Susanna Beard

Organisations

• Society of Authors; International Thriller Writers' Association; Crime Writers' Association

Details

All my life I've been involved in writing, mostly via my work in public relations, but only recently can I call myself an novelist — something I've wanted to do since I was seventeen.

I write psychological thrillers and suspense novels, and I'm an alumna of the Faber Academy, where I studied for six months on their Writing a Novel course. My two psychological thrillers were published by Legend Press in 2017 and 2018, and I'm aiming to write a book a year from now until I'm too decrepit to do it any more. I love a dark story with a satisfying resolution, and my love of language means I'm always striving for the best word, phrase or sentence. 

The Truth Waits, my second book, is partly set in Lithuania, where the landscape reflects the darkness of the story. There's a murder, sex trafficking and a brave woman who has to face her own past while searching for a killer. "...a gripping tale of secret guilt, trust, revenge and retribution.

Dare to Remember, my first novel, concerns a woman who suffers a terrible trauma but has no memory of it. The story follows her journey to recovery through therapy, new friends and a rescue dog. "Written with care and a deep level of understanding, while simultaneously building up the suspense until you are racing to find out what happened… a great read."

In my talks I discuss my own journey to publication, the ups and downs of the writer's life, the research I've done and have to do in the future, and how I managed to change my career late in life. I talk openly about what I've learned, both good and bad, and my ambitions. I have a lot to say - and love answering questions!

I also run writing workshops for adults, called Getting Started as a Novelist, based in Marlow in Buckinghamshire, where I live and work. The idea is to help those who've always wanted to write a novel to take the first steps towards realising their dream. We cover topics including inspiration, plotting, character and setting, and give practical advice on how to craft a story. 

I'm a regular book recommender and interviewee on local radio stations and I give talks to book clubs, special interest groups, local libraries and literary festivals.

"Susanna Beard weaves a spellbinding web..."

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