Interview With Author Susan Chambers

 

 

 

1.      What inspired you to write this book?

I was hearing that there were millions of children being trafficked into sexual slavery, and I was shocked that this was happening in our world today. I wondered what I could do, and a friend said, ‘Write a book.’  That was not something I had ever considered doing, but my friend was insistent that I give it a go, and I could use the finances to help children.

 

2.      What exactly is it about – and who is it written for?

TJ and the Winged Visitor is about a girl who is friendless, bossy, and a know it all, and creates havoc among her classmates. But there is someone who knows the real TJ and chooses her to receive a visit from an entity who resides in a different dimension to Earth.

The book was originally written for young teens but has become a story for all ages as it has now been read by the generations, 12 years up to 90 years have delighted in TJs story.

 

3.      What do you hope readers will get out of reading your book?

I hope readers will be inspired by this unusual graphic account of teenagers lives that include both the supernormal and the supernatural. A story that entertains and uplifts but has this element of the real stuff of life showing it is possible for anyone to change.

 

4.      How did you decide on your books title and cover design?

The book title: I wanted to write a compelling fiction adventure story that included fantasy. Foremost it had to have a page turning storyline with interesting characters that were relatable to readers, but also supernatural themes that awed and connected with our inquisitive minds. So, I based the title on the normal and the supernatural. TJ and the Winged Visitor. The Cover design: The aim was to attract attention but not give too much away t0o soon. I felt that a night sky with a white wing could do both.

 

5.      What advice or words of wisdom do you have for fellow writers – other than run!?

Words of wisdom for fellow writers: I have discovered we are all unique with specific talents and abilities. Many people are happy to follow the trends of what is out there, and they do well. That didn’t work for me, I found it hard work. Whereas what touched my heart, was what inspired me to keep going with the ups and the many downs of writing and rewriting and editing and deciding to find a publisher instead of self-publishing-which I have discovered has similar demands on the author. My advice: find a topic that inspires you and believe you can write this story, put your all into it and be persistent in writing, persevering, never giving up.

 

6.      What trends in the book world do you see – and where do you think the book publishing industry is heading?

The market is being consistently flooded with thousands of new manuscripts, so the story content should be captivating which is what I have aimed for. Though it seems even mediocre content can do well with consistent exposure and sales marketing.

The book publishing industry is providing more opportunity for authors to get their works in print, but with those opportunities come less quality care and time spent by the publisher to make the work known and market it. It appears publishers expect authors to do 90% of the marketing if they want their works known. With the digital explosion and the concept of being online consistently, this works well for many authors but there are also many others who have amazing stories with less skills to market. There has also been a push by publishers to market digital books as they are cheap to produce, yet possibly more buyers for paperback copies as there is nothing like holding and enjoying your own piece of entertainment history.

 

7.      Were there experiences in your personal life or career that came in handy when writing this book?

There was an experience from my personal life that I considered in writing this book. My husband had a strong personality, leadership, opinionated, and always right. I was quieter, happy to sit in the background, a follower and peacemaker. We both were methodical. If I tried to take charge when I considered my way better, it was not well received. So, I began to ask questions of others and discovered there were lots of different personality traits and how people may react. This understanding was helpful in deciding what TJ would be like and how she would fit in the story.

TJ and the Winged Visitor is all fiction, but I would not think it unusual for an author to weave a circumstance or concept in their writing, that is gained by an experience.

 

8.      How would you describe your writing style? Which writers or books is your writing similar to?

I consider my writing style unusual. When I first thought about writing I had no experience in that field, so I attended courses and listened to suggestions on how to get ideas. It was an involved process and time consuming to seek out ideas that way, and then have to plan a beginning, middle and ending before I started the book. So, I decided to try what seemed easier to me. I would think about it, start with a sentence and follow thoughts and mind pictures, always with a desire to entertain. I would like my writing to be different, even unique to others, bringing with it a flair of storytelling that can encourage the human heart, enlarge thinking, bring enjoyment with humour, fun, and thought-provoking creative ideas.

 

9.      What challenges did you overcome in the writing of this book?

The challenges I overcame in writing TJ and the Winged Visitor was believing in myself that I was worthy of doing something special. I also had to overcome running ahead with my ideas, when something probably needed more time and thought spent on it.

 

10.  If people can buy or read one book this week or month, why should it be yours?

The reason people should choose to read TJ and the Winged Visitor this week or this month is because it is a guaranteed page turner for all ages, an inspiring wonderful story of teenagers and others, their challenges, drama, friendships, and love set in two realms, the normal and the supernatural.

 

About The Author:  Susan Chambers is a mother and grandmother, residing in Australia. She has a flair for    descriptive communication that draws her readers to vision as they read and naturally relate to her characters who display both real and quirky characteristics. She delights in bringing a mixture of drama, fun, humour and heartwarming tales that keep her readers entertained to the very last page. For more information, please see:   https://susanchambers.ampbk.com

 

Do You Need Book Marketing & PR Help?

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About Brian Feinblum

This award-winning blog has generated over four million pageviews. With 5,000+ posts over the past dozen years, it was named one of the best book marketing blogs by BookBaby  http://blog.bookbaby.com/2013/09/the-best-book-marketing-blogs  and recognized by Feedspot in 2021 and 2018 as one of the top book marketing blogs. It was also named by www.WinningWriters.com as a "best resource.”  Copyright 2025.

 

For the past three decades, Brian Feinblum has helped thousands of authors. He formed his own book publicity firm in 2020. Prior to that, for 21 years as the head of marketing for the nation’s largest book publicity firm, and as the director of publicity at two independent presses, Brian has worked with many first-time, self-published, authors of all genres, right along with best-selling authors and celebrities such as: Dr. Ruth, Mark Victor Hansen, Joseph Finder, Katherine Spurway, Neil Rackham, Harvey Mackay, Ken Blanchard, Stephen Covey, Warren Adler, Cindy Adams, Todd Duncan, Susan RoAne, John C. Maxwell, Jeff Foxworthy, Seth Godin, and Henry Winkler.

 

His writings are often featured in The Writer and IBPA’s The Independent (https://pubspot.ibpa-online.org/article/whats-needed-to-promote-a-book-successfully).

 

He hosted a panel on book publicity for Book Expo America several years ago, and has spoken at ASJA, BookCAMP, Independent Book Publishers Association Sarah Lawrence College, Nonfiction Writers Association, Cape Cod Writers Association, Willamette (Portland) Writers Association, APEX, Morgan James Publishing, and Connecticut Authors and Publishers Association. He served as a judge for the 2024 IBPA Book Awards.

 

His letters-to-the-editor have been published in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, New York Post, NY Daily News, Newsday, The Journal News (Westchester) and The Washington Post. His first published book was The Florida Homeowner, Condo, & Co-Op Association Handbook.  It was featured in The Sun Sentinel and Miami Herald.

 

Born and raised in Brooklyn, he now resides in Westchester with his wife, two kids, and Ferris, a black lab rescue dog, and El Chapo, a pug rescue dog.

 

You can connect with him at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianfeinblum/ or https://www.facebook.com/brian.feinblum