Suzanne Moyers

Suzanne Moyers, a former teacher, was an education editor and writer for over 20 years. A lifelong history geek, Suzanne spends her free time as a volunteer archeologist, mudlarker, and metal detectorist. Suzanne is the proud mom to two amazing young adults, Sara and Jassi, and resides in the greater New York City area with her husband, Edward, and spoiled fur baby, Tuxi.

Are there particular films that have influenced your writing?

Well-told, immersive historical dramas are great inspiration for my writing.  Some of my favorites include “Last of the Mohicans”, “The Witch”, “The Pianist”, “The Return of Martin Guerre”, and “Elizabeth.”  As a historical novelist, these movies remind me that a good story, like history, is always driven by peoples’ innermost needs and desires.  The best research and fanciest props can’t make up for a protagonist or plot that isn’t motivated by some internal quest.   In the end, whether it’s an evil famous queen or an unknown farm girl, people want to relate to a character’s purpose—or at least understand it.  That’s what makes an audience buy into a story. 

Is there a genre of music that influences your writing/thinking? Do you listen to music while you write?

I have pretty eclectic music tastes, from blues to classic rock to show tunes to spirituals.  Most of those genres are pretty heavy on the lyrics which can be distracting when I’m writing.  If I really want to focus, I’ll listen to ethereal trance-y music: Thomas Tallis, Arvo Part, Dirk Maasen.  But if I need to write a pivotal, dramatic scene, I lean toward intense, instrumental movie soundtracks.  One of my favorite all-time movie composers is Hans Zimmer. The entire second chapter of my book was made possible by “Cornfield Chase” from the film, “Instellar.”     

What period of history do you wish you knew more about?

That is a tough choice for a history lover like me! If I have to pick one, it would be 17th and 18th century New Amsterdam (now New York City).   I’m thinking of writing a novel based on a family of Dutch female traders living in New Amsterdam (New York City) at that time.  The Dutch kept detailed records, and reading the court proceedings of that period is like walking through those chaotic, muddy streets.  Turning this research into a novel is the closest I can get to time travel. 

Favorite non-reading activity?

Metal detecting! During quarantine, I found detecting to be the perfect pandemic activity. After a lot of practice, I’ve gotten good enough to find really cool things—colonial buttons, lead soliders, old coins from as far away as Nova Scotia and the Caribbean.   I love being out in nature, the equal amounts of physical and mental effort involved, the joy of finding something interesting, then doing research to find out what it is and who might have used it.  As I’ve shared my local finds with my local community, I’ve gotten so much positive feedback, and even permission to detect interesting sites I wouldn’t normally have access to.  Ironically, though both writing and metal detecting are solitary pursuits, it’s in sharing my work that I connect to others—and that’s one of the greatest rewards.

Is your go to comfort food sweet or savory? Is it something you make yourself? Does food inspire your writing?

Oh, I enjoy sweet and savory in equal measure.  I do love fresh churros and my grandmother’s sheet pan chocolate cake.  I also love fresh-baked bread, whether it’s pita, na’an, or a crusty French baguette.

My novel takes place in Texas a hundred years ago but family recipes and memories did influence certain scenes. For instance, after Leola and her family complete the odious chore of plucking geese, her great-aunt lays out a delectable feast. My mom and grandmothers made incredible fried chicken and warm German potato salad with bacon, so I had to get that in there.  Auntie Malvina was famous for her berry trifles, confections featuring layers of fruit—sometimes juicy mayhaws that grew near rivers and creeks—whipped cream, and merinque.  I don’t think this was strictly a southern food but, judging from the many contemporary recipes I read, it was a popular culinary trend of the period.   Old and infirm as Auntie may be, she’s never one to shy away from experimentation!