Susane Colasanti Author Interview ~ JeanBookNerd

Photo Content from Susane Colasanti

Susane Colasanti is the bestselling author of When It Happens, Take Me There, Waiting for You,Something Like Fate, So Much Closer, Keep Holding On, All I Need, and Now and Forever. She has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania and a master’s degree from New York University. Before becoming a full-time author in 2007, Susane was a high school science teacher for ten years. She lives in New York City.

The first book of Susane's City Love trilogy will be released on April 21, 2015.

Beyond your own work (of course), what is your all-time favorite book and why? And what is your favorite book outside of your genre?
The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery is my all-time fave book. Although it is technically a children’s book, there are tons of valuable messages for teens and grownups. Every time I read it I take away something new. I also love children’s books by Eric Carle and Leo Lionni. Their books are masterpieces, each combining a profound story with gorgeous artwork.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received from another author?
Career success is not linear. There can be times of great success interspersed with times when it seems like not much is happening. I always thought that my career would build gradually with every successive book. But she was right. The key is to never give up. No matter what happens, no matter how your plans may unexpectedly change, you will succeed if you are determined to settle for nothing less than making your biggest dreams come true.

Can you tell my Book Nerd community a little about your latest book, Now and Forever?
Now and Forever is the story of a girl whose boyfriend is the world’s biggest rock star. Sterling is crazy in love with Ethan, who always had a Knowing he would be crazy famous. When Ethan becomes an overnight sensation, he’s thrown head-first into the glam world of celebrity—and so is Sterling. Before she knows it, she’s attending red-carpet premieres, getting free designer clothes, and flying around the country to attend Ethan’s monumental sold-out concerts. It’s a dream come true…but whose dream is Sterling living? And what do you do when forever comes to an end? You can watch the official Now and Forever trailer on my YouTube.

For those who are unfamiliar with Sterling, how would you introduce her?
Sterling is actually a secondary character from my third book, Waiting for You. I am bringing back characters, places, and quirky details from previous books to my newer books. My ultimate goal is to connect all of my books in a top secret fabulous way. Let’s see how it goes…

What are some of your current and future projects that you can share with us?
Right now I’m working on a trilogy called City Love! I’m stoked to be writing a series after eight stand-alone books. City Love is about three girls who are sharing an apartment in New York City the summer before college. They start out as three very different strangers, but by the end of the summer realize that they have more in common than they thought. Each of them is running from a horrible secret in their past. This summer they will each confront their past to create a shiny new future. Since I write love stories about soul mates, there are naturally lots of boy adventures that lead to exciting cliffhangers at the end of each book. The first City Love book will be out on April 21, 2015.

What’s the best advice you can give writers to help them develop their own unique voice and style?
Write what you feel inspired to share. Write the truth that is in your heart. If you are passionate about your writing, you will find your voice.

What's the most memorable summer job you've ever had?
One summer in college, I was the Ground Round bear. Does that restaurant even exist anymore? It was a family type place with face painting, games, and a bear that went around to all the tables giving out balloons to the little kids. For some reason I really wanted to be that bear. No one told me it was 130 degrees in the costume. Or that I wouldn’t really be able to see. Or that giving out balloons to four-year-olds at birthday parties would not be the slickest maneuver to pull off with big, furry paws. Still fun times, though!

What would be harder for you, to tell someone you love them or that you do not love them back?
The not loving back one. I hate making anyone feel sad. Spreading the love is much easier…and something I try to do every day.

When was the last time you cried?
During every single ep of Parenthood I watched a few weeks ago. Season 5 just came out on DVD and I was bawling the whole time. The same thing happened to me when I watched Friday Night Lights. Every ep got me verklempt. Don’t even get me started on the series finale. What can I tell you? Jason Katims is a freaking genius.

What decade during the last century would you have chosen to be a teenager?
Oh, I SO would have rocked the 70s! Disco. Hippie ponchos. Peace, love, and happiness everywhere. Hook me up with a pet rock and bell-bottoms and I’m all set.

What is your greatest adventure?
Living in downtown Manhattan. New York is my dream city. Growing up in middle of nowhere New Jersey, I always knew that my true home was across the water. The energy here makes me feel alive. Anything is possible in New York. This is where dreamers come to manifest their heart’s desires. I was one of those dreamers. New York reminds me of how far I’ve come and how high I have yet to fly. Even if I’m having a bad day, I feel so thankful that I get to live in the place I love the most.

Where can readers find you?
I love connecting with my readers! All of my social links are right on my website:
Website: http://www.susanecolasanti.com/
Or friendly neighbors can find me directly here:
Blog: http://susanecolasanti.wordpress.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/susanecolasantibooks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/susanecolasanti
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/susanecolasanti
Tumblr: http://colasantibooks.tumblr.com/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/101695313932648290449/posts
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/susanecolasanti

What if your boyfriend was the world's biggest rockstar?

Sterling is crazy in love with Ethan. Not only is he the sweetest boy she's ever met, but he's an incredibly talented guitarist, singer, and songwriter. And since forever, he's believed he has what it takes to be a star.

When Ethan becomes an overnight sensation, he's thrown head-first into the glam world of celebrity-and so is Sterling. Before she knows it, she's attending red-carpet premieres, getting free designer clothes, and flying around the country to attend Ethan's monumental sold-out concerts.

It's a dream come true...but whose dream is Sterling living? And what do you do when "forever" comes to an end?

You can purchase Now and Forever at the following Retailers: