‘Special Susie and the Mystery of the Wooden Hut’ and ‘Special Susie and the Mystery of the Missing Books’ by Stephen A. Adams are the first two in a charming yet enthralling new series about a young inquisitive girl who isn’t afraid to investigate suspicious occurrences in her life. The books pay homage to the childhood of Sue Adams – the author’s wife who recently lost her battle with cancer. Critics have hailed the series as “wonderful, well-written books of charm and generosity of spirit, telling the stories of a curious, feisty and delightful young heroine”.
I found a photo of my wife Sue when she was about 8. She used to tell me that when she was that age,she would play at an old hut where they had scooters, skates etc. Then one day I dropped off my grandson at a new stay n play, and it happened it to be the same place - 50 years on !
A big dollop of imagination and ....... Special Susie and the Mystery of the Wooden Hut.
And about the books?
Special Susie and the Mystery of the Wooden Hut - is where I imagined my Sue aged 8 in her childhood play times.
While I was waiting for its illustrations, I thought I'd catch up on a bit of reading. I couldn't find what I wanted to read, so :
Special Susie and the Mystery of the Missing Books - it starts with a library - places that I've always loved.
After the first two books, I realised that something was missing, and that something was me, so :
Special Susie and the Mystery of the Shy Boy - Susie meets a shy boy called Stephen and although different, they come to realise that they like , and can help, each other. (and yes, he is 3 years older, just like me in real life).
And the reason that Susie is special? (not that we are not all special in our own way!)
When Sue grew up there were 6 or 7 Susans in her class. To avoid confusion, the teacher gave them all nicknames. Whenever Sue told me this, she always looked sad. So I would say : "Don't worry darling, you'll always be my Special Susie"
What 3 things (not including paper, computer, pens) would you like to facilitate a good days writing?
I usually write in the mornings so : a good night's sleep ; a nice breakfast ; NO DISTRACTIONS !
Do you write to a schedule, eg every day or three times a week, set times, etc or do you write as and when the mood strikes?
If I'm doing research or brainstorming, then it's when I feel like it. But when actually writing, I tend to grab laptop, and tap away roughly 10am until I feel that's it. And after editing, it's usually approx 500 words a day.
What are your favourite biscuits?
Milk choc digestives, jam sandwich creams, custard creams, fruit shortcake, bourbons. ooh a proper Peek Frean assortment!
Where do you do most of your writing?
Living room, in armchair, laptop on cushions, so I'm nice and comfy. : braver than me, I'd doze off, even if it was before 10am!
What book(s) are you reading at the moment?
Body Language 101 by Vanessa Edwards - my next book will be a rather interesting novel.
What was your favourite subject at school?
Mathematics and English (Lang and Lit)
Do you have writing plans for 2016? Are they secret or could you share a teaser?
Actually yes. On Christmas Day I had a rather strange dream. I dreamt that Sue and I travelled all over the world, solving little mysteries as we went. (We both liked whodunits etc - I grew up
reading Agatha Christie) and that's why I'm doing research on things like Body Language, facial Micro Expressions, coz they are universal. I'm going to try to combine travel, mystery, and of course ROMANCE. : nice!
If you could have any job in the world except being an author, what would you choose and why?
A teacher - I've always wanted to help people, especially children (I have 2 grandchildren) to grow and be the total people that they can be. And what better way than through development, encouragement, and knowledge.
: What a great answer, I hope you'll get a chance to visit schools with your books, kids are such fun!
If you could genetically cross and animal with a fruit or vegetable what would you choose and why? I'm currently thinking of a potato dog, loyal, tasty and versatile, also would roast itself if it lay in front of the fire.
Well, a bit different here - I'm going for chocolate and a westie - chocolate that comes to me when I call it. : better not let it lay by the fire with my labra-potato!
If you could take any fictional character out for lunch, who would you choose and why? And where do you think you'd go to eat?
Tuppence Beresford - the Savoy of course for tea. I'd make her forget about Tommy for a few hours.
Thank you Stephen for playing along with Wordy Wednesday. Wishing you much success in 2016 and beyond.
For those intrigued by his work you can grab copies of his books on Amazon
Or find him on Goodreads
