Meet author Susan Lawrence

Today, we’re welcoming Susan Lawrence to the blog! I can’t wait to learn more about her and find out what she’s been up to.

**This page contains affiliate links. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Jen – Hi, Susan! I know you’re a fellow Scrivenings Press author, but I’d love to know more about you!

Susan – I was born on a little farm in Iowa, with a creek bordering our property and forty acres of timber to roam. I loved the outdoors and explored every inch of our property and beyond. Working on the farm taught me the meaning of hard work—helping in the garden, washing eggs for the “egg man,” and pulling weeds (by hand!) in the cornfield. I was the youngest (and possibly the naughtiest), so I thought of ways to escape my mother’s work detail. I would climb to the tree house I built, take more time than I needed for the outhouse, or, inside, crawl in the knee space under the desk to hide with a book.  

We went to Sunday school and worship service in a little white country church. There, I began my faith journey. I can sing with Jen Johnson, “All my life He has been faithful.” In third grade, I was given a workbook that asked the question, Who would you choose to be your best friend? I wrote, “I would choose Jesus.” And I did and I do! 

Even before I started school, I began my love affair with words, books, and writing. I learned to read early, wrote poetry in first grade, and had my first poem published in seventh grade. 

Jen – Wow, seventh grade! That’s exciting! What do you write?

Susan Lawrence’s writing

Susan – I always wanted to write, but I had other dreams as well. I wanted to be a wife, mother, teacher of special needs children, and a horse trainer. God, in His great mercy, gave me all five dreams.  

Not that I haven’t had my share of heartaches and struggles as well. Two of our children have disabilities that nearly wore out this mother’s heart with worry. One son had leukemia and needed a bone marrow transplant. Through it all, I knew God upheld me, but I sometimes felt lost in the storms of life. When I write, my struggles become my character’s struggles. 

While my children were small, I would put them down for naps and race to my typewriter to peck out stories and articles for Sunday school papers, magazines, and various other publications. I published my first two family devotionals in 1997 and 1998. (By then I had a computer!) But not until 2007, when I retired from teaching, did I have the time to attempt a novel. My first one, Atonement for Emily Adams, published in 2014, and eight more books followed. 

My latest, It’s the Dog’s Fault, is the first in a three-part series for middle grade children. Told from Hank the rescue dog’s point of view, this story is a hilarious tale with some powerful life lessons about the fruit of the Spirit, especially patience and self-control. 

It’s the Dog’s Fault by Susan Lawrence

Hank the Rescue Dog, book #1

A boy with ADHD. An unwanted shelter dog. And a very busy family. A combination that spells disaster. Through a hilarious series of mishaps, the entire family learns valuable lessons about the Fruit of the Spirit, particularly patience and self-control.

Will Hank be the answer for Kaden’s ADHD? Or will his shenanigans force the family to return him to the shelter?

Hank, the lovable mutt, will wag his way into your heart as he narrates this humorous, yet powerful, story of hope.

Susan’s goals

Jen – Why do you write, Susan?

Susan – I write for God’s glory. All my books are faith-based and have a gospel message woven into the story. I write because something has been laid on my heart and mind so strongly that I must put pencil to paper (or keyboard to computer.) Most of my books have a dog or cat, because I love living with animals. The current resident in our home is a rescued yellow Lab named Maggie.  

My books also have themes of children with disabilities (or different abilities) and those who are orphaned or adopted. I write for reader’s entertainment, but also, hopefully, to identify with realistic characters, and be moved or inspired by their struggles and victories.  

Advice for new authors

Jen – After a number of years as a writer, yourself, what would you tell a new writer?

Susan – If you have a God-given dream, don’t give up on it. Find ways to use your creativity in the time that you have available. If you love to write, but don’t have time for a novel, try devotions, poetry, short stories, or articles—magazines and Sunday school papers still use these! If your goal is to publish, learn your craft—utilize critique groups, go to conferences, read books on writing, and of course, read, read, read. 

Where to find Susan Lawrence

Jen – Where can we find your online?

Susan – My books are available on Amazon or from me directly: srlauthor@mchsi.com Find and/or follow me on Facebook at facebook.com/susanrlawrence 

Susan’s bio

Susan Lawrence grew up in rural Iowa and learned to love her Savior, Jesus Christ, at a young age. Her faith has been the foundation of her life, including her writing. She graduated from Kansas State Teacher’s College and taught special needs children for 26 years before retiring to pursue writing and speaking full-time. She has been married for 55 years, has three children and eight beautiful and brilliant grandchildren. Susan and her husband enjoy time with their family, traveling, and camping together. 

Publishing credentials

Jen – Thanks for being on the blog, Susan Lawrence! It was fun to get to know you better!

Read Candy & Books, a Perfect Pairing, and then follow me on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram, and subscribe to my newsletter to keep up with news about my book and any special offers! Be sure you grab your FREE 10-step checklist to plan your novel when you subscribe!

Hi, I’m Jen! I’ve been married for over 39 years, have 5 amazing kids, and have 3 adorable grandkids. I homeschooled our three youngest children and used to blog about homeschooling. I also taught Oral Communication as an adjunct instructor for over 5 years.

Jen Dodrill Writes is born of a passion of mine – to write a novel! My first cozy mystery – Birds Alive! – released Feb. 27, 2024! And book #2 in the series – Where’s the Quetzal? – released Feb. 25, 2025!

When I’m not working, you’ll find me writing, spending time with my family, or curled up on the couch reading and drinking a mug of dark roast coffee. (Don’t forget to check out my mug shop – JDMugs!)