AUSSIE MONTH with Susanne Bellamy
AUSSIE MONTH with Susanne Bellamy
Describe yourself in one word:
Storyteller
Tell us about Just One Kiss:
Just One Kiss is set in Mt Isa, an area I knew years ago from a stint teaching in Cloncurry. My recent release, “Second Chance Love”, opened the door to rural romance for me. I loved writing about the lives and loves of Bindarra Creek and really wanted to explore more of rural Australia and the wonderful people I’d come to know, so I took on the NaNoWriMo challenge to write a book in 30 days. The result is Heart of the Outback, my new rural romance series set in the north-west of Queensland.
What inspired this novel?
Years ago, I spent time teaching in Cloncurry and had some of the best adventures of my life. The people were friendly and fun, hardworking and happy, and aside from the heat, I loved discovering this very different part of Australia. Rural communities are once again doing it tough in one of the worst droughts in a long time, but the people in these parts of Australia battle on, helping each other and fighting to stay on the land. Their resilience and wonderful sense of community in adverse times made me want to write more stories that celebrate this Aussie way of life.
What are you reading right now?
Kakadu Sunset by Annie Seaton. I have my very own autographed copy!
Number one thing to do on your bucket list?
Visit Hawaii! I’ve set two books in the islands, “Winning the Heiress’ Heart” and “White Ginger”, and have had a fascination with the country since I read James Michener’s “Tales of the South Pacific” as a teenager. I want to see the volcano, and maybe take a flight along the coastline and past Diamond Head.
Best thing about being an Aussie?
Our laid-back lifestyle, acceptance of others, and the Aussie sense of humour. I know in recent times events have shaken our sense of security, but equally as strong are the reactions of many people; the “I’ll ride with you” in the wake of the awful Lindt Café tragedy is a reminder of our innate sense of fair play and mateship.
What you want readers to know about the romance genre?
It’s for everyone because everyone needs a little romance in their lives. We tend to think of readers of romance as being female but in the past year or so, I’ve discovered that men read romance too, especially rural and suspense. My 86 year-old father-in-law, and Len and Paul (*waving hello) are the ones who have openly acknowledged their enjoyment of certain genres of ‘romance’ books.
What have you got in store for your readers in 2016?
The release of book one of my romantic suspense protector series. Set in Nepal, it introduces the men and women of The Bureau, a secret government agency. Jake Harris is assigned to observe Dr. Marcy Westcott, a possible link to a Sydney drug cartel. But observation changes to keeping her alive when attempts on her life send them fleeing down the Everest track. As Jake and Marcy’s attraction builds, just how far will Marcy go to protect her sister?
What were your big achievements of 2015?
2015 was a year of the worst and the best. We lost a close family member to cancer, as well as our beautiful 12 year old German Shepherd. But in the latter part of the year, I achieved #1 Bestselling Author on Amazon Australia for my rural romance, “Second Chance Love”. I was thrilled that it occupied that spot for the greater part of two months, and was my first ever ‘Hot New Release’!
Just One Kiss
Susanne Bellamy
Pilot Amy Alistair has been dumped by one good looking man too many, but when the new Flying Doctor, heart throb, Daniel Middleton, asks her to be his fake girlfriend, she agrees. Amy is certain she can resist the attraction of this man who holds a secret.
But is Amy as strong as she thinks? Will the truth of Dan’s past tear their love apart?
Wanna win $1000?! Sure you do!
To celebrate AusRom Today’s Aussie Month, we’re giving one lucky winner the chance to win $1000 in cold hard cash!
All you need to do is pop over and answer 10 really simple questions here, leave your details on the survey and you could be starting the New Year $1000 richer!
AusRomToday 
Well first off Susanne, thanks for the mention. I love the Rural Romance and associated genres. Why, because of the honesty about it. As you say in your article how Australian are suffering with Drought, floods and fires, bur then the resilience we show to fight back from adversities. I love the emotions that flow between the characters as the are emotions that many of us fave on a daily basis. I love that they make me feel good.