Susanna Kearsley: Hail and Farewell!

by Mary Jo

Authors love hanging out with each other, interacting with readers, and writing about delicious bits of research. (Especially historical writers on the research!)

But sometimes an author becomes too busy to include regular blogging in her life.  Such is the case for Susanna Kearsley, who is bowing out with mutual regrets all around.  To say farewell, we're sharing some memories of her and her books.  The picture above is a record-setting five Wenches together in Real Life at last summer's RWA conference in New York.  From left to right: Anne Gracie, Mary Jo Putney, Andrea Penrose, Susanna Kearsley, and Patricia Rice.  (Joanna Bourne arrived later: SIX of us!)

 

Anne here.

I came to Susanna's books, first -- I think it might have been Nicola who mentioned one in a WWR post. I forget which book it was, but I ended up glomming the lot in quite a short time. I then saw her at a signing at RWA — I think it might have been in Washington DC — and I remember being surprised, because up to that point I thought she was from the UK. But no, that was clearly a Canadian accent. I suspect I gushed a bit, but the line of people waiting behind me saved Susanna from a fan-girl rave. <g>

Then I went to Romantic Times in Las Vegas in 2016, and I bumped into Susanna and we ended up spending quite a bit of time together, including a whole afternoon in the bar talking books and movies and generally setting the world to rights. Here's a photo of Susanna with MelJean Brook, Nalini Singh and me.  

Back up to another RWA conference in 2014, and Mary Jo and I were there when Susanna won the RITA for The Firebird. And then there was last year in New York, where a number of us were on a panel that Susanna chaired. That's the last time we met in person —and if you're thinking that the only time we've met is at conferences, you'd be right. But conferences are just the tip of the iceberg, and beneath that lies email and FB and Twitter, where authors chat and share and laugh, and friendships deepen. It's been wonderful having Susanna as a wench, and we'll miss her dreadfully. 

Mary Jo's turn!

I first met Susanna at the RWA conference where she won her RITA.  After the ceremony, Anne suggested we fight our way through the crowd to congratulate her, so we did.  I don't recall who we importuned to take a picture of the three of us, but it turned out well, didn't it?

The first book of Susanna's I read was The Shadowy Horses. Scotland!  Archeologists! The mystery of a vanished Roman legion!  Ghosts!!!! Romance! Of course I loved it.  I immediately recommended the book to my sister, a serious archeology buff. She read the book and promptly bought all of Susanna's other books. <G>  Susanna's stories are always lyrical, powerful, romantic, and deeply researched.  We'll miss her, but if she needs more time to write her lovely books, we can only applaud!

From Pat:

One of the benefits of being a wench is that we can get together in person occasionally and really come to know each other's little quirks or idiosyncrasies. I've read Susanna's books for years, talked to her at conferences, and worked with her online through the blog.

But it was our visit to RWA in NYC that showed me the real Susanna behind the always-polite Canadian. Real Author Susanna joined us at breakfast one sunny morning, bubbling over about her new acquisition--an ancient manual typewriter, newly named Nevil. Without a case, if I recollect correctly, because the poor baby had been rejected by others for being caseless. She had to buy ribbons and everything for it and she was absolutely in alt, planning the many ways she might use it (commonly called excuses for buying).

Even me, the technophobe, would never ever consider going back to one of those Whack-a-Key machines, but Susanna was like a kid in a candy store as she recited the wonders of the off-beat little shop she'd found selling these ancient monstrosities. (Here's she wrote about  it, so you can see what I mean, almost as good as in person. She really is a heroine from a different time!

Nicola:

In common with a lot of readers, I’m sure, I first discovered Susanna’s books when I picked up a copy of Mariana in my local library. From my childhood reading years onwards, I’ve been fascinated by historical fiction and timeslip novels so when I found Susanna’s books I felt a sense of recognition, a feeling of “these are the books I’ve been looking for!”  They are an escape into another world and one that is so beautifully and atmospherically created that it feels completely real to me. They are all on my keeper shelves; I think The Rose Garden is still my favourite but it’s difficult to choose! I still have my original battered copy of Mariana as well.

 It’s been such a pleasure to get to know Susanna in person, at writing conferences, and as a fellow Word Wench. Her blog posts are like her writing; thoughtful, insightful and full of inspiration. She has brought a unique dimension to the Word Wenches and we will miss her but look forward to welcoming Susanna back as a guest to chat about the books that are yet to come.

Andrea:

As an avid reader, I’m always thrilled to discover a new author whose storytelling just pulls me into that magical world of the imagination. So I remember distinctly finding The Winter Sea by Susanna Kearsley at my local library and falling in love. Of course I tracked down her others—and then waited impatiently for each new one to appear. (My complaint was that she didn’t write nearly fast enough!)

I was really thrilled when Susanna accepted our invitation to join the Wenches. I’d never met her in person, but just had a sense through her writing that she would be a really cool friend. The Wenches have our private e-mail loop where we talk every day . . .everything from writing, musing, and blog stuff to Life and just sharing little things that make us laugh. We celebrate achievements and commiserate on the tough moments together. It’s hard to describe to describe the bond of friendship we all have with each other, even though we rarely get together in person.

As you can probably tell from her books and blogs, Susanna is kind, sensitive, supportive and possesses a wonderful sense of humor, no matter that ups and downs of Life. So while we will all miss her being a Wench, she will always be a dear friend. (I was really thrilled that last summer I actually got to meet her in real life at a conference! I’m looking forward to many more late nights hanging out together, gabbing and drinking wine!)

From Susan King to Susanna:

More than four years ago, I was already a fan of Susanna Kearsley's books, rich stories that I could sink into and forget what's going on around me. The Winter Sea is one of my absolute favorites for its subtle characters and dialogue, gorgeous prose, and deep Scottish research. I had great respect for her as a writer before she joined Word Wenches.

Once we all got to know her behind the scenes as our Canadian Wench, we had some things in common, from loving Scotland to life as moms who have had to juggle three kids and a writing career. She's a kind, thoughtful, talented lady and I'm sad to see her go, though we all understand how busy life gets. So with thanks and a virtual hug (which is all we can share these days anyway!), I'll say bonne chance et à bientôt (rather than au revoir) to Susanna. Come back and visit us soon!  

Jo Bourne:

I last saw Susanna in person — there’s a snap around somewhere to prove I really was there — at a conference in New York City.

I was supposed to share a room with her. But then I got in to Penn Station in what we’d call the middle of the night in the hills of Virginia. Hours and hours late because train schedules are a subgenre of Fantasy. My daughter met me and we walked to the hotel in Times Square. Everybody apparently walks everywhere in NYC. Such a healthy lifestyle, except for getting mugged.

So the daughter and I are there in the hotel hallway outside Susanna’s room in the small dark hours, me knocking and getting no answer, and knocking again.  I’m reluctant to barge in on somebody who might be startled by a couple extra people walking into her room.

“This is the way people get shot,” says I, judging likelihoods by the standard armament of rural Virginia and not properly taking into account that Susanna is Canadian.  

Unbeknownst to me, Susanna was not in the hotel room at all but out doing some entertainment thing. Might of been a Broadway Show. I understand there’s lots of that stuff going on in New York City.

In any case, I left a note on the door and retreated to spend the night on Mary Jo and Pat’s couch and met up with Susanna over coffee and breakfast the next morning.

If Susanna ever writes a minor character into one of her books — a plump, somewhat-befuddled woman with a not inconsiderable case of paranoia — that’s . . .  ummm . . . .  me.

Susanna here.

It’s true that writing is a solitary craft, but it’s a craft that isn’t truly born of solitude. Most writers need the company of friends, to be a sounding-board for all our wild ideas, reassure us when self-doubt creeps in, and buoy us through the middle of our books when all the crazy currents try to drag us down. We need friends to share our struggles with the scenes that won’t come out right, and to celebrate the times we hit our deadlines.

And for nearly four years now, I’ve had that here—not only from my fellow Wenches, who have brightened my life in more ways than I could ever tell them—but from everyone who’s part of our community here, taking time from your own busy lives to share your thoughts and comments in our almost-daily conversation.

Spending these years as a Word Wench has been such a privilege. If I could, I’d go on doing it, but balancing demands in other segments of my life now means it’s time for me to step aside and make room for a new Wench (you’ll love her, believe me—we’ve been friends for over a decade).

I’m so grateful for all that you’ve given me. Thank you for these wonderful years, shared in the company of friends.  

Mary Jo again.  We Wenches have all spoken our piece.  Would you like to say some parting words to her?  Not that she's going far!  Her books are everywhere, so enjoy!

Comments

[Sue McCormick]

My first two Kearsley books were Marianna and Shadowy Horses, in some order. I believe that I read Shadowy Horses first. I have read every one that has since appeared, and I own them all.

I hate to see Susanna leave, but I do entirely understand her leaving.

Wishing all the luck in the world for you, Susanna. I hope you find more private time.

[Karin]

Thank you for sharing your time and writings with us, Susanna. I can't believe how time flies, has it really been 4 years?

[Mary M.]

Susanna, I'll miss your distinctive voice here. I didn't even need "Susanna here" to clue me in to your turn to post. I hope to hear from you occasionally as a Wench Emeritus. Busy is good, so great luck, best wishes, and bon voyage.

[Annette N]

Susanna, I am sorry that you are leaving the group. And just so you know, I believe if I could find a good Selectric typewriter, I would jump on it like a duck on a June bug. You are not alone in your love for that sense of actually typing.

I hope that your future is filled with joy, serenity and a ton of writing time. Please take care and may your life be blessed.

[Theo]

So sorry to learn that you're leaving, but sometimes, it's the right thing to do. I've enjoyed your posts, love your books and wish you the best.

[Donna H.]

I am so sorry to hear you are leaving wenches. I am a Canadian and live in Canada and worked for years at our local library. You will be pleased to learn that your books were very popular and always in circulation. I was so proud and happy when I found out Susanna was Canadian. I wish you all the luck in the world and may you continue to write and produce such wonderful reads!

[Mary T]

Goodbye to you Susanna. I'm always sad when we lose a blogger that we enjoy so much. But I understand. It's important that you take care of your own needs and self. Otherwise, where will all of those wonderful books come from.

God bless and good luck.

[Mary Jo Putney]

Sue, participating in a blog is definitely a time commitment that has to be made over and over so we all understand why Susanna is bowing out. But we will miss her!

[Mary Jo Putney]

Karin, I had the same reaction: has it REALLY been four years? But yes, it has. Time flies....

[Mary Jo Putney]

Mary M, you're right, Susanna's voice is very distinctive. We'll have her back as a guest when we can!

[Mary Jo Putney]

Annette, go to http://gramercytypewriter.com/, where Susanna got her Nevil. One of their headers mentions selling Selectrics! I bet they have some on ebay as well.

[Mary Jo Putney]

Theo, sometimes, we just have to simplify our lives.

[Mary Jo Putney]

Donna, Susanna is absolutely a credit to Canadian letters!

[Mary Jo Putney]

Mary T--yes, the books need to come first, even if blogging is more fun. *G*

[Jeanne Behnke]

Wow - I'm really sorry to see you go Susanna. I love your books and your blogs. You have such a distinctive voice. Of course, we all have to do what we have to do. I'm sure you'll be back as a guest whenever a new book comes out. Best of luck!

[Susanna Kearsley]

Thank you, Sue. I really hate to leave, as well, but I'll still be lurking around, catching up on the posts and the comments :-)

[Susanna Kearsley]

I know! It doesn't seem possible, but time really does fly when you're having fun, and it HAS been such fun being here.

[Susanna Kearsley]

Thank you, Mary, that's very kind of you to say. And yes, as Mary Jo says, I'll most certainly be back with a guest post now and then :-)

[Susanna Kearsley]

Thank you so much, Annette. I hope you find your Selectric! There is something very soothing in the sound of the actual tap of the typewriter keys (even if I sometimes get them stuck together, like I used to do back in the day :)

[Susanna Kearsley]

Thank you, Theo. There's never an easy time to make a change like this, but it helps to have the full support of understanding friends.

[Susanna Kearsley]

Thank you, Donna. How nice to know my books were well liked at your library! My mom worked at our local library in Ontario, too, so I have a soft spot for librarians--and I'll try to keep making you proud to claim me as a fellow Canadian :)

[Susanna Kearsley]

Thank you, Mary. And you might be losing one blogger, but you're going to be gaining a new one you'll enjoy just as much, I promise.

[Susanna Kearsley]

Thanks, Jeanne. Yes, I'll definitely be back for guest posts. And given how long it takes me to write my books, I might not even wait until I have a new book to peddle :)

[Kareni]

Susanna, I've enjoyed your posts here, but I can also appreciate the time it must take you (and the other Wenches) to craft such well researched pieces. Best wishes to you as you move on!

[Lark @ The Bookwyrm's Hoard]

My first Susanna Kearsley novel was Named of the Dragon; my second was a review copy of A Desperate Fortune. After that, I plunged into Susanna's books, savoring the audiobooks of The Winter Sea, The Shadowy Horses, and The Firebird. (I deliberately chose to read those three in that order, because of the links between the books.) I've had the great good fortune of seeing Susanna three times when she has come to Fredericksburg, Virginia's Central Rappahannock Regional Library system. She has given me hours and weeks of enthralling reading and listening. I still have some books to read... I've saved them for a rainy day. And I think I'll be pulling a few of those out to read during the next weeks and months. Thank you, Susanna, for your posts here, for your graciousness to your fans (especially this one), and most of all, for writing such lovely and magical books.

[Teresa Broderick]

The first book of Susanna's that I read was Sophia's Secret and I LOVED it!! I delved into all her books after that and she is an automatic buy for me now (waiting with bated breathe for her new one).
I wish her all the best in the future and if leaving here means she'll be writing more books, that's fine with me :):)

[Vicki L]

I too want to say I've very much enjoyed your blog posts. Its always fun to get a view from another part of the world. Just as an example: Scorching hot in Australia, freezing cold in Canada and everything in between in the US and England.

Thank you so much for taking the time to be a Wench for 4 years. I know it must have been a tough decision to leave but when push comes to shove...something has to give. I'm waiting with baited breath to see who the new Wench is. You've whetted my appetite with your teasing hints about her!

Best of luck with life and your writing.

[kay]

Sorry your leaving the group, but I know you'll still be around. Maybe you can even drop in occasionally. Your voice is always appreciated from those of us who love Romanceland.

[Margot]

Sorry to see you depart from the Wenches blog where we can all enjoy the discussions. I'm sure you will still be in touch with the others and maybe you will check in here every now and then? I have enjoyed your posts here - thanks for sharing them and the work that goes into each one. All the best as you continue your life's journey.

[Patricia Franzino]

Susanna, I've loved your work for many years and look forward to the next book or perhaps, a series.

If you can, please drop in occasionally, so we can catch up with all you're doing.

All the best to you in every way.

[Cynthia]

My first Kearsley book was The Shadowy Horses and then I immediately found Named of the Dragon. I have read every other one as they came out or as I have found them, and continue to be a fan. Because I tend to prefer a more contemporary setting in romantic suspense, I was thrilled to find Every Secret Thing when it became available again. I hope the series does continue. Please keep us posted. I suppose I will have to check your website for news from now on. Thank you so much for your contributions to the Word Wenches.

[Jan]

I recommend her books so often to my friends that I am sure I annoy them. My first novel was The Winter Sea, and I soon read through them all. I adore her thorough research that takes me to other places and times, and her emotional dialogue (and silences). I will miss reading her insights and historical nerdy-ness, which I share, here. Bonne Chance!

[Michelle H]

Four years? It seems like yesterday that Susanna joined the Wenches, and I was so excited for that to happen. I've so enjoyed her posts, loved reading about what went into a book she wrote or what was happening in her life at the time. I will miss her but wish her all the best with whatever needed extra time and attention now.

My first Kearsley was Shadowy Horses, and to say I was hooked just cannot possibly describe how lost I was in that experience. I scooped up each one (books) whenever I could and loved them all but I think maybe Shadowy Horses is my all time favorite. I've read other time-slip novels and nothing compares to Susanna's atmospheric, combined with historical detail, style.

In addition to sending my wishes and blessings for her future, I would like to thank her for her amazing writing.

[Denise]

Although I understand the importance of bowing out from this or that commitment, I will miss your presence and sharing on this blog, Susanna! I will look forward to your next book as I enjoy re-reading my treasured collection. I think The Rose Garden was the first book of yours that I read (and loved!), promptly followed by The Winter Sea, Marianna and SO many others. Bellewether sits on my nightstand at the moment as the next book I’ll read. Good luck, Susanna, in all of your future endeavors, and God Bless you and yours always!

[Kathryn Riley]

I have read all of Susanna's books, and loved every one. I eagerly await the next one, and hope for many more. Best wishes, we'll miss you!

[Ellen Ballinger]

I was so happy to get to meet you when you came to our small Ontario town a few years ago, and my lovely daughter and son-in-law bought me a ticket to the event for my birthday!

Love your books, enjoyed meeting you, and like others my complaint is that it's too long between books, even though I understand why.

Sorry you are leaving this blog, but hoping that means more time for writing, looking forward to your next book.