A Journey From London To Devon And The Heart Of Romance Writing
Susanne McCarthy shares her writing journey, the evolution of publishing, and her love for crafting romances that celebrate happy endings and richly drawn characters.
Susanne McCarthy’s journey from the vibrant streets of 1960s London to the serene shores of Devon is as rich and varied as the stories she weaves. A born storyteller, Susanne’s early fascination with narrative saw her win a national prize for a short story featuring a talking parking meter—an early hint at her imaginative flair. Over the years, she has crafted 25 novels for Mills & Boon, taken a hiatus to embrace life’s adventures, and rediscovered her passion for writing in retirement. Now, with Joffe Books, she continues to enchant readers with her evocative romances, blending heartfelt characters with vividly drawn settings.
In this candid interview, Susanne reflects on her writing career, the evolution of the publishing industry, and the inspiration she draws from her surroundings. From her beloved Afghan hounds to the sun-drenched landscapes of Devon, her life and work are deeply intertwined. She also offers invaluable advice to aspiring authors, emphasising the importance of authenticity, perseverance, and a genuine love for the craft.
Join us as we delve into the world of Susanne McCarthy—a writer who proves that romance is not just a genre, but a celebration of life’s most enduring connections.
What inspired you to start writing romance novels, and what drew you to the genre specifically?
I was telling stories before I could write them down. In school I won a national prize for a short story – it featured a talking parking meter! I wanted to write mysteries and thrillers, but somehow they always seemed to end up as a romance.
I enjoyed writing for Mills&Boon, but working with Joffe Books I have been able to expand my vision – my new stuff is longer, deeper and more fun!
The joy of writing romances is that they’re character focussed and end happily – and in a rough old world we need that. Romances are often undervalued as ‘women’s stuff’ and ‘silly fantasy.’ So what’s wrong with that?
Having written for Mills & Boon and later self-publishing before joining Joffe Books, how has the publishing industry changed over the years?
The biggest change has obviously been the advent of on-line publishing. While this has in some ways been a mixed blessing, it has enabled another very valuable change – encouraging diversity. Writers who may have found it difficult to get published have shown that there is a market for books by and for minority groups and interests, and I believe this has encouraged traditional publishers to look at the possibilities.
You’ve lived in different places, from London to Shropshire and now Devon. Do your settings influence your storytelling, and do you base any locations on real places?
Since I moved to Devon I had thought of setting a book here, with an emphasis on sunshine and sea-side. That was the inspiration for my trilogy set in Sturcombe Bay – the first of which, A Fresh Start at Bramble Cottage, was published by Joffe last year. The second – Coming Home to Sturcombe Bay – is due out sometime in the spring.
I was born in London and still regard myself as a Londoner, and this inspired me to write a book set in London – it’s in the pipeline with Joffe and I hope it will be published next year.
Looking back at your extensive writing career, is there a particular book or character that holds a special place in your heart?
My very first book, A Long Way From Heaven, will always be special. And my favourite character? Khan, the Afghan pup in No Place For Love, based entirely on my own rescued Afghan (but with added intelligence.)
What is your writing routine like, and how do you stay motivated and inspired to keep creating new stories?
I’m a very visual writer. I like to collect pictures of characters and locations – down to the inside of a pub or the furniture in a house. I draw maps of the places I invent – like Sturcombe Bay – and have fun colouring them in. I draw plans of houses and hotels – like the Carleton in Sturcombe Bay, which will feature prominently in the third book in the trilogy. It’s a wonderful time-waster and I can convince myself that I’m really working.
Inspiration? Terry Pratchett once said that there are particles called Narrativium which float through the Universe until they find a brain to take root in. That seems to be how it works for me. A tiny grain of an idea will strike me when I’m not even looking for it – from a picture, a snatch of a song, or apparently nothing at all. Then other grains clump with it, gradually building from an idea to a concept to a plan – by which time I can’t give it up.
What advice would you give to aspiring authors, particularly those looking to break into romance writing?
Romance is a very popular genre – which means many readers, but also many would-be writers. How to get ahead of the game?
Read. Anything and everything – not just romance, and not just fiction. That will give you a broader perspective.
Don’t try to mimic someone else, or to fit into the current zeitgeist – from pen to publishing takes a long time, fashions will have changed.
Only submit a manuscript that’s as near perfect as you can make it – correct spelling and grammar, no typos. Agents and publishers have little time to read their slush-pile and will quickly reject anything that looks sloppy.
Check the Writers and Artists Yearbook (usually in the reference section of your library) and only submit to agents and publishers in your genre. First check their website to find out how they want you to submit, and follow their requirements to the letter.
Be ready to submit a hundred times, and don’t expect a response. Submit three at a time, every couple of weeks.
Do NOT be seduced by anyone who wants you to pay them to publish your work – if all else fails self-publishing is now easy-peasy.
And sorry, but when you’ve done all that, got a publishing deal – don’t give up the day-job. Very few writers earn enough to live on. Write because you love it. Nothing else works.
