Welcome To The Fire with today's guest, Susan Payne, and her new release.

Whew, what a weekend. From Bombogenesis, Bomb Cyclones, to heads up iguanas are coming down. We made out fine in Northern Florida. It was a bit chilly but the sun made a grand appearance and though it went below freezing Saturday night, we were tucked inside. Really quick before we get to today's guest, the Around the Fire newsletter goes out tomorrow. Get first dibs on exciting announcements and two yes two free downloads sign up here at mailchi.mp/1172dfb299fb/d-v-stones-around-the-fire now let's welcome Susan to the fire...

​Hi, Susan! I'm so happy to warm you back to my fire. It's been a while. While I pour us a cup, why don't you tell us a bit about you besides the usual bio.
A rose by any other name…
I had a dilemma when I decided to publish my novels. I had been winning contests etc. under the name I use now although there were other authors, already published authors, having the same name. I thought of using my middle initial which is in fact a type of initial (Kay) but I didn’t think that differentiated me enough.  So, I thought to use my maiden name – and yep, an author using that name came up, too. So, do I hyphenate? Reid-Payne?  Payne-Reid? Neither did much for me.
I had heard a few horror stories from authors, mostly female, where they had picked-up stalkers so I worried using a name they could look-up and find might make me a target.  Then I passed a mirror and saw my seventy-year-old self and thought, “what the heck” am I worrying about?  I don’t think I’m the type anyone would fixate on.  Just not that mesmerizing.
So, I stuck with the name I’ve had for over fifty-five years and will stick with it. It’s not as if I’m hiding from the law or anything. Of course, my kids might have wanted a say in things, but I didn’t ask them.  Now they’re stuck with this name, too. Again, no one would put two and two together if they didn’t tell them. If they want their friends to know, it’s up to them. Some of mine know and some would never believe it of me.
Now close friends are different. Some of them have told me they always knew I’d end up here – as a writer in print.  Some knew I’d be writing historical, too, so those are the ones who knew me best.
Possibly that’s why I stayed with the name most people know me by. So that when they see one of my books, they’ll wonder if that’s the same Susan Payne they knew back in high-school so many years ago.  Nah, that poor old woman would be over seventy-four years old and dead by now…

You're so funny! I know you have to be careful though. I can't tell you how many "shahs" "princes" and "celebrities' follow or ask me to follow them. I'm D. V. Stone because that's how I've signed my name for years. It's the K.I.S.S. system. If they made a movie about your life what would it be?
If they made a movie about my life, it would be titled something along the lines of “Who Would Have Thunk It.” I have travelled more, done more, learned more, lived more than anyone would have thought I would. I had a pretty inauspicious beginning followed by a normal marriage although it seems to be dragging on at 56 years (although I’d never want it different) and trying to keep up with my entrepreneurial husband and five children. I could write a book and no one would believe what I’ve accomplished even before I decided to turn to writing.

Hmm, I'm intrigued. I guess we'll have to head over to social media to find out more. We love game night. Laughing with friends and family. How about you?
I have played board games, but prefer games like Trivial Pursuit or cards. I was taught Canasta at about ten years old and have enjoyed that game, Double Pinochle, Hand & Foot (Canasta on steroids) as well as solitaire and slap-happy, a silly family card game. Anytime you can have free fun with friends and family is a good time in my mind.

What was your first job?
My first job was babysitting for neighbors. I made 25 cents an hour.  Wow! I used it to buy clothes for school. I didn’t buy books back then since I read/borrowed books from libraries and family.

Babysitters make a lot more than that now. Have you ever won anything?
I never win anything.  In fact, anyone sitting at the same table with me won’t win anything either.  I thought of renting myself out as a chiller at poker tables. I could cool-off any hot player. I’m not sure that endears me to friends and family, but it’s the truth.

Susan, thanks so much for popping in today. Any last words before you tell us more about your book?
It’s been nice sharing with you.  I appreciate the time you’ve spent with me today and hope you enjoy reading as much as I do. Remember, love abhors a vacuum so stay busy. 

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​In the Sheriff’s Sights ~
Texas Ranger Romance Book One
by
Susan Payne
Rated steamy 

Sheriff Josie Heinz knew Texas Ranger Ben Crocker would be trouble – just not the kind he turned out to be. He matched her in strength, intelligence and passion. Not a bad combination if she had wanted to trade in her badge for a wedding ring.
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Buy links: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09R64M35J   eBook only Tx Ranger bk1
Released 1/5/2022  by Magnolia Blossom Publishing
  
About the Author
Susan began her writing when she was still a young mother, trying to find time to type on the old Smith-Corona from hand written notes that she was able to scribble off between children's naps and cleaning.  Cleaning always came first, before any amusements; but she has decided that dust can be interesting and shirts don't need to be ironed to be wearable.    She now spends her time writing stories as dictated by her new friends so others can enjoy them as much as she does.
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Follow Susan               
Web:  http://www.authorsusanpayne.com
URL: https://www.amazon.com/Susan-Payne/e/B001JXROQK          
Tweet: http://twitter.com/susanreid460

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