Susan L. Tuttle is a lover of writing, reading, and cookies but most importantly, a lover of Jesus Christ. Her book The Novel Adventures of Natalie Daughtry is an April ’25 Reading Is a Lifestyle Christian Subscription Book Pick and we’re certain that you’ll enjoy reading it as well as this Q&A about her publishing journey.
When did you start your writing journey and why?
I’ve always loved reading and writing. I won my first writing contest in 1st grade and continued penning stories for fun as I grew. Romance was my favorite genre and unfortunately, my reading appetite grew so fast that I found myself picking up books with content I never should have read as a teen–let alone as an adult. I remember when God began to lovingly convict me over what I was reading. I complained to Him that I couldn’t find books I loved within the Christian market (this was thirty years ago!) and He said, “Well then write them.” [It was] in that moment, [that] I gave my reading and writing over to Him. It would be another 25 years before I was actually published. All those years in between feeling called to write and my first book being released were filled with God growing me and my writing abilities to the place where I was ready [to] become a published author. His timing is always perfect.
Who or what inspired The Novel Adventures of Natalie Daughtry?
Do you only write mystery novels or have you ventured into other genres too?
I started with straight romance where the story focuses solely on the character’s journey to be together. There’s a lot you can do when you walk with a character through struggles, and I thoroughly enjoyed writing those books. But I found with each one, that I naturally added a little more to the plot and I loved the aspect of being able to add additional elements to my writing. While I don’t see myself venturing into the historical, thriller, or fantasy genres, I do see a continued use of mystery, adventure, and suspense in my books. And romance. Always romance!
What lessons can readers learn from your characters in The Novel Adventures of Natalie Daughtry?
That avoiding conflict because it feels too hard only makes things harder. That talking things through allows you to see others’ perspectives and discover yours might not have been correct. To not make assumptions; to forgive [and] with God, reconciliation is possible. That marriage is hard work, but oh so worth it! That not everyone’s gifts look the same, but they’re all given by God and all of value–even when the world wants to say otherwise.
What advice would you give to new or aspiring Christian novelists?
Pray. Pray. Pray. Sink your worth and identity into God because this business is filled with rejection and loud voices. If you’re not anchored in Him, you’ll be swayed by all the outside influences that can build you up or tear you down. Writing is what you do, not who you are, and God has a different audience for each of us. And remember, God’s timing is always right.
Get your copy of Susan’s novel The Novel Adventures of Natalie Daughtry from Shelves Bookstore and enjoy a 20% discount at checkout as a Reading Is a Lifestyle Subscription Member!
