Author BiographyAn Army Brat born in Anchorage, Alaska, Susan Gibbs currently lives in Michigan with her husband. She knew from an early age that she wanted to write books but, when she grew up, put aside that dream in favor of making a living. After years of wanting and wishing to be an author, she took action and bravely left her career in a large computer services company. Leaving behind the workaday world was easy, but Susan misses the wonderful people that she worked with. "For years, I planned for this move so I could make writing my full-time career, but I was leaving behind relationships I had enjoyed for over sixteen years. I have been so fortunate to keep many of those friendships intact. As I left the office building on my last day of work, I felt as if I were walking off a gangplank. It was a true gamble to leave a secure job and a steady paycheck," Susan says. "However, we are determined to make the company a success. We have patience and we are here to stay."When asked why she started her own company, Susan's reply, like her writing style, is characteristically direct. "I don't mean this in an arrogant way, but I didn't want anyone telling me what to do. I believe that there are many, many readers who want a unique, unpredictable, stirring, and riveting story--a safe place to become lost for a few hours. I work very hard to deliver just that. Writing is a very solitary profession, yet I always keep a certain detachment and a primary thought in mind: Would I want to read this book and would I enjoy it? That bit of distance keeps me focused. I love writing and I write for readers that love to read."In 2002, Susan's first adult historical fiction novel, The Bend in the River (ISBN 9780971466708), was released. To her continued amazement, she receives letters, cards, phone calls, and e-mails from readers in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Canada, Great Britain, and Norway who praise the novel. Two common comments from every fan are that the book was impossible to put down and that The Bend in the River would make a great television mini-series. Readers empathize with her characters and keep turning the pages to find out what happens next. No one is disappointed! On December 17, 2012, Susan released her second novel, The Widow of Port Seaton (ISBN 9780971466715). The story is about a young widow's life as a lighthouse keeper in 1840's Massachusetts. "My favorite books are by writers that are not in the mainstream. I thrive off that bit of unpredictability and I have found some true gems!" Susan quips.Susan's writing style is fast-paced, yet eloquent, and packed with detail. Her characters are never passive and continually act and grow throughout the story. From the opening paragraphs, she sets the stage and the reader senses the advent of an epic story. Focusing tightly on realistic portrayals, her characters are unique, undeniably human, and unforgettable. "Writing is both a thrill and a serious study of human nature," Susan states. "I create a relatable world for my characters and my readers. No matter when in time a story is set, I truly enjoy getting the historical details just right. Weaving those elements into the plot is challenging and I avoid making the story a history lesson." Susan adds, "Everyone needs love. Everyone makes mistakes. Everyone has problems. Everyone has choices. Using those primary themes, I make my characters real. They are full of conflicts, worries, dreams, self-imposed obstacles, and desires. Some of my characters' dreams come true and some do not. Isn't that just how life is?"Susan would enjoy your thoughts about The Bend in the River and The Widow of Port Seaton. Please contact her through e-mail at sales@hawkshadowpublishing.com. No spam, please, and keep it clean!