From Theatre Critic To Romance Novelist
From learning how to respond rather than react, to stopping rushing headlong through life both physically and mentally, to discovering that progress is better than perfection any day.”
Susanna Allen is a literary force to be reckoned with, seamlessly weaving together the elegance of Regency romance with the intrigue of the paranormal in her acclaimed series, The Shapeshifters of the Beau Monde. Her ability to create vivid, enchanting worlds is matched only by her talent for crafting compelling narratives that captivate readers from the first page to the last. Allen (her pen name) effortlessly transitions between genres, a testament to her versatility and creativity; writing as Susan Conley, she has explored the complexities of personal growth in her memoir, Many Brave Fools, as well as having written contemporary novels under that name. Her stories are imbued with wit, charm, and a deep understanding of the human experience, making her a beloved author among fans of romance and beyond.
In this exclusive interview for Reader’s House Magazine, we delve into the mind of Susanna Allen to uncover the inspirations and experiences that have shaped her diverse body of work. From her unique approach to blending historical authenticity with fantastical elements to the profound impact of her background in theatre criticism, Allen shares insights into her creative process and the personal journey that informs her writing. Join us as we explore the worlds she has created and the characters that inhabit them, and discover what makes Susanna Allen a standout voice in the literary landscape.
Susanna Allen masterfully blends genres, creating captivating narratives with wit, charm, and a profound understanding of the human experience.
You’ve written across a range of genres, from historical romance with a paranormal twist in The Shapeshifters of the Beau Monde series to memoirs and contemporary fiction. How do you approach writing in such different styles, and what challenges do you face when switching between them?
I feel like I should say it’s hard, but it’s not. They are so separate in my mind, such entirely different worlds, that I don’t have a problem going between them.
‘Regency era voice’ was helped along by reading all of Jane Austen in high school. Living in Ireland helps as well: the syntax is different to what I grew up with in the States, and suits the genre.
My contemporary voice was honed from years of blogging (about horses, and as a beauty journalist) so it’s second nature, and even after over 25 years abroad, I haven’t lost my literal and figurative accent!
Your background in theatre criticism and feature writing has undoubtedly influenced your fiction. How has your experience in these fields shaped your approach to storytelling, character development, and dialogue?
Writing every day in long and short form helped hone my skills, not only as a writer but as an editor. I’d argue that my editorial skills grew the most: from choosing the quotes from an interview and weaving them through an article, to choosing what emphasis to put on which part of a production, and cutting without qualm as necessary.
I’ve also given my love of theatre to several of my characters, and there’s a troupe of traveling players who figure largely in A Duke at the Door.
Your Shapeshifters of the Beau Monde series uniquely blends Regency romance with paranormal elements. What inspired you to combine these two seemingly disparate genres, and how do you strike a balance between historical authenticity and fantasy?
Funnily enough, working on my memoir, Many Brave Fools, lead to my Regency/shapeshifter mashup.
I did so much deep research into a variety of subjects – brain science, aspects of recovery, addiction, psychology, among other topics – that my treat every night was a new romance genre I’d come across featuring shapeshifters of all species, and anything with ‘duke’ in the title.
I very clearly recall relaxing on the sofa after having finished the first full draft of MBF, wondering whether I would ever write fiction again, and a title, A Wolf in Duke’s Clothing dropped down out of the ether and into my brain.
It was too good a title: I had to write it, and it is the first novel in the The Shapeshifters of the Beau Monde series.
In your memoir Many Brave Fools, you explore personal growth through horse riding after a life-changing event. How did this experience impact your writing, and what lessons from horse riding do you bring into your creative process?
This is such a good question, because everything I’ve learned in the saddle and on the ground around horses now informs my life. From learning how to respond rather than react, to stopping rushing headlong through life both physically and mentally, to discovering that progress is better than perfection any day.
I’m never done learning when I’m on a horse, and I’ve realised, to my joy, that I’m not done learning about being a writer. I’ve gained confidence in my own process and I trust it – even if I feel like I’m going down the wrong path, or writing myself into a corner, I’ll find my way.
As an author who writes under different pen names, how do you distinguish between your personas of Susanna Allen and Susan Conley? Do you find that each name allows you to explore different aspects of your creativity?
I feel more like Susanna Allen lately that Susan Conley! As the former I’m a little more playful and in the latter, a little more serious. In both instances though, I do have a sense of humour that shines through in all my work.
Your latest release, A Duke at the Door, continues the Shapeshifters of the Beau Monde series. Can you share any insights into the themes or character dynamics in this book, and what readers can expect from this latest installment?
My female main character is older than the Regency era girls many of us grew up reading. Tabitha is 35, she’s traveled the continent as an apothecary and has achieved a level of independence she finds hard to lose when she returns to England.
Alwyn, the male main character, has suffered the loss of his family and of being held captive in his lion Shape. Tabitha’s gift for the healing arts come in handy, but both end up creating the space for them to heal the hurts in their hearts.
Readers can also expect appearances by characters featured in the first two books in the series, as well a surprise revelation of an unknown versipellis in their midst…
Photo by Kieran Harnett
