I met Susan three years ago went I went to see an Acupuncturist for some health problems.  She diagnosed me as 'leaking energy' and said that I should give Susan a call. That phonecall changed my life. I joined her Women's Group where we work on all kinds of things (including writing) and was able to begin the journey back to myself post-two-babies-and-a-marriage-in-two-years.

She is truly a Goddess who has many wonderful insights to share with us. Her first book, Beyond Intellect, is just out and available on Amazon. I caught with her over the new year for some MH 20 questions.

1. Are you Animal, Vegetable or Mineral?
Mineral 

2. What color are you?
Periwinkle Blue 

3. What number are you?
Seven 

4. East Coast or West Coast?
Bi-Coastal 

5. Espresso or Latte?
Latte 

6. White, milk or dark chocolate?
Definitely dark chocolate 

7. Sandals or Stilettos?
Sandals with heels. 

8. I cry when I am touched by others vulnerability and honesty  

9. I laugh when I am sparked, intrigued and pleasantly surprised  

10. What is your daily routine?
Two cups of really good coffee first thing in the morning 

11. When do you find that you write best?
Early mornings 

12. When did you know you were meant to write?
I have always written but used to destroy everything once it was on paper until I started writing personal development seminars in my mid-twenties. 

13. What has been the hardest thing about making it as a writer?
I really write to clarify life for myself, so the hardest thing is writing when I am fed-up, disillusioned or am stuck in: “What’s the use?” 

14. What has been the hardest thing about being a mom and grandmother?
Being Grandma is a cake-walk - but being the mother of adult children is like having your vital organs independently operating outside yourself - therefore no control over what heart hurts they will endure. 

15. What is your secret mom weapon? 
Magic covers is something I always did with the kids when they were scared, upset, overwhelmed, in the fetal position, for whatever reason. They would get in bed and I would put the covers around them, carefully covering the back of their head and putting the covers up over their ear and down under their chin. Once the covers are in place, they are safe and secure. Put your hand on their back and rock them. That's it!  

16. My favorite thing to do for myself is get a massage or have an ice cold martini in a great restaurant with a good friend 

17. My favorite thing to do with my family is catch up with them on the phone (my daughters are in New York, Milwaukee, Aliso Viejo, and New Zealand)  

18. What is your advice to moms who write?
Give the kids drawing paper and have them write (draw) (scribble) too. Three out of four of my daughters are natural writers. They believe it’s just a part of everyone’s life.  

19. What is your advice to moms who want to get published?
Take as much time as you need with your manuscript so that you are personally pleased with your end result. Whether you self-publish or traditionally publish, it is a roller-coaster ride requiring many decisions that only you can make.

20. What is your favorite word?
I have many but today I choose: Cherish.

Visit Susan's website, Beyond Intellect, to learn more and see some of the interesting artwork featured in the book.