This week I'm delighted to be having a slice of cake with author Suzie Tullett.
Suzie lives in a little cottage on the Wild Atlantic way in Ireland, along with her husband and two Greek rescue dogs.
What kind of books do you write?
I write about fun, quirky characters who make choices that we in the real world wouldn’t necessarily make, either because we’re too sensible or too scared.
Can you describe your writing why?
I’ve done some serious jobs in my time. From working at a women’s refuge to outreach roles that involve supporting at-risk women in their own homes. As you can imagine, I saw the darker side of personal relationships and that’s, without doubt, why I write happy ever afters. I think there’s enough negativity in the world, something I try to counterbalance with stories that bring a smile to people’s faces. Or even better, make readers laugh out loud. Although my humour has been described as a bit dark at times, which admittedly I love!
Share with us your favourite passage from the book you enjoyed writing the most
Taken from Six Steps to Happiness:
Ronnie had known shaving her head would invite comments. Instead of appearing confident to the wider world, most people would see her as aggressive and confrontational. Or at the other end of the scale, worthy of pity, because she must have some sort of condition or god-awful disease. The fact of the matter was, getting rid of her hair had been liberating, each cut of the scissors and swipe of the razor made her feel lighter and freer. It felt like an emboldening, a means of taking control. Moreover, it forced people to look her in the eye, to really see her. She smiled to herself. If she’d read the situation right, PC Jack Shenton had definitely taken notice.
Tell us about your latest project
Out now, my latest release was such fun to write. It’s a heart-warming tale, about friendship, love and a little community all looking out for each other. Here’s the blurb for those wanting a bit more detail:
A Not So Quiet Christmas
A solo getaway at an English country cottage is a pleasant way to spend the holiday—but it takes two to really make things merry . . .
Antonia prefers a quiet Christmas. She’s happy to spend it on her own, watching Hallmark holiday movies in her pyjamas, eating what she wants, when she wants.
Antonia’s friend Jules, on the other hand, loves a big Christmas celebration and plans on travelling to the Yorkshire Dales for a festive break. But when Jules breaks her leg, she persuades Antonia to make the trip on her behalf. Arriving at the little cottage, Antonia meets the handsome property agent Oliver. But she can’t escape the weird locals—or avoid embarrassing situations like mistaking a cow for a burglar.
As Christmas approaches, the attraction between Oliver and Antonia grows. She could choose to return to the bustling city and spend it alone. Or she could choose love and have a not so quiet Christmas...
What is your favourite cake?
This question is cruel. With all the cakey deliciousness around how am I supposed to choose just one? It’s easier to tell you which cake I don’t like – carrot cake!
Join me next week when I will be having a slice of cake with Jan Baynham.
If you would like to take part in A Slice of Cake With... please fill in the form found here. I'd be delighted to have you.
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Claire Buss is a multi-genre author and poet, completely addicted to cake. Find out more about her books on her website clairebuss.co.uk. Join the discussion in her Facebook group Buss's Book Stop. Never miss out on future posts by following me.
