I’m so excited that we will be celebrating the Christmas season with Susan Drew, the author of Sadie Does Not Like Sorries, which was released in August of this year. Susan is also one of my critique partners, which makes her picture book debut extra special to me.
Welcome Susan and thank you for taking the time to chat with me about your writing journey.
I know we’ve talked about how busy our lives can be, and I’m sure you’re as busy as I am preparing for Christmas. But no matter how busy life gets, this is still my favorite time of year! So, do you have any special plans for Christmas? Or are there any activities that you participate in related to the holiday?
Susan: Both of my kids and their partners will be home for Christmas this year so that makes it special. We have a tradition that started when they were in elementary school that we still keep on doing. On Christmas Eve after church, we have fondue and watch a Christmas movie. When the kids were little, after the movie they’d go to bed and then my husband and I would fill the stockings and do any last-minute battery adding, toy building, and wrapping. These days, after the movie we go to bed, and they stay up. I fill the stockings in the morning since I get up early. Yes, I still do stockings. I love them!
Me: How long have you been writing?
Susan: I’ve been seriously writing for about five years. Like a lot of writers, I wrote and made up stories before I got serious about it. I never really thought about being a writer myself until I was inspired by a friend.
Me: What/who inspired you to write this book?
Susan: I wrote Sadie Does Not Like Sorries during Covid. My agent at the time, Dawn Dowdle, said that books about little animals, which is what I had been writing, weren’t selling well. She suggested that I’d do better writing about children, and to pick a social emotional learning theme. I went to Pinterest to see what types of themes I could come up with. Not saying you’re sorry stuck out to me. It’s a tough topic even for adults. I sat down and wrote the story almost exactly like you see it now. That doesn’t usually happen, as you know! You’ve seen many versions of some of my stories while I’m trying to get them right.
Me: That’s true, and one of my favorite things about being in a critique group is seeing the different versions of stories and how they develop into the final story. I remember critiquing Sadie Does Not Like Sorries, and it’s thrilling that I now have my own copy of this wonderful book. Tell me a little bit about this book’s journey to publication, were there any bumps and bruises along the way, obstacles you had to overcome, aha-moments? You can share the good, bad, ugly lol, or not.
Susan: The publication journey of this story was fairly easy, too! Sadie was out on submission for about a year when it sold to EverImagine Books in August, 2023. Then it was only a year until I got to hold my first published book. During that year the book was edited, and the illustrations were done. I was lucky to have the wonderful Zonaisha Arshad as my illustrator. I got to look at sketches and give input, and give my opinion on the cover image. Every step was so exciting! Oh, I almost forgot – early on the main character’s name changed. I had written her name as Patty Lou, but my editor asked for a more modern name, and one that went better with Sorry. That was the only bump in the road, and I wouldn’t even call it a bump. It was more like a pebble.
Me: What is one piece of advice you can give to writers who are just starting out, or who are still in the query trenches?
Susan: I think the most important thing is not to give up. I’ve been in many critique groups, and it can be such a long road to getting an agent, and then a long road to getting published. I’ve seen a lot of writers whose work I loved give up because it can be so bruising. The rejection, the waiting, the feeling that you’re not good enough. It’s hard. Do whatever you have to do to keep at it.
Me: What are your plans for the future? Writing or otherwise, traveling, hobbies, etc.
Susan: Besides continuing to write, I want to find new avenues for my art. I love to paint and create using alcohol inks. I’m thinking about what’s next with art – maybe making cards, or other types of illustrations. I sell at craft fairs in the fall, but maybe there’s another type of venue where I could sell all year round? Writing will always come first, but when I need a break, art is where I turn.
Me: I’d love for you to share a recipe with me, I have a collection of recipes from friends and family that goes back many years. I would love to include yours, as well as share it with my readers.
Susan: This is a simple recipe from my grandmother that I always loved when I was little. If I was home alone, I’d sneak into the cabinet and eat spoonfuls. I couldn’t wait for the hot water!
Grandma Gelting’s Hot Chocolate
1 large can Nestles Quick
1 small box powdered milk
1 cup sugar
1 small jar coffee creamer
Mix well. Add several spoons of mix to 1 cup of hot water. Yummy!
This is one of my favorite pictures of my grandma and her twin sister.
Me: Thanks so much for your time, it’s always fun chatting with you Susan, and I’m sure that I’ll see other books by you out in the world soon. The picture of your grandma and her twin sister is precious! I love creamy, chocolatey beverages, and will definitely be trying this recipe. I hope you have a wonderful day and a very Merry Christmas!
You can contact Susan here:
Pat Brown Books 