Romance Reader: Intro on Author: Suzanne Gilchrist, Under an Outback Sky

Let's welcome author Suzanne Gilchrist.

Suzanne Gilchrist can't remember a time when she didn't have a book in her hand. Now she dreams up stories where her favourite words are … 'what if' and 'where'? Writing as both S. E. Gilchrist and Suzanne Gilchrist, she loves combining romance with adventure and suspense across many different genres including science fiction/space opera, apocalyptic, and contemporary small towns.

S. E. takes a keen interest in the environment, anything to do with space, and loves walking her two dogs and spending time with her family and friends. She co-runs the Hunter Romance Writers group and is the organiser behind the multi-author writing ventures: the best-selling Bindarra Creek Romance series, the Deadly Forces series, and the Mindalby Outback Romance series.

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What is your writing Kryptonite?

Unfortunately, I have more than one! My major kryptonite would have to be procrastinating, especially when a bright and shiny idea for a new story bursts into my head and I’m pulled in a different direction. I usually jot down that idea then force myself to return to my current wip. My second would have to be being too wordy; having my character waffling on a subject that really adds nothing to the overall plot. My third is motivation; especially if the sun is shining and I’m drawn outside into nature for a walk or swim.

Do you have unpublished or half-written manuscripts? Oh gosh yes! Yes! Yes! I have a sci-fi/apocalyptic romance where I received my rights back from a publisher and I have yet to revise and do another edit so I can self-publish. I also have three half-written manuscripts and a couple of series that need to be completed.

What kind of research do you do and for how long before you write a book? My research will depend on the genre I’m writing and also the book’s setting. For a sci-fi/apocalyptic story I can spend weeks delving into star systems, what kind of environments would develop under different kinds of suns, new and future inventions, environmental disasters and impacts on humans, animals and plantlife – that kind of thing. For settings here on planet Earth, the research doesn’t take as long (and I tend not to get too carried away!). What I research here are: landmarks, what local fauna and flora grow in the area, weather, what industries/services are or could be available, population and sometimes any recent historical event that I may decide to weave into the story. For Under an Outback Sky I described the jump-up tors, the desert and also touched on a First Nation people’s legend of how the Sturt Desert Pea came into being.

Tell us about your book... Under an Outback Sky is the story of how two people don’t realise what is missing from their lives until they meet. For Maggie there are family expectations holding her back and for Jace a past tragedy has shattered his family dynamics. They soon realise however that they are two halves of the same whole and look forward to a new and different future together. Under and Outback Sky is a sweet and wholesome romance set in the far western corner of Outback NSW.

Is he her enemy or her future?

When a handsome stranger arrives in a remote outback town, Maggie Hayes’ almost forgotten dreams are re-awakened. For too long, she’s denied her adventurous spirit and now suddenly her future is filled with wonderful possibilities. At least it will be if only this intriguing man isn’t her beloved town’s enemy.

A past tragedy has led Jace de Haven to live without the complications of family or companionship. Yet when he meets small-town Maggie, her big heart and vibrant community spirit show him what he’s been missing. Can he find it in his soul to forgive and allow old wounds to heal?

But to have the future they crave, Maggie and Jace will need to take a leap of faith - together.

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Under an Outback Sky is a love story and the fourth book in the Edge of the Outback series. The book is about forgiving the past and finding the courage to forge a new direction in life. If you love reading about small towns, country and rural communities (like Bindarra Creek romances) then you’ll love this series – similar to books by Barbara Hannay, Bella Andre, Melody Grace, Nora Roberts, Maisey Yates, Sarah Williams, Susanne Bellamy, Annie Seaton, Fiona McArthur, Heidi McLaughlin.