Let's welcome today our very first debut author who wrote an LGBT novel to feature!
1. What do you feel about the number '13'?
I was actually born on a Friday the 13th, so 13 has always been a lucky number of sorts. And 2013 has been particularly kind to me in a few different ways.
2. What's the best thing that happened after your book was published?
Hearing from people who have read When We Were Good and really connected with the story and its characters has been amazing. It's so gratifying to people respond to the work you've done.
3. How did you celebrate the publishing of your book?
We held the book launch at Glad Day Books, a Toronto bookstore that is the world's oldest operating LGBTQ bookstore. Their space was amazing, and we baked cupcakes, danced to some '90s/'00s hits, and I read a little bit from the book. It was a lot of fun.
4. Do you read reviews of your book?
I do, and I wish I didn't. Most of the reviews for the book have been excellent -- which is always a pick-me-up -- but I find it hard not to take bad reviews personally. It's definitely something I'm working on.
5. What is your best or most unforgettable moment with a fan?
I had a couple of embarrassing moments at the launch when it came time to sign copies of the book. My head was spinning from the number of amazing people at the event that I accidentally signed a copy of When We Were Good to the person's twin sister (who was not in attendance). The person didn't seem too bothered by it, but I was mortified to have made the mistake.
6. Was there any book/s from other debut author of 2013 that you loved?
I recently finished reading Army of Lovers by Sarah Liss (published by Coach House Books). It's a brief oral history/biography of Will Munro, who was an artist and community organizer in Toronto -- who particularly brought together the city's disparate queer community -- who died of brain cancer a few years ago. It's a beautiful book.
Toronto is such a big part of When We Were Good, as are its queer-identified characters, so Army of Lovers was important to me. It's the non-fiction (and slightly older) flipside to the fictional Toronto I built in my book.
7. Are you interested in writing in a different genre or for a different audience?
I like writing for young readers, but at some point I may try writing adult fiction again. I got my start writing short fiction for adult audiences, but I think my strength is writing for teens and tweens.
8. Share us one embarrassing moment you've had.
I think my answer #5 is as much as I'm willing to share.
9. Favorite color?
I'm a big fan of purple.
Favorite movie?
Say Anything
Favorite ice cream flavor?
Cookies and cream
Favorite song?
Too hard to choose. But maybe "Hey" by Pixies.
Ultimate celebrity crush (dead or alive)?
Franz Kafka
10. What's next for you?
I'm currently trying to find a home for my second book -- middle-grade this time -- called Something Wiki. Fingers crossed!
Suzanne Sutherland is a Toronto-based writer for children and adults. Her writing has appeared in various magazines and journals, including Descant, Steel Bananas and the Rusty Toque. Her first book, When We Were Good — a young adult novel about girls, guitars and the Bloor Viaduct — was published by Sumach Press in 2013. She is also the founder of the Toronto Zine Library, and works in children's publishing as an editorial assistant.
Find her: Blog * Twitter * Goodreads
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More about Suzanne!
Suzanne Sutherland is a Toronto-based writer for children and adults. Her writing has appeared in various magazines and journals, including Descant, Steel Bananas and the Rusty Toque. Her first book, When We Were Good — a young adult novel about girls, guitars and the Bloor Viaduct — was published by Sumach Press in 2013. She is also the founder of the Toronto Zine Library, and works in children's publishing as an editorial assistant.
Find her: Blog * Twitter * Goodreads
Take a peak on Suzanne's debut novel!
When We Were Good
by Suzanne Sutherland
Published April 15th 2013 by Sumach Press
Blurb (Goodreads):
The year 2000 isn't starting out too well for Toronto high school senior Katherine Boatman. Not only has her oldest friend ditched her for yet another boyfriend, her beloved grandmother died on New Year's Eve, leaving a void of goodness in her life that Katherine's not sure how to fill.
While overwhelmed with sadness and self-doubt, Katherine unexpectedly finds new love, both for Toronto's underground music scene and for her would-be savior: a straight-edge, loudmouthed misfit named Marie.
As Katherine seeks comfort in jagged guitars, mind-reading poets and honest conversations, she struggles to figure out not only what she and Marie might mean to each other, but also what it truly means to be good.
Check out Oops! I Read A Book Again now for debut author Renee Collins!
Yesterday: Jessica Brooks (Pity Isn't An Option) and Hilary T. Smith (Wild Awake)
Tomorrow: Lisa Martin (Anton and Cecil: Cats at Sea) and SX Bradley (Unraveled)
Calling YA/NA/MG debut authors of 2014! Want to join us on this fun event? Fill out this form! Don't forget to spread the word with your debuting friends!
GIVEAWAY!
GIVEAWAY!
I am definitely interested to read this book! There's never enough good LGBTQ YA fiction out in the published world - especially stuff that doesn't necessarily make the sexual orientation the end all be all of the book. It's part of who the characters are, not their whole selves! I can't wait to read this one. :)
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