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It's A Book Thing Presents: An Interview with Suzette Riddick, author of Finally Yours

Author’s Bio: Suzette Riddick is a wife, mother and nurse practitioner who enjoys writing about imperfect people finding perfect love. She is an Amazon Best-Selling Author and featured in USA Today ~ Happy Ever After. A native of Philadelphia, PA, Suzette loves to travel, read and she’s addicted to Chanel parfum.

To learn more about Suzette visit her website at www.suzetteriddick.com. 

Deliah Lawrence: What inspired you to write your book? 

Suzette Riddick: Finally Yours is the third book in my Lawrence Family Series. I wouldn’t necessarily say I was inspired, but rather motivated to complete the series. Readers were interested in the oldest sister’s story. 

Synopsis: Emergency room nurse practitioner Samantha “Sammie” Lawrence gives the impression that she always has it together. Her dominating personality has gotten her into trouble one too many times. Especially when she crosses paths with her father’s new business associate Dexter Davis.

Real estate developer Dexter Davis is the no nonsense type that doesn’t have a problem with putting anyone in their place, including Samantha Lawrence. His confrontation with the beautiful, abrasive young woman could be the undoing of a profitable acquisition.

When events force Sammie and Dexter to become business partners, they learn they have a lot in common. Similar experiences of loss and grief act as a catalyst to bring them together.

As the couple is settling into a world of happiness and devotion, a once trusted friend from Sammie’s past threatens to decimate their existence when Sammie’s secret comes to light.

Will Sammie and Dexter weather the storm? 

DL: How do you handle writer’s block?

SR: Some years ago, I took an online course with Creative Writing. An exercise I learned to do is to journal five to ten minutes prior to starting my writing sessions. This has helped a lot to get me into a good mental space for writing. Also, at the end of a writing session, I’ll make bullet points for scenes in the next scene or chapter. This is useful in giving me direction on how to move the story forward…unless the character tells me to go another way. 

DL: What elements do you think make a good story?

SR: Interesting characters and conflict. I love characters that aren’t picture perfect and have messy lives. To me it makes them relatable. Conflict doesn’t always have to be over the top and explosive. But just enough to show the reader how the character is going to react. 

DL: What were some of the challenges when writing this book?

SR: Time! Working fulltime and having a family I enjoy spending time with can be a delicate juggling act. I would have loved to dedicate more time to writing this book. However, spending time with family is a priority for me. Another challenge was making sure details lined up with the first two books in the series. All three stories were occurring simultaneously. 

DL: Is there any particular author or book that influenced you in any way either growing up or as an adult?

SR: Francis Ray definitely was an influence on me as I discovered Black romance authors. I enjoyed her books because they weren’t overly melodramatic with unnecessary drama to move the story along. I’m honored I had the pleasure to meet her before she passed away. 

DL: What was the best writing advice you’ve ever been given?

SR: To write the best story I can because it is the only thing within my control. Beverly Jenkins gave me that sage advice over a decade ago and it still resonates with me until this day. 

DL: What tips would you give to aspiring writers?

SR: Do your research when it comes to things like marketing, social media presence (I wish someone would’ve told me I didn’t have to be on EVERY platform), social media etiquette, selecting an editor, never stop working on developing your craft, and don’t be afraid to go the indie route in publishing. 

DL: What are three fun facts about yourself?

SR: I’m adventurous when it comes to trying new foods, I’m incredibly silly, and I can spend hours looking at vintage photos. 

DL: What new projects are you currently working on?

SR: Currently I’m working on a series about three women who were somewhat villainess in my Love Conquers All Series. Each of their stories will center around them being redeemed from past mistakes and choices that led to their downfall. 

DL: Where can readers learn more about you and purchase your book(s)?

SR: Readers can get more information here:

DL: Thanks so much for being here with us today. I know my readers will enjoy getting to know you and your work. 

SR: Thank you for this opportunity!



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