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Author: Susan T. Braithwaite

Royal Navy veteran from Scotland. My journey into writing started with a screenwriting certificate program at UCLA Ext. Since then, I've worked as a freelance content writer, erotica author, proofreader, professional beta reader, and content editor. I'm now working hard on my dream writing career: romantic suspense author. When I'm not writing, I can be found drinking too much coffee, obsessing over yarn, and planning world domination with my husband, jezbraithwaite.blog, and our squirrel army.

Rhododendron Blooms to Brighten the Day

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Hi there!

It’s been almost a month since my last post 😬. A brief holiday to visit the in-laws down in England, combined with an extended run-in with illness and a nightmare migraine, has kept me away. But as the petals unfurl after a storm, I, too, am beginning to recover and lift my head to the sun… well, let’s pretend there’s some ☀️

Living with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) has its set of challenges, not only in how it affects the use of my hand and arm but also in how it impacts my immune response.

Red-Capped Radiance: A Surprise Star from Pollock Country Park

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Today, my Flower of the Day (FOTD) is a bit unconventional but no less captivating. I stumbled upon this highly photogenic Amanita muscaria mushroom while on a stupendously long walk around Pollock Country Park with Jez.

I’d only ever seen this type of mushroom in paintings and never quite believed they were real. Well, at the very least, I didn’t think we had them in Scotland. 😂

Writing and Blooming: A Sneak Peek into Researching My Next Heroine

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For many, many, many months, I’ve been working on the edits for Running the Asset. Much of the work I’ve been doing lately involves research, confirming facts, and location scouting. It’s been a fun but time-consuming part of the job.

Not only has it been necessary for the story’s verisimilitude, but it’s also helped me connect with the characters on a far deeper level. It’s a process I want to streamline for future books in the series.

I mentioned this desire to my wonderful husband, Jez, and he came up with a great idea. Post to Cee’s FOTD challenge–he’s been posting his amazing flowers for several years now! (Give both Jez and Cee a follow to fill your day with stunning photos.)

Okay, why would I post to a Flower of the Day challenge to help with romantic suspense novel research? Well, my next heroine, Bron, is a florist (with some kick-ass moves).

From Independence March to Media Detox: September Snippets

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Way back at the start of September, I ventured into Edinburgh with my wonderful husband, Jez. We’d gone in for the march for Scottish Independence and an independent Scotland to join the EU.

View over Princes Street Gardens toward Scott Monument

The plan was to post while we were there, but as ideas go, that wasn’t my best. I’ve done numerous marches for Indy and know that after we get going, there’s nothing more I can do than snap a few photies, or else I’m going to trip over something.

Waiting for the Off

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That’s us in Johnston Terrace waiting for the crowds to arrive. Excited! #March4indyandEU

On the Road to Edinburgh!

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On our way to Edinburgh for the Believe in Scotland march. Fingers crossed 🤞 for good weather as we march for an independent Scotland in the EU.

Taking a Walk

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I’m still working on finalising Action Step 6 (the big re-do on the outline) for Running the Asset. It’s almost done, but I decided to get out for a wee walk to noodle through some plot points.

So, here’s a photo from my walk. (Trying to get a bit artistic with my iPhone camera 😁)

Thanks to Brian for inspiring me to take more notice on my outings!

Author Journal: From Cranky Characters to Passionate Plot Points

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17th August 2023

Welcome back for another Author Journal update. It’s starting to look like I’m on a roll with these; three weeks and counting! Woohoo!

Life’s Wee Interruptions

Last week, the plumbing issues worsened to the point that it became obvious it was a far bigger problem than we’d thought. It turns out our whole street is suffering from them. Not to worry, though, Scottish Water is on its way to deal with it. Fingers crossed it’s dealt with today 🤞

Unlike the previous week, I was able to focus on work… and boy, did I need to focus.

Author Journal: Navigating Writing Challenges, Unexpected Twists, and Empowering Progress

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10th-16th August 2023

Hiya there!

I hope this post finds you well and ready to conquer a new week. It’s time to grab your beverage of choice and get comfy while I regale you with another tale of the ups and down of my writing journey.

That Time Thing

There weren’t enough hours in the day for me last week. Time seemed to slip through my fingers, and before I knew it, I was racing against the clock to complete Action Step 6 (AS6) for Acts One and Two A of Running the Asset. You know how it goes – sometimes the days blend, and deadlines sneak up on you faster than anticipated.