To celebrate the release of her new novel, The Dust Bowl Orphans, out now, we asked author Suzette D. Harrison to open up for readers in our 'seven things' series. Here's what she had to reveal...
1. I am a Hobbyist-Crafter: I’m no pro, but I enjoy designing anything from t-shirts, to mugs, to wallets and beyond. In my home office is an area dedicated to the crafty me. I recently reorganised it so it’s nice and tidy.
2. I’m an introvert: I can be outgoing and engage socially, but by nature I’m quiet and reserved.
3. I love writing in the dark, early morning before sunrise. There’s something special, even soothing, about sitting in my unlit office and writing when the house is quiet. For me it’s serene.
4. I’ve resumed French lessons. We can thank the pandemic for that. I had to do something uplifting with and for myself.
5. I work full-time, but my desire is to be a full-time author. Writing is my passion, as well as my purpose and I look forward to the day when it’s what I do for a living.
6. I’m a messy writer. I have written notes, notes on my phone; scraps of paper, computer notes. Just notes everywhere. Somehow, I manage to synthesise and bring them, harmoniously, together.
7. I’m learning to meditate: after the world went on lock-down last year, my HMO offered the Calm app. It provided guided meditation, something I’d previously shied away from. But with the horrific stresses caused by the pandemic I knew I needed something (in addition to my Bible and prayer) to help keep me positively focused. That led to other explorations with which I feed my spirit. In short, I’m an old school Bible-head who is learning many ways to take care of and nurture my inner self.
The Dust Bowl Orphans by Suzette D. Harrison is available now.
MORE FROM BOOKS: Seven interesting facts about me, by Kristen Bailey