Welcome to the Campfire with Author Susan Antony

.Welcome back to the Campfire. ​I think what I enjoy about camping, besides the owlishly good time, is the sense of community. It reminds me of past days sitting on the porch, talking to the passing neighbors. A time when kids weren't afraid to say hello to strangers. So much has changed in our world I for one often unpack the memories. This week I'll be camping with some friends. Our kids grew up together and I'm sure we'll be hauling stories out and laughing, maybe crying, but making new memories as well. 
This week's guest is Author Susan Antony. You'll see from her photo she's bright, sparkly and interesting. I've read her book Cherokee Summer and loved it.
So, kick back, click on the virtual campfire and enjoy some conversation. Oh, don't forget to sign-up for my newsletter by clicking on the button.

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Hi, Susan. Welcome.  What’s your preference coffee, tea, cocoa, or wine?
How about Diet Coke? 
You’ve got it. I'm a coke girl too. My son only has Pepsi. A great debate for later. Tell me, have you ever camped?  
Many years ago, when I was living a feminine “On the Road” kind of life,
That makes me think of Wild starring Reese Witherspoon. Where  did you go? Did you like it? 
I camped in Yosemite in the winter and quickly developed an aversion to camping.  I do, however, enjoy a flaming backyard chiminea. 

Susan Antony, author of 
​Cherokee Summer

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​Me too. If we can’t at a campground the chiminea is next best.   So, Susan, tell us about your latest project. What’s the title and genre?
Cherokee Summer.  It is a YA Romance with a touch of suspense.
 
It's a great title. I love Young Adult. Some folks may think YA is for kids, because it focuses on the 12 to 18 year old. But I read a statistic almost half of the readers are adults. Certainly Cherokee Summer has a lot for them as well.  Do you have a tagline?
When two peoples lives mirror each other more than oppose, how can they not be together?
 
Nice. How could someone not want to check it out. Can you tell us how long it took from conception to fruition? 
My novel took about a year to write in between working a full-time job and single motherhood and then another to year and a half passed before publication.
 
It can be a long process and you’re a busy lady. Many writers can hit a "wall" sometimes in writing and sometimes during the editing, have you been there? How do you deal with it?
I’ve hit that place many times, but it usually solved by a good night’s sleep or a few days away from my project.  Once I get over my momentary dilemma, I find I'm more determined than ever to achieve my goal.
 
You have to take care of yourself. It’s easy to become overwhelmed. What else are you working on? Will there be more about Cherokee Summer?
At present I am considering a sequel to Cherokee Summer. I’ve written one chapter. I am also dismantling a YA Paranormal romance I wrote a few years ago to the bare bones. I intend to build it back up with a different story line.
 
Sometime reworking takes more effort than the first draft. I’ve been tearing one a part too. Speaking of paranormal, pull out your time-machine. What advice do you have for your early self?
Start marketing today.  Get your galley copy out for reviews. Being new to the process, I waited until after my novel went into print. I had an online presence prior to this date, but not nearly large enough. Big mistake, but we live and learn.
 
For those wondering no we're not talking about the galley of a ship, lol. A galley is a rough copy of a book. Not quiet ready for publication. It kind of tests the waters.  I think a lot of us make that mistake.  So, now to the fun stuff, do you have a tattoo? If yes what is it? If you feel brave, where? Does it have a story you feel you could tell us? If not and you were to get a tattoo, what would it be?
I have a tattoo on the inside of my wrist that reads …5,6,7,8—a dance count down.  I started out looking for one that represented my book, but changed courses. Dancing has been part of my life since I was eight years old. It is still a passion of mine today. I C&W line dance and partner dance the two-step, salsa, merange, and swing at least twice weekly. I’m open to another, one that represents my book, but I’m still looking. It must be the right one. I will know it when I see it.
 
Good plan. It’s not easy to get rid of if you change your mind. I love that you dance and so many different styles.My husband and I line-dance years ago. It's a great outlet and exercise.  Some of your dances sound so exotic.  Have you traveled?  What was the best vacation you ever took? Why?
I met up with my husband at the time—a sailor on sea duty—and I backpacked around Italy. I absolutely loved the food, the drink, the people and the atmosphere of the county. Roma is still my favorite city and I don’t do favorites well, so that saying something.
 
If you could freeze a moment in time, a “Kodak Moment”  you never want to forget, what would it be?
I have too many to pick just one. As mentioned in a question above, I am horrible with favorites. Even my favorite color changes due to the circumstances.
 
I’m glad you have so many happy memories. We're almost out of time, but I'd like to know, are there any mentors, authors, or books you would like to give a shout-out to?
My friend Susan Bickford. We met online in a writing class. Not only is she a talented writer she’s been the first responder to my writing crises over the years. And of course, my editor Kinan Werdski who helped me accomplish my dream.
 
We all need help at times and I think it's nice to acknowledge them. Final question. What does literary success look like to you?
I’ll let you know when I get there.
 
Great answer Susan. Thank you so much for joining me around the campfire today. I would appreciate you leaving us a blurb and exert from your work. Don’t forget to add where we can purchase your book and how we can find out more about you below.

​When Ace leaves home to spend the summer in Cherokee, North Carolina the last thing she expects to find is a boyfriend—until she meets Cherokee Tribe member John Spears. As Ace and John's friendship blossoms, they find their life experiences mirror each other and they fall in love. Despite hurdles thrown by well-meaning family members and jealous frenemies, the star-crossed lovers remain committed to their mutual belief that the universe has drawn them together. However, when Ace sends John a strange text and then suddenly disappears, the two must rely on their trust in each other to save both their lives and their love.

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Available on Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Susan's Website

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In honor of Susan's favorite city today's movie recommendations are two of my favorites
Letters to Juliette
​Under the Tuscan Sun

Dutch Oven Ravioli
 
50campfires.com/dutch-oven-ravioli/
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Author: Chelsey Janes
Recipe type: Main
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients

• 1 25 oz bag frozen sausage ravioli, thawed
• 1 large 45 oz jar spaghetti sauce
• ¼ cup fresh Parmesan cheese (can use grated)
• 1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup water

Instructions

1. Spray the dutch oven with cooking spray or ( I recommend this) ---> line with tin foil and spray with cooking spray. Put a thin layer of spaghetti sauce on the bottom of a 12″ dutch oven. Place a single layer of the ravioli over the bottom of the oven.
2. Cover the ravioli with half of the remaining spaghetti sauce. Sprinkle on the parmesan cheese. Place another layer of the ravioli on top of the sauce. Pour on the rest of the spaghetti sauce.
3. Top the sauce with the mozzarella cheese and add a little more Parmesan cheese. Pour the water around the edge of the pan to add some additional moisture.
4. Cook in the dutch oven at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. The sauce should be bubbling and the cheese will just start to brown.

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Enjoy the the days ahead and we'll see you next week and spend time around the campfire with Author ​N. Jade Gray

When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, "I used everything you gave me." ~Erma Bombeck