Q&A with Author Susan Stoker
Julie Collier (today’s guest blogger)
November 14, 2021
Sentimental post ahead.
I only started reading for pleasure in 2015. Until that point I never read!
It was shortly after I binged E.L. James’ Fifty Shades of Grey Series I discovered Protecting Caroline by Susan Stoker which thrust me in a deep dive into Susan’s world and the protector romance genre. Her Seal of Protection Series will always hold a special place in my heart.
******
6 YEARS after my reading journey started, I got to meet THE Susan Stoker at Indies Invade Philly.
You could say Susan played a part in my journey to working in Romancelandia.
After that series, I ended up reading countless books by so many incredible authors.
Now books are my job. I am incredibly grateful to be able to work with many authors and their wonderful readers. The Protector Romance Reader Group on Facebook was formed out of my love for the genre, and Susan has become and remained a favorite of so many readers in that group, and beyond.
When I talk to other readers about military, protector, and romantic suspense books and authors, Susan’s name always comes up as a favorite. Her backlist is huge, with something for every romantic suspense reader. They’re full of swoony heroes, edge-of-your-seat action plots, and always end in an HEA.
I can’t wait to see Susan again at Charm City Romanticon in a few weeks. In the meantime, I enjoyed diving into her Spotlight Q&A. I hope you will, too.
******
How did you get started writing?
I’ve always been a good writer and in 2013 I started proofreading for an online “publishing company.” I thought that the stories I had half-written on my computer were just as good as what I was proofreading, so I took a chance and published my first book…and haven’t looked back since then!
Where do you recommend a new reader start in your backlist?
Most people start with Protecting Caroline (it’s also free on all the book sites!). I honestly think my writing has gotten a lot better over the years, but that story is still one of my most beloved. I think because Caroline, the heroine, is so amazing and strong, and resonates with my readers.
Do you have a favorite/most memorable scene/ part in a novel you've written?
I don’t, but I am partial to a good ocean or jungle rescue scene. The heroine can be out of her element and scared, but not annoying about it. She can actively try to help herself, while still needing to lean on the Navy SEAL/Delta Force/Hero who comes along to help her.
Is there a part of your career as an author you thought was going to be difficult but has wound up being really wonderful?
Am I allowed to say all of it? I feel incredibly blessed to be able to write stories for a living. I mean, everything about being an author is “hard,” but the rewards are so much greater!
Are there specific themes, tropes, or subgenres you’re more drawn to as an author, reader, or audiobook listener?
Heroine in Peril…obviously. :) I like the “external” drama much more than an internal one. (External drama is things like kidnappings, shootings, bombings, something that happens TO the characters that they have to work together to overcome, rather than a disagreement, a misunderstanding, etc).
What is your favorite part about being an author?
The people, hands down. I have met some amazing people in this career. Readers who have become my friends. Authors who I now know their deep dark secrets (heh heh heh). Interacting with people online, reading kind and thoughtful reviews. Listening to people get excited about my upcoming stories. Seeing them re-reading my books because they love them so much. It’s all awesome!
What do you like to read/listen to? Any favorite authors you want to send a shout-out to?
As many people know, I’m addicted to alien romance. There’s just something about it that I love. (now I am picky about my aliens…the stories have to be off-earth for one). I think I love that the women are kidnapped (duh), usually with a group of other women, they’re put in these awful situations, and along comes the male…who is immediately smitten, and declares she’s his soul mate…and she’s like, SLOW YOUR ROLL, DUDE! I was just kidnapped, creatures with 2 heads and a million teeth are trying to kill me. I can’t deal with your romance right now. And so the male spends the rest of the book trying to protect her from bad stuff, and eventually winning her heart. Sigh…Some of my fav alien romance authors are: Ella Maven, Robin O’Connor, Tana Stone, Ella Blake, Mina Carter, Zoey Draven, Laurann Dohner, & Cynthia Sax.
Is there someone(s) who’s been influential in your life as it relates to your career?
I’ve looked up to so many authors, especially in the beginning of my career. So many authors I met and had to pinch myself that they were talking to me. Some are now my very close friends, some I haven’t talked to at all, and some have moved on from writing. But one person who has been there from the beginning is my BFF, Amy Hrutkay. We met online after she won a book of mine in a facebook party. We talked via messenger almost every day after that and clicked. She’s now been to every one of the events I’ve been to (in fact a lot of people are more excited to see HER than ME! HA!), has read all my books, and has been my cheerleader behind the scenes from almost the start.
How have your life experiences influenced your career as an author?
I think some of the things I’ve been through has made me more able to “go with the flow.” To not get bogged down in the things I can’t control. And let’s face it, there are a LOT of things authors can’t control. All I can do is write my books, and hope there are readers out there who can find them, and who want to read them.
This or That: 7 random questions that may or may not be book related:
Ebook or Paperback- Ebook
Beach or Mountain Vacation- Beach
Dogs or Cats- Dogs
Ice Cream or Cake- Ice Cream
Action Flick or Rom-Com- Action
Tea or Coffee- Neither. Yuck.
Road Trip or Air Travel- Air
Connect with Susan Stoker
You can find more information about Susan, her books, and how to connect with her on social media here:
