Susan Moore

Susan Moore is an author and screenwriter whose creative journey has been fueled by the world of technology. Her work captures the essence of what it means to be human in a complex and ever-changing world. She has over three decades of experience working in the film, tech and media, most notably at Skywalker for Lucasfilm Ltd.

She has been successfully published worldwide for the ‘Nat Walker Trilogy’ and ‘Power Families’ series, and has an MA with distinction in Creative Writing from Kingston University, London. Her thriller, ‘The Widow’s Web’, is being published by Bloodhound Books on January 16th 2025.

 Instagram: @susanmoorewriter/

Are there particular films that have influenced your writing?

So many films have influenced my writing. I’m a huge fan of the cinematic experience and could happily spend days and months watching stories unfold on the big screen. Here are three of the best that spring to mind for their capacity to fuel my creative path in thriller writing.

“The Shawshank Redemption” because of its narrative patience. It’s a film that excels in character depth and slow-burn tension, reminding me that true suspense is a marathon, not a sprint.

“The Terminator", with its iconic female lead, was a revelation, a testament to the power of strong, capable women driving the narrative, and inspiring me to create heroines who refuse to be anything less than formidable.

“The Usual Suspects" was a dizzying dance of complexity, a non-linear narrative that helped teach me the art of the unexpected twist and the thrill of challenging my readers' every perception.

 

What’s the oddest thing a reader has ever asked you?

I’ve written several children’s books and have done a lot of festivals and school visits, where I’ve been asked many odd and amusing questions. One of my favourites was when I talked about my days working at Skywalker Ranch for Lucasfilm and one of the kids asked earnestly if they sent a spaceship to pick me up to go to work every day!

 

Have you ever experienced Imposter Syndrome?

Yes! I think it’s an affliction that affects many creative writers whether in books, film or poetry. I find it most acute when I’m starting to write a new book, trying to navigate a way to balance the desire to create and the fear of failure.

 

Is there a work of art that you love. Why? Have you ever visited it in person?

If there was one painting I would love to have above my writing desk, it would be "Primavera" by Botticelli. Its mystical qualities and dreamlike state make it feel like it casts a spell from the threads of ancient tales. With Venus at its center, it exudes a profound sense of feminine power. I visited "Primavera" at the Uffizi after a five-day trek through the hills near Florence. None of the images we see online or in print do justice to the sheer size and beauty of the painting. It made me want to jump in and celebrate spring with them!

Vacation druthers… City or Rural destination? Why?

There’s a wild part of me that calls for immersion in the natural world so my first choice would be a rural escape. Whether it's the rhythmic waves of a secluded beach, the majestic peaks of mountains, the dense mystery of a jungle, or the stark beauty of a desert, the more remote and untouched, the better. My vacations are golden opportunities to recharge and replenish my creativity, drawing inspiration from the raw and unspoiled power of nature.

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Norbert G. Gomes