Category Archives: Suzy Turner

Covers by Suzy #customcovers #coverdesign

It’s my pleasure to welcome friend and fellow author, Suzy Turner to Celtic Connexions today. Her latest venture is designing book covers.

Without any further ado, we’ll get right on with it. I’ve had the chance to visit your website and peruse your covers. What made you decide to make the leap into creating covers to sell?

I’d been creating covers for my own books for a few years (as well as for an author friend) and people kept suggesting I should do it for others. But I wasn’t confident enough… until now. I’ve learned so much over the past few years that I finally feel that I can use my knowledge and skills and put them to good use!

You mention the fonts can be changed from the ones used on the display covers. What if an author has a different title in mind for their book? Can the title be changed as well? Is there an extra fee involved?

The titles I use on the pre-made covers are just my titles for the books (to make it easier for me to identify each one and to give the author an idea of what it will look like), and will be changed at no extra cost.

If an author chooses a cover that doesn’t have an additional line of text (ie. USA Today bestselling author, NYT bestselling author, Award-Winning author) can it be added? Is there an extra charge for it?

No, not at all. I’ve used an additional line of text just for example. Authors can choose to have whatever text they like on the covers at no extra charge.

Where do you get your images?

I use my own photography, as well as stock imagery from legitimate sites such as www.depositphotos.com.

What software do you use to create the covers?

I create my book covers using Affinity Photo (very similar to Adobe Photoshop).

So let’s have a look at a few of your covers!

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About Suzy


Suzy Turner is a keen reader and writer who has always been obsessed with all things magical and mystical, so it was only natural that she would eventually find herself writing books and creating book covers and photographic art about such mysterious things.

She’s been writing books for over a decade, mostly within the YA urban fantasy and chick-lit genres, and she currently has 13 books available.

Suzy recently started creating pre-made book covers for other authors, after having made her own for years. It’s only since discovering a passion for photography and fine arts that she realised she had something to offer her fellow authors.

Married to her childhood sweetheart, Michael, they live in the Algarve with their three adorable cats and a cheeky little dog. The couple grew up in Portugal, after moving there in 1986 when they were kids.

In January 2021 Suzy launched a brand new 40+ lifestyle blog, The Grey Brunette, where she shares her love of style, beauty, travel, etc.

You can find Suzy at:

Lifestyle Blog: www.thegreybrunette.com

Facebook (book covers): www.facebook.com/coversbysuzy

Facebook: www.facebook.com/suzyturnerbooks

Instagram: www.instagram.com/suzyturner

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/suzyturnerbooks

Twitter: www.twitter.com/suzy_turner

Thanks for stopping by and sharing your latest venture with us. Best of luck with your cover design business!

The Little Shop of Borrows by Suzy Turner

The Little Shop of Borrows is the first full-length novel in the Winterbourne witches series.
little shop of borrows

Blurb

After spending a year perfecting his knitting skills in the Peruvian mountains, Taren Winn-Jones returns to England to transform his late Nanna’s house into a yarn shop. But when he discovers it has quite literally vanished, he doesn’t know what to do. Luckily for him, he has just befriended a strange young woman heading to the mysterious hamlet of Willow Tree Farm…

Sadie Thornton is following her father’s instructions. “If I disappear, you must find your way to the Winterbournes of Willow Tree Farm.” Well, her father has gone, so she’s had no choice but to leave the Tibetan monks behind and fly halfway across the world to start afresh with a family harbouring a badly kept secret—that they are, in fact, witches.

When it becomes apparent that a murder has been committed, a house has been stolen, and ghosts are hanging around, three generations of the Winterbournes will do everything in their power to protect their new friends and if that means waging a war against Cinnamon Grove’s obnoxious Mayor, then so be it.

Little Shop of Borrows is the first full-length novel in The Winterbourne Witches series. If you like quirky characters, magical mysteries and moments that will have you laughing out loud, then you’ll love Suzy Turner’s Little Shop of Borrows.

Buy Links

Little Shop of Borrows – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08LSFY2TD

A short, prequel novella, Willow Tree Farm, is available on Amazon for FREE.

Willow Tree Farm – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08L43BJM4

My Review

A house that’s larger on the inside than it appears. A quirky family. Meet the Winterbournes of Willow Tree Farm! Should I mention they’re witches? Not wart-covered and casting evil spells requiring ‘eye of newt’ and other ghastly ingredients. These are good witches who use their powers to help people.

I loved this book! The characters were well-developed and likeable. Even the obnoxious Mayor has some redeeming qualities and is the perfect candidate for the Winterbournes to use their powers.

And then there’s the Power of Three, but I won’t say any more than that. If you want to find out, you’ll have to read Little Shop of Borrows.

About Suzy

little shop of borrows

Suzy Turner wrote her first chick lit novel in her early twenties, but it wasn’t until much later that she decided to focus on writing full time. It was during a visit to Canada in 2009 when the ravens within the dark eerie forests of British Columbia called to her. The story of Lilly Taylor was born soon after and the first novel in The Raven Witch Saga was created. Suzy has since published several more urban fantasy books and contemporary women’s novels.

Having lived in Portugal since childhood, Suzy, who is originally from Yorkshire in England, loves to travel. She finds inspiration wherever she goes. Old decrepit buildings, graveyards, cathedrals and castles are just a few of the things that can be found within the worlds of her urban fantasy books, and her contemporary women’s fiction novels are filled with fun friendships, ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances and quirky characters you’d want as friends.

Suzy lives in the Algarve with her husband, three cats and a dog, where she does yoga every morning and bookish stuff for pretty much the rest of the day!

For more books and updates, visit www.suzyturner.com

You can follow Suzy at these links:

Website: www.suzyturner.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/suzyturnerbooks
Instagram: www.instagram.com/suzyturner

Twitter: www.twitter.com/suzy_turner
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/suzyturnerbooks

 

 

Sunshine Blogger Award Nominee

sunshine blogger award

Sunshine Blogger Award

I’m thrilled to be selected for a Sunshine Blogger award by fellow author, Jo Lambert.

This Award allows bloggers to celebrate other bloggers who are creative and bring positivity to the blogging community.

Part One of the challenge is to answer the questions Jo has sent me.

Part Two is to nominate a further 11  bloggers and send them my own set of 11 questions. My questions for them are at the end of this post.

Jo’s questions for me

What makes me happy?

I love curling up with a blanket and a book on a cold day. Add a mug of hot chocolate, and it’s absolute heaven.

What is my favourite holiday destination, and why?

Scotland hands down, but with my many trips to Vieux Québec, it’s running a close second.

If I could ask one question of a historical figure, who would I choose, and what would that question be?

Bram Stoker. Finally, put it to rest was it Cruden Bay or Whitby that inspired him to write Dracula. Both places claim it was them. I prefer to think it’s Cruden Bay and the ruins of Slains Castle on the north-east coast of Scotland.

Sweet or savoury – what’s my favourite dish?

Savoury, definitely. I don’t eat a lot of sweets. Anything Indian as long as it’s not too spicy, or a Sunday roast with all the trimmings works for me.

If I could live anywhere in the world, where would that be and why?

Somewhere in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, close to where my father was born. I was twelve when he died and, at that age, not interested in my roots. When I got old enough to embrace my heritage, I regretted not doing it sooner.

What is my favourite colour?

Blue, although if you looked at the history of the colour of cars I’ve owned over the years, you would think red. Blue in all of its shades is my favourite of all. It reminds me of clear skies, the rivers and oceans and being outdoors.

What is my all-time favourite movie, and why?

The Guns of Navarone. Yup, a war movie. I think it’s because my Dad served in WWII, and I love to read books set in that era.

How would I prefer to spend your weekend? Trekking in the Brecon Beacons or a relaxing spa break?

Trekking. If I’m wandering about in the Brecon Beacons, I’m not far from Scotland, where I can do more hillwalking.

If I could go back in time, would I have chosen a different career, and if so, what would that be?

I think it would still be something in the financial field, although after having done payroll for over thirty years, I’m not sure what area. Maybe something completely different so I wouldn’t have “auditors” periodically. 😉

Are you happy with the name your parents gave you? If not, what would you have chosen?

I got my name from my mother’s favourite character in the movie Gone with the Wind. Back when I was born, there weren’t many girls around with that name. I think that’s cool. My father wanted to name me Heather, but I’ve never seen myself as a Heather. So at the end of the day, I’m Melanie Heather Ann Robertson (happily married to a King) and love it.

Who is my favourite actor/actress, and why?

I love Maureen O’Hara. I should say loved since she passed away in 2015. The characters she played were larger than life, spunky, yet could be tender and loving. My two favourite movies she starred in are The Quiet Man and McLintock!

There are my eleven questions answered, now to move on to the next part.

The eleven bloggers I nominate are:

  1. Joan Y Edwards
  2. Chris Longmuir
  3. Beverly Stowe McClure
  4. Maggie Wheeler
  5. Rosemary Gemmell
  6. Ali Bacon
  7. Sandra J Jackson
  8. Jennifer C Wilson
  9. Suzy Turner
  10. Dr. Bob Rich
  11. Lizzie Lamb

My eleven questions:

  1. If you won the lottery, how would you spend your winnings?
  2. Are you a night owl or a morning person?
  3. PC or Mac. Which camp are you in?
  4. Which is your favourite blogging platform? WordPress, Blogspot, etc.
  5. What is your favourite summer past-time and why?
  6. Do you prefer print or ebook and why?
  7. What is your favourite food and why?
  8. Are you a fitness freak, couch potato or somewhere in between?
  9. Share a single photograph that depicts who you are (adventurous, laid back, etc.)
  10. You have the chance to take a once in a lifetime train trip. Which one would you choose and why?
  11. When you’re watching TV, do you prefer sitcoms or dramas and why?

 

APHRODITE’S CLOSET by Suzy Turner #chicklit #giveaway

Suzy Turner

Aphrodite’s Closet

by

Suzy Turner

 

Suzy Turner

Genre: Chick Lit

Release Date: May 2017

Agatha Trout didn’t even know she had a Great Aunt Petunia, so imagine her surprise when she finds Petunia left her a corner shop in her will. But it’s not just any old corner shop—it’s a corner shop that needs something unique, something the town of Frambleberry has never seen before. Influenced by her confident best friend, Coco, Agatha is soon convinced that there’s only one way to go: an adults-only sex shop.

While some of the townspeople are clutching their pearls in horror, others are open to the new experiences this shop offers. But not everyone in Frambleberry is convinced. Will the women soldier on in the face of violent threats or will their fears get the best of them—and their new venture—before it even gets off the ground?

Extract

“What about wool?” Aggie suggested.

“What about wool?”

“A wool shop?”

“A wool shop?”

“Are you just going to repeat after me all morning?”

Coco shook her head and put her hand on top of Aggie’s. “Aggie, honey. You’re twenty-eight years old, not seventy-eight. Why, oh why would you want to sell wool to all the old biddies of Frambleberry all day long?”

Aggie shrugged, “It wouldn’t be so bad. Some of those old biddies are quite lovely.”

“Oh yeah, I forgot they’re some of your neighbours. You really need to find yourself another house. Living in a bungalow is for retired people,” she mouthed as an old lady walked past and scowled at her.

Coco raised her eyebrows and returned her attention to Aggie.

“Come on, there must be an alternative business opportunity needed in this town. Oh my God. I mean, seriously O-M-G,”

“What? What Coco?”

Coco began to grin at her best friend as she sat up straight. “I’ve got it. It’s bloody brilliant. I can’t believe I didn’t think of it earlier. It’s perfect and it’s a proper money earner, Aggie. There’s potential to earn squillions here. Oh my God…I’m so excited. I could so help with the decor. I’ve got ideas swimming about in my head already. We must get on to suppliers right away. I know a few people who might be able to help, come to think of it. Dickie from Saffron Walden, for example, he owes me a favour. And there’s Selena from Frome. Oh and I must ring Alison, although I think she’s in Edinburgh at the moment. I’ll wait ‘til the weekend. Oh this is going to be so much fun. Drink up, Agg. We need to get going. We’ve got masses to do. Come on, let’s…”

Coco stopped short and stared at her friend. “What?”

Aggie closed her eyes for a moment and shook her head.

“What’s up, honey?”

“Have you listened to yourself? You’re getting so carried away. But there’s just one little something you haven’t mentioned yet.”

“Oh really, what’s that?” Coco replied innocently.

“What kind of shop are you talking about?”

Coco slapped her own forehead and started to chuckle, “Oh right. Sorry…Aggie. You’re going to open the town’s first…sex shop!”

BUY LINKS

AMAZON UK

AMAZON US

About Suzy Turner

Suzy Turner

Born in England and raised in Portugal, Suzy lives with her childhood sweetheart Michael, two neurotic dogs and a cat.

Shortly after completing her studies, Suzy worked as a trainee journalist for a local newspaper. Her love of writing developed and a few years later she took the job of assistant editor for the region’s largest English language publisher before becoming editor of a monthly lifestyle magazine. Early in 2010 however, Suzy became a full time author. She has since written several books: Raven, December Moon, The Lost Soul (The Raven Saga), Daisy Madigan’s Paradise, The Ghost of Josiah Grimshaw, The Temporal Stone, Looking for Lucy Jo, We Stand Against Evil (The Morgan Sisters), Forever Fredless, And Then There Was You and Stormy Summer.

In 2015 she launched her popular 40+ lifestyle blog which continues to go from strength to strength, while just over a year later, she trained to become a yoga instructor. Suzy continues to write, blog and teach yoga in one of Portugal’s loveliest settings – the Algarve.

Lifestyle Blog: www.suzyturner.com

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/suzyturner

Facebook: www.facebook.com/suzyturnerbooks

Twitter: /www.twitter.com/suzy_turner

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/suzyturnerbooks

Book Blog: www.fictiondreams.com

 

GIVEAWAY

Ecopy of the book PLUS a £20 / $20 Amazon Gift Voucher

a Rafflecopter giveaway