Interview with Susan Hassel

Author of Random Thoughts of a Creative Mind

Where are you from originally and where do you reside now?

Merrill, Wisconsin Now Astoria, New York.

If you currently reside somewhere besides where you were born, what’s the story that lead from there to here?

I ended up in New York after having sung opera professionally in Europe. I began as a heroic soprano and am now a simple coloratura soprano. Why? Because my agent got me into a mess in Bulgaria and I nearly died. Why New York? Classical music is the best here and connections to singing opera plentiful.

I’m also a fine pianist, specializing in Liszt, Busoni and Rachmaninoff.

What made you decide to write and publish your first book?

Everything I have ever submitted anywhere has been published or has caused a furor when read live, that I thought before you stop, drop everything that has been published into one volume so that you at least have a copy of it for posterity.

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

Random Thoughts is meant to give people hope, to make them dig within to find their own truth, and to keep fighting to surmount all manner of setbacks. I’m currently 11 days past a stroke that left my right side paralyzed. I dragged myself the length of my apartment using my left arm and shoulder. Then I called EMS and my building office. They were able to reverse the stroke and I was able to dance on demipoint in ankle socks w my arms overhead the entire length of the stroke unit w a cadesha leap and a bow. I gained my freedom w that stunt. Next day I went to my piano and played the first four Liszt Transcendental Etudes. Both hands worked solidly. However typing this I have to do w one finger of my left hand since I cant feel my right hand and my right hand floats uncontrollably. At the piano these problems disappear.

Who do you feel is most likely to connect with the topics you write about?

People who are afraid. People who are trying to sort out emotional problems. People who are searching for answers. People who are being bullied, who are possibly suicidal. People who might be desperate. Searching for answers. We all have to discover our own way. and have faith that we will find it.

What unexpected or surprising thing did you learn during the process of writing and publishing?

How daunting publication is. How frequently publishers and attorneys hang on to Word 1997. How new writers should hang on to their own old computers and not upgrade to 2017 systems. That was my biggest problem.

If you could, what advice would you give to your past self before embarking on this journey?

Pursue your destiny w both hands, but ask questions, lots of questions, and don’t be afraid to sound stupid. I could have saved lots of trouble by not upgrading my system.

How many people would you ideally like to reach with your books?

Random Thoughts, people who are searching, even if its the minority. They are alone in their quest. My upcoming novel In Boca di Lupo, anyone who likes the arts. In Boca will likely have a larger audience. The audience will always be unpredictable. Read Leaves of Grass, read about Whitman’s journey and his dedication. Its the journey, not the destination.

What has been the biggest challenge and frustration during the process to date?

Proof reading without spellcheck when you normally input legal documents at 100 WPM with spellcheck.

What’s your biggest strengths when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

Strength? Writing really good poetry on the first go. Same w normal book text. Don’t push past your first blush…Stop, wait, think, set it aside for a day. then regroup. When I’m tired, I’m smart enough to stop, so I don’t waste time. Marketing?? I have no ideas. As a singer people heard me practicing on the bridge, then the WSJ found me and then the NYT and Oct. 1 this year a videographer followed me around the bridge.

What’s your biggest weakness when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

My alertness, the will to input every day. Marketing I am totally clueless. People have sought me out.

When do you think you will write your next book?

I am writing a novel now.

Are you self published or did you use a hybrid publisher, or a traditional publisher?

Self using Outskirts Press. Note we will have to forego the cover and URL. I’m working with one hand at the moment. Sorry.