Interview with Susan May Warren

Hi Susan! I'm really honored to have you visit my blog today.

Thank you for having me! I’m delighted to be here.

I really loved the book and Josey (instant identification with her). I am going to attempt to NOT give spoilers for those "gentle readers" who haven't had the privelege of reading your book yet.

Beings that this book is based "loosely" upon your missionary experience is Josey based somewhat on you?

Oh for sure! I can totally relate to Josey’s feelings of wanting to change the world, and to look good doing it! But more than that, her spiritual journey of discovering that God had a plan for her all this time, and that he could use someone that wasn’t the “perfect” missionary was certainly a lesson He blessed me with.

A lot of readers like transparent authors. Is it hard to put yourself out there on paper? Your faults? Your flaws? And how hard is it to share the lessons you learned? (Especially the hard and messy ones.)

Actually, I believe that transparency in my own life will hopefully allow others to see the ways God is working in my life. I believe God has done an amazing work of grace in my life, and continues to do so, and the only way people can see that is if I am honest and transparent. As far as what I put into my character, if I am willing to dig deep into my own wounds or joys, I believe that translates better for the character and helps them become more real.

Do you have a Jasmine or Tracey in your life? (You don't have to name names, just a yes or no will do.)

I have a Jasmine. (But she didn’t marry a former boyfriend!) And I’ve had Traceys.

If yes: Did dealing with them help you help Josey?

I think Josey probably did a better job than I did. I learned a lot from my own experiences and I guess Josey gave me the opportunity to have a second chance, perhaps a little more like I would have preferred to handle it.

I know most authors want their books to span not only genres, but also reader "groups". However, is there a particular type of reader that you feel God led you to reach out to with this book?

I think there are Christians out there who just don’t fit the “mold” of the Christian woman – they aren’t necessarily thin, with great hair, and the ability to juggle all their responsibilities with poise and class ….you know who I’m talking about. And that’s great for them, but for the rest of us, life is alittle like trying to squeeze goop into our hands – just when we have one area handled, the other side starts to go through our fingers. I write books for the less perfect gals who want to escape with a good story, feel happy, and know that it’s okay – God is still at work in their lives, just like He’s at work in my character’s lives. People often ask me what kinds of books I write because I am all over the place with genres (suspense/romance, chick lit, historical suspense). I’ve finally started saying that I write books that make people feel happy when they’re finished. At least that is my goal.

What sense of God did you want your readers to walk away with after reading Everything Coming up Josey?

That even when you don’t understand what is going on, God has a good plan for your life.

That ending was absolutely perfect! How do you do it?

Oh, I just followed my heart. *grin* But seriously, a lot of my writing is about, what would I like to see happen if I were a reader? And that answers my question.

Is there a deeper meaning to the Ring theme?

Well, I started out with an idea about the fact that the Moscow subway system is formed around a giant ring that encircles the downtown portion of the city (on their metro maps, it’s always gold or bronze). But when I started playing with that metaphor, I thought of wedding rings, and then of course the bronze ring that used to dangle from carousels, and how they represent realizing your dreams. I think that is a good summation of our lives…sometimes we just don’t know what those dreams are and that’s where God and Him knowing our hearts comes in. Josey’s on a journey of discovering that she can trust God with her heart’s dreams.

And one last question. When can we expect another book of this ilk because I'm already itching to read it. :D

Oh yes! Josey 2 – Chill Out, Josey comes out next summer for your NEXT summer read. Here’s the little plug:

Russia? Not again. Josey's finally living the good life - she's got theman, the (almost-perfect) wedding, the two-story Cape-Cod house of herdreams. That is until her man drags her back to Moscow! Josey knows she hasthe guts to follow her own dreams across the world, but she's not so sureshe can play the perfect wife while her husband chases after his. Josey's set on having theperfect life.even in a world without hot water, decent take-out and size-two leather fashion.
But can she find the courage to tell him the secret that will change their lives forever?


Thank you so much for answering my questions. It's wonderful having you to visit.

Thank you so much for having me! And thank you for reading Everything’s Coming up Josey!