An Interview with Susan McLeod

Susan McLeod resides with her husband, John, in Alplaus, New York. She is originally from Southold, Long Island, New York. In the fall of 1975, she moved to Troy, New York, attended Hudson Valley Community College’s nursing program, and received her A.A.S. In 2007, she obtained a Bachelor of Arts from Russell Sage College in Troy, New York.

Susan volunteers in her community and enjoys traveling, outdoor activities, pet-sitting for friends, and writing poems. She’s an avid reader of all types of romance novels as well as poetry. This is her second book of poems.

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Tell us the story of your book’s title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?

Trista Edwards (Atmosphere Press Acquisitions Editor) gave me several suggestions, and I chose Moments and Memories. Most of life’s moments are small ones in everyday life. Such as a quiet walk in the woods, preparing a meal for friends and family, the love of a pet, at the beach where you can smell the salt air, hear the waves, and watch the sea birds. All these moments add up to cherished memories. The title fit perfectly with my poems.

How did it feel when you first saw your book cover? Or when you first held your book in your hands?

I loved my book cover immediately, designed by Ronaldo Alves (Atmosphere Press Art Director). The heart-shaped wreath of flowers was stunning. I was intrigued by the blue butterfly on the wreath, so I googled. Much to my surprise and delight, I found the specific colour and symbolic meaning. A blue butterfly can represent creativity. And the title colours matched the wreath.

I was over the moon when the book arrived. Opening and seeing the beautiful book cover, the illustrations, and a little heart above each page number. Just priceless.

What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?

I am a retired registered nurse and retired from working in the Activities/Recreation Department in a nursing home setting. I made a career change from Nursing to Activities. I had a music choir and combined art, poetry, and music as one group activity. A special group activity was reading and writing poems with the residents and story writing. A collection of the residents’ stories was placed in a binder in the lobby for everyone to read.

What was the most rewarding/meaningful part of publishing your book?

Re-experiencing all the different elements in publishing a second book of poems. How 150 poems written randomly were made into a book. To see all my poems in a book was very exciting and rewarding. And of course, receiving the very first book printed in the mail.

What is one thing you hope readers take away from reading your book? How do you envision your perfect reader?

I hope readers can relate to my poems to remember past moments and memories in their lives. To experience feelings of fun, love, happiness, and enjoyment. To recall past moments and memories, the poems acting as a “bridge.” My perfect reader is someone who loves poetry as I do. 

What creative projects are you currently working on?

I am starting a new writing project to write a children’s book. Researching all the elements in writing children’s books. I need to decide which age group, along with all the elements. Recently viewed an Atmosphere Press How to Write, Illustrate, and Publish Your Children’s Book webinar with Dakota Reed.

How was working with Atmosphere Press? What would you tell other writers who want to publish?

I’m so grateful to everyone for taking my manuscript and creating a book. This is my second book, and the experience has been easy and stress-free. Also, for guiding me in the right direction, giving excellent and helpful suggestions to make this book a reality. 

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