Monday, October 5, 2015

Meet the Blogger with Susanne Dietze

If it were not for blogging, Susanne Dietze and I might not have met. And that would be a shame, for she is a sweet person through and through. This talented writer is also a fan of historical  fiction, so much so that she's written several delightful novellas. (More info on those below.)


Welcome Susanne! Why did you start blogging? How long have you had your current blog? 

Thanks for inviting me! Back in 2008, I was invited to participate in a group blog, Inkwell Inspirations. I was honored and thrilled—but also terrified, because I had no idea how to use blogger. I started Tea and a Good Book so I could practice in private, and my mistakes wouldn’t affect other people’s reputations! 


That's quite an honor. I'd have been nervous too! What is your blog about? 

It’s about reading, writing, and faith, but it’s also about friendship with my readers. That means I treat it as if I’m sitting with a friend over coffee or tea, chatting. I like to share books I’ve read, talk about entertainment, or offer recipes I love—things my non-writing friends might enjoy. But on occasion, I share writing-specific topics, too. 


When visiting your blog, I do feel like we are sitting and chatting. :) What benefits have you gained through blogging? 

God gave me a tremendous gift when He gave me an opportunity to blog. I made new e-friends. I gained confidence as I improved. Having a social media presence is pretty important in the writing industry, and blogging opened new worlds to me. 

 
This is so true - you nailed it, from the wonderful people to the importance of social media. What projects are you working on right now? 

I am writing a contracted novella and preparing for my two releases in early 2016—both novellas. First up is my Genesis-winning One Word From You, a Pride & Prejudice story in The Austen in Austin Collection from WhiteFire, where Jane Austen novels are retold, set in historical Austin, TX. Coming in March is The Cowboy’s Bride Collection from Barbour, which celebrates romance in the Old West. I am so proud to be part of these collections! 


Congratulations! That is exciting news. Looking forward to reading them. What might people be surprised to learn about you? 

Hmm…that’s a toughie. Well, I was not blessed with a good singing voice, to which everyone who sits around me in church can probably attest, but I sing all the time at home. Real songs, but mostly made up stuff. Reminding kids to empty the dishwasher seems to go better when it’s delivered in song. 


Well this is true, chores and songs can make a good combo! What advice would you share with a newbie blogger? 

Be yourself. God made you to fit that role, and your blog should reflect who you are and what you do. You’ll enjoy it much more if you get to be yourself, too! 


Excellent advice. :) Thank you for stopping by to see us, Susanne. It's been a pleasure! 

Thank you, Karen! 


About Susanne

Susanne Dietze began writing love stories in high school, casting her friends in the starring roles. Today, she writes in the hope that her historical romances will encourage and entertain others. A 2013 Genesis Award winner and a member of ACFW and RWA, she is the author of four contracted novellas. You can visit her on her website, www.susannedietze.com






Find Susanne  

Facebook  
Website 
Blog  
Twitter 
Amazon Author Page 
Goodreads  

Susanne's first release, The Most Eligible Bachelor Collection is available here:  

Amazon
Barnes and Noble 
Christian Book

Do you think that your blog (or writing) reflects your personality?

Happy writing,
Karen



Teacup photo credit: Free Images

32 comments :

  1. Great meeting you, Susanne. I love making friends through my blog too.

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    1. Hi Natalie! I love that God uses everything for good--blogging has led to so many blessings, including friendships! I'm glad to meet you, too!

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  2. It's great to meet Susanne. I've made a lot of friends through blogging but have yet to meet anyone in person. Maybe one day.

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    1. Hi Stephen! It's pretty special to meet friends we've made through blogging or writing groups in person. I've been blessed to meet some, but there are still friends I've never met face to face, like Karen. One of these days!

      Thanks for stopping by!

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  3. Lovely to meet you, Susanne. I have made so many friends through blogging. But none greater than Karen. My lovely amigo. :-) I agree. Social media is super important to writers. Gee whiz. What DID the writers of old do without it? *wink* Fabulous interview. Hugs, amigo. xoxo

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    1. Nice to meet you, Robyn! I agree--Karen is a treasure. She's so encouraging and sweet!

      Ah, social media. I am still a dinosaur with it. Working on it, though. Do you have any tips for me? I need all the help I can get!

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  4. Hi Susanne and Karen! What a grace to be asked to contribute to a writers blog. That must be so much fun! And it led to your own blog too, isn't it interesting how we come to open a blog? I think God works in very mysterious ways in leading people to write so publicly.
    Best of blessings on your writing Susanne! I'll stop by your place and say 'hi' too.
    Ceil

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    1. Hi Ceil, so glad to meet you! It is amazing how God works through things. I was so scared about blogging, but it was such a "God thing" (isn't everything, though?). I've been blessed by the friends and experiences He's given to me through it.

      I'm so glad you came by. Thanks, Ceil!

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  5. Karen, thanks so much for having me today! I love being here and meeting your friends!

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  6. Hi Karen and Susanne - great to meet Susanne - and blogging is incredibly encouraging isn't it ... and we learn so much ... about the technology and the slothlike dealing with social media - me too! but also about others' ways of life, or dealing with things ... it's a great world .. cheers Hilary

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  7. Natalie,
    Thanks for coming by to see Susie and I. It's great fun to meet so many talented people, isn't it? :)

    Stephen,
    Thanks for coming over to see us! I've met one blogger friend in person, and a few authors I've featured here. Hoping to change that in the future. Hope to get to meet some bloggers too! :)

    Robyn,
    There are no words, my friend - you are so sweet! Right back at you! You are an amazing and wonderful friend. Thanks for coming to meet Susie. I knew you'd like her! :)

    Ceil,
    Glad you got to meet Susie! :) She is a gem, so sweet and talented. Blessings to you as well!

    Susie,
    You are very welcome. The blog gang is a wonderful group. So glad you get to meet them! :) Thanks so much for spending time with us this week! :)

    Hilary,
    I agree - to all you said! :) So true, and I for one, am so very thankful to have such wonderful blogging friends! :)

    Happy writing,
    Karen

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  8. I'll have to visit her after this!
    Being oneself is the best advice. Follow your passions and you'll know what to blog about.

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    1. Alex, nice to meet you! Sometimes being oneself isn't as easy as it sounds. At least it isn't for me! We fear rejection, not fitting in, etc. But we have to be true to who God made us to be. Thanks for visiting!

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  9. Hi Karen and Susanne!

    Great to meet Susanne! Thanks for the introduction Karen.

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  10. Alex,
    Her site always offers fun and Interesting things! :) That really is good blogging advice, isn't it?

    Kelly,
    Hi back! :) You are very welcome. I am glad you got a chance to meet Susanne.

    Happy writing,
    Karen

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  11. Nice to meet you, Suzanne! Thanks, Karen, for the introduction. :)

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    1. Very nice to meet you, too, Lisa! I'm so glad Karen invited me here. I've loved meeting her friends!

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  12. So nice to meet you! The covers of your books are striking! Congrats!

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    1. Terri, it's great to meet you, too! And I agree--the covers are great. I can take absolutely no credit whatsoever. The team at Barbour does fine work, and so does Roseanna White at White Fire. I have been so pleased.

      I'd also like to enjoy an extended holiday at the estate on the cover of Bachelor!

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  13. I'm a huge fan of historical fiction! Great to meet you.

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  14. Very nice to meet you, Susanne, and thanks for introducing us, Karen :-) I'm always looking for historical fiction recommendations and I'll add your titles to my to-read list. Best to you in all your writing!

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  15. Hello, Susanne! Nice to meet you. I love me the occasional historical.

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  16. Thanks for hosting and introducing Susanne to us Karen! Hello Susanne!

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  17. Karen, thanks for introducing Susanne. I agree, blogging is truly a blessing.

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  18. Congrats to Susanne on her published titles and success. I love blogging and my e-friends.

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  19. Lisa,
    You are welcome. Happy that you got to meet Susanne! :)

    Terri,
    I agree, the covers are great! Looking forward to reading them! :)

    Lee,
    That's right - I had forgotten you were a fan of historicals. You just might like these, then! :)

    Kenda,
    I had a feeling yo wold like to meet Susanne! And I am thinking you will like her books too! :)

    Crystal,
    I'm with you, love historicals - well, actually all the time! :)

    Olivia,
    It's been my pleasure! :) So glad you came by for the interview! :)

    Joylene,
    You are very welcome. I thought you might like meeting her! :)

    Medeia,
    Thanks for coming by to see us! I'm with you, love my blog and e-friends. )

    Happy writing,
    Karen

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  20. Congrats to Susanne on her published titles and success! All the best!

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  21. Nas,
    Glad you came to see us! Appreciate you stopping by. :)
    Have a great week,
    Karen

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  22. I'm a Susie, too! (My given name is Susan, but I grew up being called Susie. My uncle made Suze, pronounced Sooz, my official nickname.)

    Congratulations on your book! I never get tired of seeing one of mine released. Enjoy every minute.

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  23. Oh my gosh, Susanne, I sing to get my five children to do chores too! Congratulations on your upcoming novellas. They sound interesting. Thank you, Karen, for sharing your e-friend with your followers. I'll join Susanne's sites as well. I love finding new e-friends to visit online.

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  24. Susan,
    My sister's middle name was Susan, so she also was called Susie at times. It's a good name! :) Glad you hopped over to see us!

    Victoria,
    Sounds like you and Susanne have a few things in common! :) You are quite welcome, glad you got to meet Susanne. I think you'll enjoy her site.

    Happy writing,
    Karen

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Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. Have a blessed day!