Q&A with Suzan Battah

Livin' la vida Latina is proud to present...Mad about the Boy by Suzan Battah.

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1. What was your inspiration for this story? What prompted to you to write about a Latina?
   A: I love romance and so writing love stories is natural for me. I have family in Venezuela who I recently met for the first time in 2010. I've always adored the Latino culture and language and being from a multicultural background prompted me to write a multicultural romance. I chose to write from a Latina perspective because I found the culture and people are so vibrant, passionate and dynamic--it was a perfect fit for my leading lady.

2. Was it your intention to write a story about two people from different backgrounds, like West Side Story?
   A: Yes, of course. There are so many cultures in this world and love is not limited to one culture. There are  not many books that I've read with such diverse characters from different backgrounds. I really wanted to explore this within a relationship. I come from a multicultural background myself with Lebanese parents. Growing up as an Australian with a Lebanese background, I loved the idea of exploring a more ethnic relationship by understanding the differences myself. I also have family in Venezuela and I adore the Latino culture. My grandfather a long time ago lived in Venezuela. The romance between Christophe and Julia is entirely fiction but I do draw upon some of my life experiences to give a more emotional ride for the readers.

3. How did you come up with the title?
   A: Mad About the Boy was based on the dynamic song by Dinah Washington. When I first heard this song, I fell in love with it and it suited the romance between Christophe and Julia.  

4. What was your favorite thing about writing this story? What was your least favorite?
   A: I loved every part of writing this novel! It was so much fun to write and I love hearing feedback from readers that have loved every minute of reading the book. The challenge with writing this book was the publication process. I finally decided to self publish and have never looked back.

5. What is your process for writing? Do you do an outline first?
   A: I used to just start writing, but have recently begun to plot a complete outline of a story and its characters. Things sometimes change and sometimes they don't, but that's all the fun.

6. Do you feel this story would inspire Latinas? How so?
   A: I hope it will inspire not just Latinas but every woman to chase their dreams, live and love passionately, have fun, laugh lots and dream big. There is nothing you can't do if you set your mind to it.

7. Are you working on anything right now? If so, would you please share with us?
   I've recently published my second novel BaSatai: Outside In, a YA Urban Fantasy novel. I'm currently working on two movie scripts and the 2nd novel in the BaSatai series.

8. Where can we learn more about your work? Do you have a website or blog
   A: You can read reviews of my work on GoodReads or at my Blog and Website.

        www.suzanbattah.com

       www.goodreads.com/suzanbattah

       http://suzanbattah.blogspot.com.au/

9. What do you like to do when you are not writing?
   A: I love to dance--Salsa, Merengue, Rock and Roll! It's my favorite hobby. I also enjoy reading, movies, and going to the gym.

10. And, finally, what do you think the future holds for today's Latina?
    A: The future looks promising if you take your own dreams into your own hands and work hard to get to where you want to be. Success is open to everyone.

 A review on her book is coming up next.