Before we get stuck in, can you tell our readers a little about yourself?

After a lifetime as a musician, teacher, and stage director for musical theatre, I wrote my first novel in 2013 and have since written four additional books … three more novels and one book of non-fiction. All my novels deal with the power of creativity in our lives, music in particular. My non-fiction book is a memoir of the 31 years I spent directing some eighty musicals.

If you’ve released new work in the past twelve months, can you tell us about it, and how you think it’s done, thus far?

My fourth novel, Jamie’s Children, was released in July, 2016. It’s had some modest success and good reviews. Well, excellent reviews.

Was there anything about your release(s) that you wish you’d done differently?

I’ve learned with each release. My most successful book launch was the non-fiction book in November of 2015, but it generated a lot of interest primarily with local folks since I had worked with probably between three and four thousand people during those 31 years. I need to find a way to get the word out about a new book more effectively. Not sure how one does that!

How do you feel your writing style or process has changed this past year?

Absolutely. I feel with every book I have improved my craft, and continue to work to become a better writer.

Do you have a proudest moment of the year?

A “musical book signing” at a local author-friendly theater which is kind enough to stock my books. An excellent turnout, and nice sales for all five books from that event.

Do you have a surprising fan/reader moment of 2016?

I’d have to say an invitation for my first book club appearance in September. That was a thrill!

Do you have a favorite 2016 interaction with a reader or a favorite review?

Yes, a review of my most recent novel, Jamie’s Children, elicited a review from someone who had read most of my books but waited to review this one because he said he felt I had “come into my own as a writer” with this book.

Has anything occurred that you’ve had to put down as a learning experience?

Oh, yes. Rereading my books and seeing what I did that could have been better! However, I’ve been advised not to obsess over them … they are definitely good stories and people still love them. Better to move forward and resolve to keep improving.

Do you have any advice for new authors or anything about the industry that’s changed that you think new authors should really know about?

Don’t expect to get rich and famous just because you wrote a book. It seldom happens, and sometimes it happens for the wrong reasons. Write because you can’t breathe without writing. It becomes as necessary as air.

Do you have a favorite book from the past year?

Yes, Suanne Laqueur’s book The Man I Love. She is an independent author who has written five books to this point, and her work is excellent. She calls them “intelligent romances.”

What are you currently working on?

Memories of Jake, a story of two brothers whose lives are impacted in different ways by the time they served in the Vietnam War. It’s required an enormous amount of research and has been life-changing.

What do you have planned for 2017?

Releasing Memories of Jake hopefully in late March, and following with a companion book, Jake Re-Imagined. Another musical book signing, possibly in early May.

Where is the best place to keep up to date with you and your work?

I frequently post updates and book excerpts as well as news items on my Facebook author page, and on my website, www.susanmoorejordan.com

Thank you for your time, and all the best for the year ahead.

Thanks for your support!