Pump Up Your Book Chats with Motivational Author Susie Larson

Susie Larson has spoken to thousands of women locally, nationally, and internationally. She is the author of six books, a devotional journal, and a contributor for several books. Susie has published many articles and works as an on-call radio host for the Faith Radio Network. Susie and her husband Kevin serve as co-chairs for the International Justice Mission benefit banquet in Minnesota (IJM, among other things, rescues young girls from the horrific life of human trafficking; www.ijm.org).

Website: www.susielarson.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/deeperlifeinchrist

Blog: http://susielarsonblog.typepad.com/

Twitter: @SusieLarson

Thank you for this interview, Susie.  Do you remember writing stories as a child or did the writing bug come later?  Do you remember your first published piece?

That’s a great question. Now that I think of it, I did write a number of stories when I was a child. My first published piece was an article for Focus on the Family (which was the beginning of a great relationship with them. I eventually published about fifty articles with them).

What do you consider as the most frustrating side of becoming a published author and what has been the most rewarding?

The frustrating side of becoming a published author is dealing with the constant feeling that you’re never doing enough to market and promote your books. As authors, it is our responsibility to get our books out there but it’s easy to allow that pressure to push our lives out of balance. I’ve seen authors completely neglect their health, family, and relationships in order to give their book a fighting chance. I refuse to do that. I know in my core that God would never ask that of me, which brings me to your second question. Though I understand and embrace my part in the promotion process, the most rewarding thing about being published is watching how God takes my little offering and multiplies it. That He would use what I give Him to change thousands of lives is nothing short of mind-boggling. Wow, what an honor.

Are you married or single and how do you combine the writing life with home life?  Do you have support?

I am married to an amazing man who makes me laugh every day. This spring we’ll celebrate our 25^th wedding anniversary. Our three sons are all in their early twenties. As I already mentioned, keeping family a priority was really important to me. I did everything I could to keep faith and family first. Somehow, in return, I always found enough time to meet my deadlines, but I couldn’t have done it without a supportive family. I’ve told my sons on many occasions, “Whatever fruit my work produces, is your fruit too.”

Embracing Your Freedom by Susie Larson (click on cover to purchase)

What do you like to do for fun when you’re not writing?  Where do you like to vacation?  Can you tell us briefly about this?

As a former fitness instructor, I love to work out. One of my happy places is either cycle class or biking on the trails as fast as I can. Another one of my favorite pastimes is spending my early summer mornings on my deck watching the sun come up over the trees (with my Bible in one hand and a cup of Chai in the other). As a family, we vacation with my siblings, their spouses and kids, and my parents (totaling forty-something of us). We go to a resort in northern Minnesota and spend the week swimming, fishing, hiking, playing games, and playing the guitars around the bonfire. It’s a blast.

If you could be anywhere in the world for one hour right now, where would that place be and why?

If I could be any place in the world right now, it would be right here at home with my family (we are empty nesters right now). I would love to have my three sons home for an hour of fun family time. If I could adjust the picture somewhat, I would make it summer time. I’m not a fan of Minnesota winters.

Who is your biggest fan?

I’d have to say my biggest fan is my husband, followed by my three sons, and my folks.

Where’s your favorite place to write at home?

I have two places I like to write: I like to write in my family room during the warm months (where it’s cool and comfortable) and I like to write in my family room in front of the fire place during the winter months (where it’s warm and cozy).

What’s your favorite library and why?

We have a great local library (the Anoka County Public Library) but I must admit, I don’t get there too often. I usually purchase the resource books I need.

What’s your favorite bookstore and why?

We have a chain of Christian bookstores in the upper Midwest: Northwestern Bookstores. I could spend hours in those stores.

Do you have any pets?

We had a dog whose name was Bubs, but he had to be put to sleep last year. My son rescued Bubs from busy traffic. The poor thing was neglected and abused. His nails curled around to a full circle; his teeth were black; his hair was matted and dirty. Whenever we lifted our hand, he’d shrink back in fear thinking we were about to hit him. It took several hundred dollars to get him cleaned up but it didn’t take long for him to trust us and become the sweetest dog ever. It’s like he knew we rescued him and he seemed forever grateful. When we found him he had terrible arthritis but it was a herniated disc that debilitated him and ended his life. He was old and in lots of pain. We are in a different stage of life now. My speaking schedule keeps us on the road too much to have a pet now.

What are you reading right now?

I just finished reading, “The Heavenly Man” by Brother Yun. Right now I’m reading, “And I will be Found by You” by Francis Frangipane.

Tell us a secret no one else knows.

Ha. That’s a brave question. Let’s see, not very many people in my Christian writer/speaker world know that I can burn up the dance floor. J I don’t go to clubs or anything like that, but if given the chance to dance at a wedding, I hardly sit down. My husband says he just hops on my feet and hangs on for dear life.

What’s the first thing you notice when you meet someone?

The first thing I notice when I meet others is their countenance. I pay close attention in effort to discern if they are troubled, at peace, or in need in any way.

Have you ever won anything?

Not that I can remember. I’ve held a pretty good second place on numerous occasions. Oh, wait, I won a large bottle of Gatorade for riding the fastest three minute time trial in cycle class.

What’s on your to do list today?

I have an early morning meeting. I have a couple of articles to write. I have some homework to do. I have a conference call to discuss website updates. I have some paperwork to fill out for my literary agent. I have a number of website inquiries to answer and a number of emails to answer as well. Oh, and then there’s the matter of laundry and dishes. It’s a good life.

I understand that you are touring with Pump Up Your Book Promotion in January via a virtual book tour.  Can you tell us all why you chose a virtual book tour to promote your book online?

I chose to go with Pump Up Your Book Promotion because my friend and fellow author Kathi Macias gave Cheryl a glowing reference.

Thank you for this interview, Susie. Good luck on your virtual book tour!

Thank you so much for your time!