7 minute read
Suzette D. Harrison
Who’s That Girl? Reader, Writer, Baking Loving Boss…Suzette D. Harrison
Interview by Angela Anderson
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Suzette D. Harrison is a west coast California native who has a long-time passion and enjoyment for books and reading. She grew up in a household where reading was a requirement, certainly not a request. She credits her mother and grandmother as being her first librarians. It is no surprise that her love for reading created the bridge to her becoming a writer.
Her literary career dates back to her high school years, in which her poetry was published. However, she did not stop there. She later unleased her fiction writing journey bringing us her creative talent and skills with fulfilling page-turning novels. Although she writes in multiple genres, African American Historical Fiction holds a special place in her heart. The proof is indeed in the pudding. Her love for African American Historical Fiction is evident in her award-winning novel, “Taffy” and dual timeline release, The Girl at the Back of The Bus. Suzette D. Harrison is the poster child of great writing. From romance to historical fiction, she has a way of taking you on a journey with every word creating an unforgettable experience with each book. She has published over 8 novels, including her latest, The Dust Bowl Orphans, which releases February 2022.
She is a multi-talented individual, who along with her writing, finds time to utilize her culinary degree in Pastry and Baking. She continues to cook up award-winning novels between batches of cupcakes and enjoy her family, who play a vital role in her life.
Find out more about Suzette D. Harrison as she shares her journey with The Heat Seekers Magazine and spills a little tea about her new release, The Dust Bowl Orphans.
Angela Anderson: When did you know that you wanted to become a writer?
Suzette D. Harrison: I’ve written poetry since I was in kindergarten and throughout college and actually thought that becoming a published poet was my trajectory. But a life crisis in my late twenties changed that. At some point in that crisis, I re-read Dr. Maya Angelou’s I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, which changed everything. It brought freedom and release from what I’d been experiencing. I thought, “if this is the power of words and literature, then I want to do this and bring light to others.” Although Dr. Angelou’s is autobiographical, reading that piece of her work switched my trajectory and focus from poetry to novels.
AA: What do you enjoy about writing and creating stories?
SDH: I love getting lost in my characters’ lives and being taken on journeys that aren’t mine. I love giving my characters free reign and seeing how they deal with situations. It’s rather like a voyeuristic experience that’s rewarding because I had a hand in it.
AA: What genres do you write and what do you enjoy about those genres?
SDH: I write historical, contemporary, romance, and children’s books. My favorite is historical because it sweeps me away to a time and place in which I didn’t live and utilizes a different skill set or part of my imagination.
AA: How would you describe your writing style?
SDH: A dear friend once described my style as unapologetically extravagant and lavish. That blew my mind! I like to take my time and build a character, a story without necessarily rushing towards a conclusion. I like infusing humor into my work, even in novels that may have a heavier, more serious tone. I love words and language. That definitely impacts my approach to my text and influences my style.
AA: Are there any writing must-haves or quirky writing habits when you are in your flow?
SDH: I love writing in the dark. No lights. Give me soft ambient or chakra music and a glass of ice water, and I’m good to go.
AA: What is one thing most readers don’t know about you?
SDH: I love readers and interacting with book clubs, but I’m a quiet introvert by nature. I would also add that most do not know that I have a degree in Pastry and Baking.
AA: If you had to give one piece of advice to new authors, what would it be?
SDH: I’d borrow from Nike and say just do it. Get out of your own way. Stop doubting yourself or the viability of your work and trust the process.
AA: You have a new novel that releases this month, The Dust Bowl Orphans. What was the inspiration behind this story?
SDH: The Dust Bowl Orphans is a dual timeline, multi-generational story of one family’s separation and quest to find each other. It features two heroines: Faith Wilson (1935) and Zoe Edwards (current day). The novel opens on the fiercest dust storm in U.S. history that swept through Oklahoma, and its impact on Faith. She and her baby sister are separated from family and must find their way back to them. It’s a harrowing journey filled with ups and downs.
My impetus for writing comes from several places. Firstly, my family left Oklahoma and migrated further west around the same time that Faith’s family did. We’ve read novels like John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath, and even seen pictures of the Dust Bowl era from which African Americans are woefully omitted--as if (for many of us) this wasn’t our experience. The Dust Bowl Orphans is my reinserting us into the narrative, as well as honoring my family’s migration.
AA: If you could describe this book in three words, what would they be?
SDH: Harrowing. Victorious. Fulfilling.
AA: What is next for Suzette D. Harrison?
SDH: I’m currently working on my third dual timeline novel that will be released in September 2022. It surrounds the life of a young, enslaved woman who was the chattel property of a U.S. president. And hint: no, it’s not Sally Hemings. So, get ready.
AA: February is a month of African American History, romance, and love. A). Share with us your love of African American History and culture. B). Describe the perfect Valentine’s date?
SDH: A). I remember enrolling in my first African American History course when I was a senior in high school. I was so excited only to be crushed when learning that the course would only be for the first semester because there wasn’t “enough content.” And let me add that (no offense, Mr. Smuthers--you know I love you.) the course was taught by our gym teacher. Lord, that school wasn’t ready. Anyhow, I’ve been in love with African American History since a teen and immersed myself in as many books by Black authors as I could. That love stayed with me so much that my B.A. degree is in Black Studies. SDH: B). I’m not a huge Valentine’s Day fan, so I can’t describe a perfect date. I’m more interested in how I love and am loved 365 days of the year, not just one.
AA: How can people stay connected with you?
SDH: My website is a great place to find out about my new releases, backlist, and other Suzette D. Harrison endeavors. They can start there and visit me on various social media platforms.
Stay Connected with Suzette D. Harrison Website & Newsletter:
www.sdhbooks.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/sdhbooks/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/suzetteharrison2200/
