Susan Elizabeth Bagby Writes About Forever Love
Welcome Susan,
Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
In my early twenties, I lived in a yoga community. It was there that I developed my love for yoga and meditation. To this day, I have a daily practice I follow before writing. Centering myself and connecting with the universe on a larger scale keeps me grounded and open to the muse. That experience molded my spirit and my heart to stay open and expect miracles. Magic is all around us.
What event or experience in your life affected you as a writer?
In 2019, I survived Ovarian cancer (six years in remission now), and when I finished chemo, I decided to move back to my hometown and pursue my dream as a writer. Life is too short! Do what you dream, now. Luckily, I was retiring the next year, and it all worked out, so I could make the move from LA to Ohio. A year later, I received my first publishing contract with a small press in Canada and haven’t stopped since.
Why did you become a romance writer?
My desire to write romance novels came early in my career from my mother. Growing up, she always had a romance novel by her chair. She had one of those Harlequin subscription boxes for the longest time. We watched a lot of Hallmark movies together, and in my twenties, I told her I wanted to write a romance book. Years later, the dream became a reality. She would be so proud.
What inspired the idea for this book?
I read a newspaper article in my hometown publication about a man who was arrested for fraud and a Ponzi scheme. I thought about his wife, who was clueless about his criminal activity and lost everything she owned, including her dignity, when he was carted off to jail. I thought about the strength and fearlessness a woman would need to overcome such challenges, and Willow’s character was born. I had her living in New York City, so she needed to return to her small hometown of Cedar Hill in Ohio. And that is where her journey begins.
Can you tell us about any other upcoming books, series, or writing plans?
I’m presently working with my editor at The Wild Rose Press for the second book in the Cedar Hill series, entitled Everlasting Kind of Love. Stay tuned!
Willow Barton’s life crumbles at her husband’s arrest for fraud, forcing her to return to her Ohio hometown to rebuild. Running a small bookstore and helping her best friend care for her ailing father offers solace—until Zachary Hayes, her best friend’s brother and a charming country music star, shows up. Struggling to revive his career and reconnect with his estranged father, Zach sparks an undeniable yet unwelcome chemistry with Willow. As her estranged husband seeks forgiveness, and Zach battles his own demons, Willow must confront her painful past and decide if she’s willing to risk her heart again. Caught between heartbreak and hope, can they overcome their fears and build a future together?
AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOKSHOP.ORG
Learn More About Susan Elizabeth Bagby
Susan Bagby is a retired speech and language pathologist and full-time writer of romance books. She has three novels published with independent presses, and her fourth, Forever Kind of Love, is published by The Wild Rose Press. In addition to being a Maggie Award finalist, Sweet Ridge Hearts, her last book, was also a Literary Titan gold award winner. She lives in Ohio, where she relishes the four seasons (well, maybe not winter), and loves yoga, jazz, golf, and walking anywhere outdoors.
Thanks for an interesting interview, Zara and Susan. Always fascinating to learn about an author and their inspiration for a novel. Sounds like an entertaining novel too, Susan. Meryl
Love your author journey story and the inspiration for this novel. Happy sales!