and he’s exposed layers in my books that even I didn’t know were there. I’m so proud of this partnership and if he doesn’t become a superstar in the audiobook world, then I resign as general manager of the universe.
How have your life experiences influenced your career as an author?
Definitely my experiences with anxiety and depression shaped my writing because I wanted to normalize that journey within my stories. I wanted characters who struggled with their mental health and didn’t just suffer or feel shamed or stigmatized. I wanted them to have a therapist in their life. Wanted them to go on meds if need be. To hit the couch and do the work and show that it’s hard, but ultimately rewarding.
This or That: 7 random questions that may or may not be book related:
Kindle or Paperback- Paperback
Beach or Mountain Vacation- Beach
Dogs or Cats- Cats
Ice Cream or Cake- Ice cream
Action Flick or Rom-Com- Documentary
Tea or Coffee- Coffee in the morning, tea in the afternoon
Road Trip or Air Travel- Road trip (shotgun!!)
Connect with Suanne Laqueur
You can find more information about Suanne, her books, and how to connect with her on social media here:
