Meet Susan Gregg

Not long ago I had the pleasure of a virtual trip to Hawaii to chat with author Susan Gregg. Kick off your shoes, put your feet up and join us. Just keep one eye on the shoes...Sassy might try to borrow them.

StoryCrafters: First, how about telling us a little about yourself.

Susan: My name is Susan Gregg and I'm the author of seven books. I was born in New York City and I currently live on the beautiful island of Hawaii. I love writing and the title of my most recent book is The Complete Idiot's Guide to Short Meditations.

StoryCrafters: Very cool! How long have you been writing and what made you put that first story/poem down on paper?

Susan: My first book was published in 1992, but I've been writing since the 70s. About the same time I started meditating. I began to journal, and that's how I started writing.

StoryCrafters: What do your family/friends thing about your writing? Are they supportive?

Susan: When my first book Dance of Power came out I talked a great deal about my childhood and my father was not very supportive. He hated the book and asked me how I could tell all those lies. He got over it and he is very proud to tell people I'm a writer. My friends think it's wonderful.

StoryCrafters: For you, what is most frustrating about writing? Most rewarding?

Susan: Often times, getting started is most frustrating for me. Once I get started I usually enjoy it. The most rewarding part is the feedback from my readers. I love getting e-mails and letters from readers telling me how I've changed their lives. I never thought I would be a writer and I'm very glad I am.

StoryCrafters: Do you read much? What kinds of books inspire you to write – if any? Who are your favorite authors?

Susan: I read almost every night. Right now I'm rereading the Harry Potter series getting ready for the next book. I read a wide variety of books. I love mysteries and books on spirituality and self-help. I have a long list of favorite authors.

StoryCrafters: Where do you get most of your ideas from? Life? Or your imagination? A mix?

Susan: I get a lot of my ideas when I meditate. I guess you could call that my imagination.

StoryCrafters: Do you have days when the words won't flow? What do you do?

Susan: I figured out a long time ago that when the words weren't flowing do something else. I go for walk, go to the beach, play with my dogs, clean the house or read a good book. I found sitting at the computer trying to write didn't help at all.

If I have a deadline looming I'll sit down with my journal and just write whatever comes to mind. Often it's things like I hate writing or I can't do this. Once I get all the garbage out of my head the words start to flow again.

StoryCrafters: Do you have a "golden rule" of writing that almost always works for you?

Susan: I guess I'd have to say my Golden rule when it comes to writing and to life for that matter it to be passionate about what I'm doing no matter what that is.

StoryCrafters: What is the best piece of advice you've been given as a writer? What's the worst?

Susan: The best piece of advice was to write from my heart and the worst piece of advice is to write what sells.

StoryCrafters: Did we forget anything? What would you like to add? Any upcoming publications or links for our readers? Current projects we should watch for?

Susan: I just like this take a moment and say thanks for having me. I have several magazine articles coming out and some upcoming radio interviews. Your readers can go to my website to find out more. And again thanks for having me.