Interview with author Susan Paulus

Would you like to walk, today, where Jesus walked? Thread your way through the crowded cobblestone streets of Jerusalem, smell the roasting lambs in the market, hear the rumors about this man called Jesus? Come Walk with Me by Susan Paulus takes you on a journey with those who were there.

Experience the life and ministry of Jesus through the eyes, ears, and hearts of those who walked with Him. Rejoice as Jesus’ loving touch transforms their deep despair into a fullness of life. And in the end, you will have come to know Jesus in a more intimate way than ever before and will want to reach out and embrace Him and all that He has for you!

Susan, I’d like to highlight your book Come Walk with Me. What is the significance of the title?

In this book, my goal was to immerse the reader in the story, to put you there as the Biblical event was happening. to be present and aware, to learn. 

What does your writing process look like?

I don’t really have a writing process. I write because I love it, not because I have to. Since this book and my book of poetry are Christian books, most generally the Lord gives me an insight on something I read, or see, or hear that becomes what I hope He wants me to share with others.  Occasionally, I can just sit down and write, usually when I’m under pressure to get something done, a deadline.

Do you ever experience writer’s block? What do you do to overcome it? 

I write as much as I can, leave it for a few hours, maybe overnight, then come back to it. I also ask for help from my writers group(s). I sometimes go back to something that I have worked on previously.

Do you remember the first piece of writing that you did that made you feel like you might want to pursue writing someday? About how old were you? 

I still have the piece that I wrote for a high school English class. The instructor made a few comments, asked me to rewrite it with corrections and was quite forthright with his praise of the piece.

What writing projects are you currently working on?

Attempting to write poems, possibly put together another book of poetry. My main goal right now is to write the memories, the stories for my children and grandchildren. Stories that will be gone when I am gone. Stories that need to be told.

What is something interesting about you that most people don’t know?

While I am comfortable now speaking to groups of people, at one time I was so shy that I trembled when I had to wait on a customer face to face as a bank teller.

What are some books on your TBR list?

Many of the old classics, plus The Old Man and the Sea, a novella by Hemingway, which was a favorite of my dad’s. I want to re-read The Robe, plus some other inspirational books from that era (1940 to 1950ish).

What advice would you give to aspiring authors? 

Just do it! Don’t wait until you’re ready, until you have time. That doesn’t happen. Quit talking about it, do it.

You can hear more from Susan at the 1st annual Writer’s Conference hosted by the Paulding Writers Group on April 20th, 2024 at the Paulding County Carnegie Library.