Interview with contemporary romance author Susan Bagby

Romance author Susan Bagby chats with me about her new contemporary novel, Forever Kind of Love.

During her virtual book tour, Susan will be giving away a $20 Amazon or Barnes and Noble (winner’s choice) gift card to a lucky randomly drawn participant. To be entered for a chance to win, use the form below. To increase your chances of winning, feel free to visit her other tour stops, too!

Bio:
Susan Bagby is a retired speech and language pathologist and full-time writer of romance books. She has three novels published with independent presses and her fourth, Forever Kind of Love, was published by The Wild Rose Press. In addition to being a Maggie Award finalist, Sweet Ridge Hearts, her last book, was also a Literary Titan gold award winner. She lives in Ohio where she relishes the four seasons, (well, maybe not winter), and loves yoga, jazz, golf and walking anywhere outdoors.

Welcome, Susan. Please tell us about your current release.
Blurb: Willow Barton’s life crumbles at her husband’s arrest for fraud, forcing her to return to her Ohio hometown to rebuild. Running a small bookstore and helping her best friend care for her ailing father offers solace—until Zachary Hayes, her best friend’s brother and a charming country music star, shows up.
Struggling to revive his career and reconnect with his estranged father, Zach sparks an undeniable yet unwelcome chemistry with Willow. As her estranged husband seeks forgiveness, and Zach battles his own demons, Willow must confront her painful past and decide if she’s willing to risk her heart again. Caught between heartbreak and hope, can they overcome their fears and build a future together?

What inspired you to write this book?
I read a newspaper article in my hometown publication about a man who was arrested for fraud and a Ponzi scheme. I thought about his wife who was clueless of his criminal activity and lost everything she owned, including her dignity, when he was carted off to jail. I thought about the strength and fearlessness that would be needed for a woman to overcome such challenges, and Willow’s character was born. I had her living in New York City, so she needed to return to her small hometown of Cedar Hill in Ohio. And that is where her journey begins.

Excerpt from Forever Kind of Love:
“Zach softly touched her left arm. “Let’s inspect the darkroom again and ensure you don’t need anything else.”

“Okay. Maybe you’ll see something I didn’t.”

He followed her into the room, running a hand over the new shelves. “These seem to be sturdy enough.”

She edged closer to the sink. “The only thing not working is this.” Grasping the faucet handle, she rotated it. A gush of water spewed out, splashing her clothes, and she shrieked. “What the…?” She swung around.

Zach leaned against the table, both hands in his pockets and a roguish smirk popping his dimples. He shrugged. “Magic?”

She widened her eyes. “You fixed it?”

“Pops and I did.” He wrinkled his forehead. “You aren’t mad, are you?”

Willow leaped and threw both arms around him, squeezing hard. “Thank you! No, I’m not mad.” She shuddered, struggling to keep her emotions in check. “But I don’t have the money to pay you back yet.” She released her grasp on his body, the heat of him radiating through her skin and leaving her dizzy.

“No problem. The pipes weren’t expensive, and Dad was happy to help. In fact, the work was very therapeutic for both of us.” He brushed a hair from her face, then slid his palm along her cheek. “I want to help you, Willow. Please. Let me.”

She felt her body pulse, just inches away, and her breath catching in her throat. She craved to let him kiss her. He wants it, too.

Zach leaned in nearer, dangling his lips near hers, but his phone’s ringer stopped him.

She jolted back, catching her balance on the table. No, I can’t kiss him. Not now. Not ever.”

What exciting project are you working on next?
I am presently working with my editor at The Wild Rose Press on the next book in the Cedar Hill series. Stay tuned for more.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?
Probably after my debut novel was published in 2022 and I held the book in my hands.

Do you write full-time? If so, what’s your workday like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?
I am lucky enough to be able to write full-time now that I’m retired from working in the public schools as a speech therapist. I’m very consistent in my writing schedule. I practice yoga and meditation after I rise early, then make a chai tea and head to my writing chair in the living room for a couple hours. I usually move to the table in the kitchen after that until I’m ready to take a walk. In the afternoon, I usually dabble in marketing and social media tasks and later in the day, I might come back to my office and work on a manuscript for another hour. I love doing this and the discipline doesn’t feel like a chore but more of a joyful privilege.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I don’t know if I have a quirk or not, but I love my maroon, leather recliner that I write in every morning.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be an actress. When I was in the fourth grade I wrote a letter to Walt Disney. I really wanted to be in his movies.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
Thank you so much for taking the time to read about me and my new book, Forever Kind of Love. I want you to know that the desire to write romance novels was inspired by my mother, who always read Harlequin books and watched Hallmark movies with me since I was in my twenties. Although she’s no longer here, I feel her presence with me and know she would enjoy my stories.

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