Author Q&A with Susan Rossini

Author Q&A with Susan Rossini

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Susan Rossini loves to write steamy romances with characters that inspire laughter, have a strong sense of family and always find their happily ever after. Susan calls Colorful Colorado home where she loves all sports–especially hockey. She lives in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains with her handsome husband, two amazing kids, and a cat that thinks she’s a dog. Sundays are spent with about thirty of her closest friends and family at her childhood home where her parents make enough food to feed an army (or a group of hungry Italians).

1. Tells us about your writing/ published book(s)

Pinch me! If someone had told me that I’d be celebrating the release of my fourth romance novel since beginning writing in 2018, I’d have to quote Blanche Devereaux from the Golden Girls in her sultry, southern voice and say, “Get outta here.”

Christmas with the Sullivan Brothers culminates with Married at Christmas, which is now live on Amazon. The series starts with A.J.’s sexy tale (Impulsive at Christmas) that is set in Denver, while his brother Ryan finds himself seeking shelter from a massive storm in a cabin along with a sassy girl next door (Stranded at Christmas). Mateo reconnects with his first love, his true love, in Married at Christmas.

The Colorado Crush Hockey series is up next. Rookie was released earlier this fall and features Matt Hill and his herculean effort to steer clear of the sexy sister of the hockey club’s captain. (Spoiler alert: Sparks fly when Matt doesn’t stay away from Mia.) Crush teammates Wolfe, Dante and others are slated for future books in 2021 and beyond.

2. Where’s your favourite place to write?

The kitchen table is my go-to place for writing. However, the spot has been extremely popular during the COVID-19 pandemic. I’ve had to battle remote workers, remote learners and Kitty Cold Paws for the coveted spot.

It’s my favorite place in the house to write as it gives me the comfort of being in a kitchen (the whole Italian thing); I have a great view of the massive fireplace in the living room, and the giant windows make me feel like I’m actually outside where a rose garden grows in the backyard.

 3. How do you approach starting a new book? 

I find that I’m most effective when I plot each chapter so I can reference the blueprint for the story as my writing journey progresses. I used Trello (right down to the epilogue) of Rookie and it was a great system. I even tucked dialogue ideas into some of the ‘cards’ that proved to be extremely helpful.

4. What’s your favourite genre to read? 

Hands-down: romance. I remember being in college and my bestie giving me a copy of Paradise by Judith McNaught to read. I was hooked from that moment. I love the escape the stories offer me from my high-stress life, and I’m a pure sucker for a good happily ever after.

 

5. Do write under a pen name? If so, tell us about how you chose it

Pen name? Indeed. I have a super-secret, super-intense day job, so it’s a good thing for me to keep a low profile. Rossini takes hold of my Italian heritage like the vice grip of some of the aunties who pinched my cheeks to ruby redness as a child. My family is gigantic, so finding a name that wasn’t part of my clan was the biggest challenge.

If you follow me on Twitter, you’ll see some of those family members, as my parents host Sunday dinner for a small army every week. If you’re in town, DM me and stop by! There’s always room at the table.

 6. How do you handle criticism?

Criticism? What criticism? (Absolutely kidding!) Not going to lie…it stings at times, like when a family member laughed at me for writing romance, or another friend ‘joked’ at the mere pennies I’m earning at this ‘writing thing’ that consumes my life.

Then I remember:

I’m writing!
I’m published!
I’m having fun!
I’m chasing my dream!

That said, I always look to improve my writing and any/all feedback certainly helps with that journey. 

You can find Susan on Twitter.