Author Susan TeBos
I recently met Susan at an author event near my hometown in Michigan. Susan, it was a pleasure to meet you and learn about your book. Thank you for joining me on my blog today.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I am a homegrown Michigan author with a not so common story. This may surprise you, but becoming an author wasn’t on my bucket list. I didn’t intend to write books. But when the need arose in our family (we adopted 3 children from Russia within 5 years) writing, researching, interviewing, and the hope to offer help to our family and others urged me forward. In the beginning, I knew very little about what was involved in writing a book, such as taking an idea to the page and then to a publisher. All this felt a bit overwhelming. I had to learn how to write creatively. I didn’t know what I didn’t know. Eventually, I signed up for a writing class and then another, junior and senior level courses I could take at a local college. It was a writing game changer. I guess you can say I am persistent, if anything, and that’s a good attribute for being a writer.
What is your book about?
My recent book is for adoptive and foster families and anyone who wants to understand the heart of an adoptee. It’s called We’ve Been There: True Stories, Surprising Insights, and Aha Moments for Adopted Teens. I believe that every adopted child reflects on their adoption and needs guidance to process and express their emotions and thoughts. If not, many feel isolated as they ponder what happened to them, their self-worth and identity.
My favorite thing about this book is the interviews. This is a collection of 34 stories told to me by teenage and young adult adoptees from around the United States. They open up about things that they rarely talk about and things they wished others would have told them. Plus, they offer encouragement and some good advice for teens on their own journey of self-discovery and healing from loss. I learned so much from these amazing people.
What did your family think about you writing this book?
My daughter, who was adopted at 18 months, was 17 years old at the time I was researching and writing this book. Imagine a teenager hovering close by, sometimes reading over my shoulder while I was typing up the interviews. That says a lot. She longed to know what adoptees like her were experiencing and how they were handling things. One day I asked her if she’d share a story, and she leaped into the air yelling yes!! She had her own story to share about grieving her birth family that she felt others would resonate with. Two of my three kids contributed stories.
The collection is written in a journalistic style. It is written for adoptees first, but also for families and anyone who wants to understand the heart of an adoptee.
Who would like your book?
There are millions of people with adoption or foster care in their story, so many of us are connected or know someone that is adopted. Additionally, counselors, social workers, therapists, adoption agencies, church adoption ministries, libraries, families, grandparents, and of course adopted people of all ages.
How do you find time in your day for writing?
Set small goals. 300 words a day. I commit to 300 words each day of the week even if I don’t feel like it or have nothing to say. From my experience, if I can free write crappy copy 300 words this exercise turns into 700 words or more. Goal setting like this keeps me accountable.
Are you part of a writing group?
Not formally. Mostly, I have writer friends that like to meet for coffee and talk about everything from writing to platform to book proposals to selling books. Being in a community is helpful, even if it is informal.
Do you have a favorite author or book?
My favorite genre is historical fiction, regency period. Jane Austin and books like hers serve as a retreat for me. I get lost in the pages and time slips away. My brain cells appreciate it. I also read books like A Gentleman in Moscow.
Have you experienced writer’s block? If so, what do you do to get through it?
Yes, I do get blocked. There are a few things that help me. I free write with a prompt. Just stream of thought. No edits. Just move the pen on paper. It works. Also, I have paper and a pen next to my bed. It is common for me to have some pretty great ideas appear at 3:00 am
What’s next for you as an author?
I currently don’t have a book idea. However, I’m writing a couple of articles here and there for publication, and trying to improve my book visibility on my website. I also am a podcast guest and speak at adoption and foster care conferences.
Susan, thank you so much for being my guest today. Before we go, where can readers find you online?
You can find me at susantebos.com and https://www.facebook.com/SusanTeBos.Author/
https://www.amazon.com/Weve-Been-There-Surprising-Insights/dp/0825447313
Inspirational Author 