Online for Authors Episode 1-13-26

​When a Nosey Journalist Saves the Day: A Sharp and Funny Whodunit with Author Susie Black

​Hello, fellow book enthusiasts! Today, I’m thrilled to share a captivating conversation I had with Susie Black, the brilliant mind behind "The Case of the Croaked Coach." If you’re as intrigued by the blend of humor and mystery in novels as I am, then you’re in for a treat. Let’s dive into what makes Susie’s work stand out and her thoughts on writing a young protagonist for an adult audience.

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The Premise of "The Case of the Croaked Coach"
Susie Black’s novel kicks off a promising series with the debut title that revolves around a young high school investigative reporter. Our protagonist stumbles onto a gripping murder mystery involving a despised football coach and a wrongly accused student. The story unfolds with suspense and laughter, keeping readers engaged from cover to cover.

Balancing Between Young Adult and Adult Fiction
One intriguing aspect of Susie's storytelling is her decision to write adult fiction with a teenage protagonist. This sparked a fascinating discussion about market trends and authorial intent. Susie candidly shared her experiences with publishers and why she chose to cater to her existing adult readership rather than reposition her work as young adult fiction, despite having a high school protagonist. Her sales background and determination to stay true to herself shine through in this decision.

Creating Relatable and Humorous Narratives
Susie’s narrative style is refreshingly humorous, a quality she attributes to her own experiences as a high school  investigative reporter turned editor-in-chief. Drawing from her past, Susie crafts a whimsical yet realistic character, Hannah, who mirrors some of her youthful journalistic adventures. The blend of relatable characters and comedic elements adds depth and enjoyment to her stories.

The Writing Process: Plotting vs. Pantsing
As we explored Susie’s writing process, it became clear that she dances between plotting her novels and writing by the seat of her pants. While she generally knows her story's major points, the fluidity with which she allows characters to shape the journey adds a dynamic twist to her storytelling. Her candid insights into managing ideas, even when inspiration strikes at inconvenient times, are a testament to her passion and dedication.

Exploration Through Series
Aside from the Hannah White series, Susie is working on another series set in the desert, known as the Sunny Knight Mystery series. This series promises new adventures with intriguing characters and settings.

Conclusion

Susie Black’s novels offer readers a delightful blend of mystery, humor, and realism. Her ability to infuse laughter into serious themes is both entertaining and refreshing. If you’re interested in experiencing a unique take on mystery and comedy, I highly recommend picking up "The Case of the Croaked Coach."

Join the conversation over at the Novels N Latte Book Club on Facebook, and don't forget to enter for a chance to win a digital copy of Susie’s book by sharing something you learned or enjoyed from our podcast chat.

Thank you for joining me on this literary journey with Susie Black. Until next time, keep reading and enjoying the world of books!

Purchase The Case of the Croaked Coach on Amazon:
Paperback:  https://amzn.to/47uRd28
Ebook: https://amzn.to/3JVewZT

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.