The Lonely Road
First of all, I want to thank Juliana and the rest of the Bradford ladies for inviting me here to talk about my new release, Spyder’s Web. It’s an honor to be in a room with so much talent. I’m truly humbled.
When I first started writing for publication, I saw a lonely road ahead of me. Like the heroine in my story, Spyder, I had a goal, but thought the only way I could reach it would be if I did it alone. So for months I wrote, submitted, and received rejection letters in an isolated bubble.
Three manuscripts later, I was ready to give up.
Then I found a contest where people were posting the first lines of their manuscripts in the comment section of an agent’s blog. The winner would receive a free critique. At the time I had little more than a sentence or two, but I swallowed my nerves and posted the beginning of Spyder’s Web out on the internet for everyone to see. To this day I believe it was the best thing I ever did for my writing career, but not for the reason you may think.
The agent wasn’t impressed by my prose, but it did catch the attention of two other writers, Lauren Hawkeye and Juliana Stone. Together, we formed a critique group and soon added four other members. Together we are called the Sirens and Scribes. We laugh, cry, and support each other not only on the road to publication, but in life as well. When we started, only one of us was published. Now, a year later. four of us are published with the other three chasing very promising leads.
Not that getting Spyder’s Web published was easy once I found my support group. It went through multiple revisions. Once finished, I shelved it for a handful of months because I thought it was too dark and edgy. My heroine was a serial killer and my hero a disillusioned cop with a chip on his shoulder. The story sounded more like a thriller or mystery, not a romance. I was convinced I would never be able to find it a home.
It was only through the Siren’s encouragement that I tossed it out into the world. When it caught the eye of a Senior Editor at Loose ID, I felt it was more of a team victory rather than an individual accomplishment. If I didn’t have the Sirens and Scribes behind me, Spyder’s Web never would have seen the light of day. For that alone I am eternally grateful.
When my story opens, Spyder feels trapped and isolated. It’s only when she releases her fear and lets James into her life, that she finds her freedom. I feel this mirrors my path to publication. Only when I released my fear and came out of isolation, did I cease to be lonely and achieved my goal.
So I’m dedicating this post to all of the people who support us authors, whether they be writing friends, spouses, family, or BFFs. You are all special to us. We never would have come so far if it wasn’t for you.
Today, I want to hear about the people who help you achieve your goals. They don’t necessarily have to be writing goals, but any goal that is important to you. Give a shout out to your support system in this comment section and let everyone know how much they mean to you.
Spyders Web
Spyder has a dark secret. The curse she carries is an intense sexual desire that can never be satisfied. When she submits to her needs, she blacks out and her partners end up dead. When she abstains, she goes mad. Her only hope for salvation is to locate her protector, a soul mate, but she has yet to find him. Until she does, she’ll just have to find a way to get by…
James is a decorated detective who’s convinced he’s tracked down “The Black Widow” serial killer. As he waits in the shadows, his initial fascination turns into an obsession. Is James willing to risk it all to capture the city’s most wanted criminal?
Spyder’s curious prey is about to be lured into the very center of her deadly web…
If you want to learn more about Suzanne, click here: Suzanne Rock
If you want to see her blog, click here: Embrace The Shadows
Starting June 30th, you will be able to purchase Spyder’s Web here: Loose Id
June 27th, 2009 at 4:42 am
Dammit! Juliana was right. Brought tears to my eyes! Sue..you so deserve this! We work together as a team, though each of our successes are individual. Without the Sirens and Scribes, I wouldn’t be where I am, going to see an editor-in-chief at Nationals.
Your writing is so good. We all know it and now i’m glad the rest of the world will know it too!
Hugs!
Nini
June 27th, 2009 at 5:04 am
Well, Jeez.
Now I’m misting up, too. Great one, ladies.
Writing is such a solitary pursuit, it’s so easy to wrap yourself up and not let the world in. And you can do it this way, but I think you lose out. Outside stimulus is so important, whether it be for support, inspiration and just hugs when you get an R!
I get support from so many areas - my family, friends, critique partners, online friends at places like eHQ, Facebook, Twitter. and it’s there for unpubbeds, like me, and published authors as well. Without support, I think I would have given up years ago and concentrated on the family tree instead. Glad I didn’t. Booooorrrring!
See you at LooseID on June 30th. Congrats, Suzanne!
June 27th, 2009 at 5:10 am
Thanks Nini. I really believe you’re going to be next. Those panthers are hot. Treva will love them as much as we do!
June 27th, 2009 at 5:14 am
Thanks so much, Emily! I didn’t mention it here, but ETS has really become a special place for me, too. We have such fun, don’t we?
And hang in there. I believe strongly that as long as you keep writing and submitting, it will happen for you as well. Never give up! When it happens we’ll have a big celebration over at ETS for you. 
June 27th, 2009 at 5:27 am
I hope so…the transition i wrote this morning is very dark, edgy, more so than what i’ve written, but damn…i’m so happy!
Nini
June 27th, 2009 at 5:39 am
So often writing is all about the author and the keyboard. It is very important not to get stuck in that mindset. I love facebook, blogs, twitter, eharl–all sorts of internet opportunities to support and be supported. It’s amazing how much that little “I like this” feature on fb can brighten my day and give me a boost.
I know I’m glad to have me you online, Suzanne! (And I can’t wait to buy my copy of Spyder’s Web.)
June 27th, 2009 at 5:41 am
Oh, I must need more coffee. That should have read “glad to have *met* you online”.
June 27th, 2009 at 7:06 am
Congratulations Suzanne! I’m so happy for you. And you’re absolutely right. Writing can be a very isolating experience. I know I wouldn’t be writing if it weren’t for my husband, critique partners, and the support of all the wonderful people I’ve met online. Can’t wait to read Spyder’s Web.
June 27th, 2009 at 7:37 am
Fellow Siren checking in, although I must say that I don’t feel like one this early in the morning. But Sue, you are absolutely right. This can be such an isolated journey and family, though supportive, just cannot truly understand the ups and downs.
And, chica, you earned your props: wishing many, many sales to you for Spyder’s Web…well, beside mine.
June 27th, 2009 at 7:44 am
Sue, the countdown is on! Kudos for your very first release! Wishing you much success from a fellow Siren! I’m so proud of all of us, and really, I know for a fact I wouldn’t be where I am without the early encouragement of Lauren and Nini. It means a lot. It will be exciting to see who’s next!
June 27th, 2009 at 12:55 pm
Barbara! Thanks for stoping by. You know, I really need to use that “I like this” feature on facebook more. Quite often I like what someone wrote, but don’t really have anything to add to it. I keep forgetting its there, LOL. And I’m really glad to have met you, too, Brbara. You are a wonderful friend and a great writer.
Chandra! So good to *see* you. I know what you mean about a supportive husband. Hubby does a lot of the mundane stuff at my house so I have time to write. It’s such a blessing. Can hardly wait for YOUR new reease to come out. I can’t believe we have to wait so long! LOL.
June 27th, 2009 at 12:57 pm
Mandy! Glad you took a break from editing to stop by. *VBG* So glad to see you here. You KNOW that I can hardly wait for your new release to come out. I can’t believe we are writing for the same publishing house. Who would have thought?
Jules! Thanks again, chica. You’re right. It’s going to be interesting to see who has the next sale. So many of us are so close…It’s fun to watch.
June 27th, 2009 at 2:15 pm
I think I got a little misty-eyed, too. That doesn’t usually happen to me. great post.
I can see just by the way you write in blogs and emails that your writing is emotional and strong. I can’t wait to read Spyder’s Web. 
I have writer friends, who over the years has faced the same things I have - ups and downs, rejections, contracts. I think it’s necessary to have people you can call when things get tough. Just someone who can listen and understand what you’re going through. Writing doesn’t have to be a lonely process.
June 27th, 2009 at 4:59 pm
Congratulations again Sue from a fellow siren!!!! Sue, you’ve worked so hard to get to this point and it is only the beginning! You made me tear up. I am so thankful for the Sirens, the way we all found each other online. You have all been an encouragement to me and every time one of us finds success I get so excited.
I can’t wait to see what the next few months will bring.
June 27th, 2009 at 6:33 pm
Wow, this book sounds great!!! I’ll have to read it ASAP!
June 27th, 2009 at 7:49 pm
Congrats on the release of Spyder’s Web….it sounds great. Putting in on my TBB list!!
Awesome blog!
June 28th, 2009 at 3:58 am
Great post, Suzanne. What would we do without the people who support us - both at home and online. Congrats on the release and looking forward to reading Spyder’s Web.
June 28th, 2009 at 4:09 am
Hi Dawn! Thanks so much for stopping by. Like I said earlier, ETS has quickly become a second home to me. You are absolutely right. You don’t have to write in a bubble. It’s actually better if you don’t.
Thanks for the compliment on my writing. I can definately see the wonderful humor in yours. Your interviews always make me laugh. 
Elle!! So glad you stopped by. You have always been such a great support to me. I’m really looking forward to when you make your first sale so I canhelp you celebrate. All you have to do is keep submitting. You’re a geat writer!
June 28th, 2009 at 4:13 am
Hi Cynthia! Thanks for the compliment. I love the cover of your new release, Midnight’s Master, BTW. Those eyes are totaly swoon worthy.
Congrats goes to you, too!
Melissa - Thanks so much for the compliment! Thanks so much for stopping by. I hope you enjoy Spyder’s Web.
June 28th, 2009 at 4:15 am
Hi Anna! Thanks so much for dropping by the blog…and for the compliment! I can hardly wait for YOUR new release. I’ll be honest, I don’t know which sounds better, Savage Dragon or your new Wind series. I think I’m going to have to read them all, LOL.