Suzi Weinert interview by David Alan Binder

Post date: Jan 27, 2016 2:33:03 PM

Author Suzi Weinert interview by David Alan Binder

This author penned a novel was made into a Hallmark Channel made for TV move. How nice is that?

Her Website: http://www.suziweinert.com/

Her Good Reads Page: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4672297.Suzi_Weinert

Her Amazon page: http://www.amazon.com/Suzi-Weinert/e/B00FISY172

From her bio and by way of introduction.

“You might say it’s the U.S. Army’s fault,” chuckles Suzi Weinert when asked about her attraction to garage sales. An Air Force brat turned military wife, Suzi’s investigation into bazaars, thrift shops, swap meets, and garage and estate sales was borne of necessity. Moving more than 11 times across the United States and Germany – all the while raising five children and trying to make every new house a home – she quickly learned that whatever couldn’t be taken on a move could later be supplemented by her new destination’s military or civilian thrift shops.

It would appear that Hallmark Channel thinks so, too. Already buzz about Garage Sale Diamonds – the forthcoming Garage Sale mystery released in September 2013 and was the most watched movie of that month – and its adaptation into a follow-up TV movie has begun.

Suzi Weinert is the author of Garage Sale Stalker, the first novel in a series of Garage Sale mysteries. A member of the Mystery Writers of America and Sisters-in-Crime, she lives with her husband, a retired Army officer, in the Virginia countryside.

1. How do you pronounce your name (only answer if appropriate)? -

Pronounce Weinert like “wine.” In German language, the 2^nd letter in “ei” or “ie” is pronounced. So wiener, a sausage from Wien (Vienna) is pronounced “weener” but Weimar (as in Weimar Republic) is “wimar”, not “weemar.”

2. Where are you currently living? –

Moved last month to northern VA near my children and “grands.” This considered choice required downsizing from a big house to an apartment – personal education and grist for my third book.

3. Where would you like to live? – See #2

4. Why did you start writing? –

A scary experience at an unadvertised garage sale disturbed me enough to sort it out on paper. Chapters soon flanked that first page, looking like the start of a book. This surprised but intrigued me. Five years later I finished the manuscript.

5. What is the most important thing that you have learned in your writing experience, so far? –

Saying more with fewer words. Language “tightening” encourages clearer thought since brains organizes words expressing ideas.

6. What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk? –

I erroneously thought it cute to name my characters after family members. This “tribute” instead irritated many, despite my disclaimer the book’s characters were not reflections of those for whom they were named.

7. Tell us your insights on self-publish or use a publisher? –

If you absolutely cannot find an agent or publisher, self-publish only after a good editor refines your work to traditional publishing standards. Authors not doing this create the inconsistent quality of self-published work.

a. Who is the name of your publisher and in what city are they? – BluewaterPress in St. Augustine, FL.

8. Any insights eBooks vs. print books and alternative vs. conventional publishing? -

Research pro’s and con’s before choosing. A lawyer (preferably an intellectual properties attorney) should read any contract before you sign.

9. Do you have any secret tips for writers on getting a book published? –

Perserverance. Networking. Writer’s conferences. Writing groups.

10. How did you acquire an agent? Any tips for new writers on getting one? –

I met my agent at a writer’s conference in Florida. Agents and publishers at such conferences invite writers to “pitch” their work for consideration.

11. Where do you get your information or ideas for your books? –

Were surrounded by prompts. Once one triggers your imagination, you roll.

12. Do you have any suggestions or helps for new writers? –

Writing takes time. Rewriting takes more time. If you haven’t time now to create your book, journal ideas for the day you do.

13. What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books? –

A Hollywood producer approached me about making a TV movie based on my book for his client, Hallmark. When I agreed, he created Hallmark’s Garage Sale Mystery series. He’s aired five movies on the Hallmark Movie & Mystery Channel: “Garage Sale Mystery” in 2013, “All That Glitters” in 2014, “The Deadly Room” and “The Wedding Dress” in 2015 and “Guilty Until Proven Innocent” in 2016. He invited me to Vancouver, BC for the filming -- my first visit on any film set, never mind the thrill of my work given life on-screen.

14. How many books have you written?

The two published in my Garage Sale Mystery Series are “Garage Sale Stalker” and “Garage Sale Diamonds.” I’m finishing my third, “Garage Sale Riddle,” due for publication in 2016.

15. Do you have any tricks or tips to help others become a better writer? -

A good editor polishes your work. You’re subjective; he’s objective. You give what you express. He knows what’s marketable.

16. We’ve heard that it is good to provide twists in a good story. How do you do this? -

My short, punchy chapters typically close with a cliff-hanger, luring readers to quickly turn the page.

17. What makes your book stand out from the crowd? –

Difficult current issues draw my personal attention so I weave them into my mystery thrillers: child abuse in Book 1, terrorism in Book Two and aging-in-America in Book 3.

18. What are some ways in which you promote your work? –

Interviews like yours, plus book talks to community organizations and at book stores, book fairs, library events, newspaper coverage of book events, website and book reviewers.

19. What is the one thing you would do differently now (concerning writing) and why?

I’d have started writing sooner because so many ideas capture my attention.

20. What would you like carved onto your tombstone? Or what saying or mantra do you live by? –

“Carpe diem:” seize the day. Our lives are short. The older you are, the less time left. I hit the floor every day anticipating adventure.

21. What was an unexpected bonus of your writing experience? –

The people I meet as a result: readers, fellow authors and other professionals in the field. They salute ideas expressed in well-chosen words. Other authors’ shared experiences invite instant camaraderie.

22. What’s the message in your writing?

My writing adventure empowers others: my first book was published when I was 75, my second book at 78 and my third in 2016 while I’m 80. If I can, you can.

END OF INTERVIEW

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