Interview with Susan May Warren

Susan May Warren
https://www.susanmaywarren.com/
Author of Track of Courage

T4JYM: Today your latest book, Track of Courage, releases. Can you tell our readers what they can expect from it?

SMW: Track of Courage is the first book in my new Call of the Wild K9 SAR series, and it’s probably one of my most personal stories yet. It features Dawson Mulligan, a jaded ex-cop detective recovering from a career-ending injury who just wants to save lives instead of chasing bad guys. He’s joined his cousin Moose’s new K9 search and rescue unit with his dog Caspian—a former PTSD service dog now being retrained as a tracking dog.

When they respond to a plane crash in the Alaskan bush, Dawson discovers one of the survivors is Keely Price, a Grammy-nominated singer on the run from a dangerous past. She’s terrified of dogs (ironic, given Caspian finds her first!), and as a blizzard closes in, they’re forced to take shelter together. But danger follows Keely in the form of the Sorros crime family, and suddenly what should be a simple rescue becomes a fight for survival.

What readers can expect is high-stakes suspense, Alaska wilderness adventure, a slow-burn romance between two wounded people learning to trust again, and the sweetest, bravest dog character I’ve ever written. Plus themes of redemption, second chances, and discovering that God provides what we need before we even know we need it. I also wove in storylines about adoption (I’m adopted myself) and PTS (I experienced it after a home invasion years ago), so there’s a lot of heart in this one.

T4JYM: What about some of your other books? What can you tell our readers about your previously published works?

SMW: I’m a USA Today bestselling author with nearly 100 novels published and over 1.5 million books sold—which still amazes me! I write romantic suspense and adventure romance, mostly set in places where nature itself becomes a character.

My Montana Rescue series (Wild Montana Skies, Rescue Me, A Matter of Trust, Troubled Waters, Storm Front, Wait for Me) features the PEAK Rescue team and is all about mountain rescues, wilderness survival, and found families.
The Global Search and Rescue series (The Way of the Brave, The Heart of a Hero, The Price of Valor) follows a team of elite rescuers around the world—from avalanches to hurricanes to international crises.
My Sky King Ranch series (Sunrise, Sunburst, Sundown) is set in Alaska and follows the Kingston family who runs a bush pilot service. These stories blend family drama with aviation adventure.
The Alaska Air One Rescue series (One Last Shot, One Last Chance, One Last Promise, One Last Stand) features helicopter rescue operations out of Copper Mountain, Alaska—the same setting readers will recognize in Track of Courage!

Each series is interconnected in my “SusieMayverse,” so readers get to see favorite characters pop up across books. I love building these worlds where characters feel like family.

T4JYM: What is next for you? Are you working on something new? Anything different?

SMW: I’m deep into Book 2 of the Call of the Wild K9 SAR series, titled Scent of Hope. It features Jericho Bowie and his area scent dog Orlando. Jericho is a wilderness survivalist and climber who’s struggled to find his footing after losing his parents, and he teams up with PI Harley Monroe, who’s hunting the Sorros crime family for revenge after her brother’s overdose. When they have to shelter at his family’s mountain resort during a blizzard, they discover hikers buried in avalanches—and Jericho must choose between Harley’s quest for justice and saving innocent lives.

Book 3 will feature Stormi White (a veterinarian and rookie musher) and her misfit dog Rome, paired with witness-in-hiding Wilder Frost. Each book in this series explores a different verse of the hymn “Blessed Assurance”—identity and adoption in Book 1, relationship with God in Book 2, and peace through obedience in Book 3.

What’s different? This is my first series centered entirely around working dogs and their handlers. The dogs are practically co-protagonists! I’m also exploring deeper themes of trauma, healing, and how God equips us before the crisis even arrives.

T4JYM: Where do you get ideas for your books?

SMW: Everywhere! My editor Andrea Doering sparked this entire series by asking, “Why don’t you write a book about dogs?” Suddenly everything clicked—I’d been wanting to explore PTSD authentically (having experienced it myself), and pairing traumatized characters with service dogs felt perfect.

Alaska itself is incredibly inspiring. The wilderness, the isolation, the beauty and danger—it’s a crucible that forces characters to face what’s real. I do extensive research, talk to search and rescue professionals, interview K9 handlers, and lean heavily on my husband (he’s a mechanic, so he gets questions like “How would you sabotage a snowmobile?”).

My own life experiences shape my stories too. Being adopted informed Keely’s journey. My PTS recovery informed Dawson’s struggles. My faith journey—learning to trust God through trials—weaves through everything I write.

Sometimes ideas come from “what if” questions: What if a cop with PTSD got a service dog who understood him better than he understood himself? What if the woman he rescues is running from killers and terrified of the very dog trying to save her? The collision of those ideas creates story.

T4JYM: Can you tell us a little about My Book Therapy and the MBT Novel Academy as well as your role with both?

SMW: My Book Therapy is a writing coaching organization I founded to help aspiring authors learn the craft of writing compelling, publishable fiction. We offer classes, masterclasses, and community for writers at every stage of their journey—from brand new writers to multi-published authors looking to grow.

The MBT Novel Academy is our comprehensive online novel-writing school. We teach everything from story structure and character development to deep POV techniques and publishing strategy. Our curriculum is based on story frameworks I’ve developed over 25+ years of writing and teaching—things like the SEQ (Story Equation) method and the LINDY HOP structure.

My role? I’m the lead teacher. I teach masterclasses on craft, create curriculum, and provide teaching through our courses and programs. I absolutely love helping writers discover their unique voice and teaching them how to write stories that don’t just entertain but impact readers’ hearts.

One of my newest teaching tools is AskSusieMay AI—an AI-powered resource I’ve created that’s trained on my teaching methods and story frameworks. Writers can access my coaching wisdom 24/7, getting answers to craft questions, help with story structure problems, and guidance on character development anytime they need it. It’s been amazing to see how technology can extend my teaching reach and help writers get unstuck in real-time!

Writing can feel isolating, and publishing can feel impossible to break into. MBT exists to give writers both the tools and the community they need to succeed. Some of my greatest joys come from watching my students get book deals or win awards!

T4JYM: Who are some of the authors you have worked with, whether through MBT or on your own?

SMW: I’ve had the privilege of working with hundreds of authors through My Book Therapy! Some have gone on to become bestselling, award-winning authors themselves. I’m constantly amazed by the talent God brings through our programs.

My writing partner Rachel Hauck is someone I collaborate with closely—we meet for Friday breakfasts to work through spiritual threads in our stories, and she keeps me grounded in truth. She’s a USA Today bestseller and such a gifted storyteller.

I also work with an incredible team: Rel Mollet (my VA who reads everything and gives honest feedback), Sarah Erredge (who is also an author!) my editorial assistant who keeps everything running), and Caroline Brenninkmeyerl (my social media assistant). Publishing is definitely a team sport!

Through MBT, I’ve worked with authors across every genre—contemporary romance, historical fiction, suspense, women’s fiction. Each writer brings unique gifts, and I love helping them develop their craft while staying true to their voice.

T4JYM: Will you describe your writing process, from the spark of an idea through writing, editing, and then publishing? What happens after it is officially “finished?”

SMW:

The Spark: Ideas usually start with a character or situation that won’t leave me alone. For Track of Courage, it was imagining a cop with PTS paired with a service dog, and a woman afraid of dogs being rescued by that exact dog.
Planning: I’m a plotter! I use story frameworks like the SEQ method to map out my three-act structure, identify character wounds and arcs, and plan major plot points. I create detailed character biographies—Enneagram types, backstories, core lies they believe, pivotal childhood events. For this series, I also researched K9 training extensively.
Drafting: I write systematically, usually aiming for 2,000-3,000 words per day. I use deep POV techniques—eliminating filter words, showing emotions through physical sensations, immersing readers completely in the character’s experience. My first drafts are rough, but I get the story down.
Revision: This is where the magic happens! I do multiple passes: first for plot holes and pacing, then for character consistency, then for deep POV refinement, then line-editing for redundancy and overused phrases. I work closely with my editorial team at Revell (my amazing editor Andrea Doering!) through multiple rounds of edits.
Publishing: Once the manuscript is finalized, it goes through copyediting, proofreading, cover design, and marketing planning. My publisher Revell (Baker Publishing Group) handles production while I work on marketing materials, interviews, and connecting with readers.
After “Finished”: The work continues! I do blog tours, podcast interviews, bookstore events, and social media engagement. I love hearing from readers—their responses fuel my next story. And honestly? The moment a book releases, I’m already deep into writing the next one!

T4JYM: When did you begin writing? How has your writing changed from your first work to now?

SMW: I started writing when I was 14—stories were always in my heart. But I didn’t take it seriously until I became a missionary in Russia in my twenties. That’s when God put it on my heart to write novels. I wrote 4 books in 4 years, pouring out stories during my time overseas, and finally a publisher took a chance on me. My first published book came out in 2002. I still can’t believe where I am today—nearly 100 books later!

My writing has evolved dramatically over nearly three decades:

Early on: I told more than I showed, used too many adverbs, had weaker character motivation, and hadn’t yet developed my deep POV style.

Now: I write in immersive deep POV—readers experience the story through the character’s skin. I’ve learned to show emotions through physical sensations, use strategic single-word sentences for impact, create layered conflicts, and weave spiritual themes naturally rather than heavy-handedly.

I’ve also become more intentional about incorporating my own life experiences. My early books didn’t touch on adoption or trauma. Now I’m not afraid to write from my scars—they give the stories authenticity and resonance.

The biggest change? I understand story structure deeply now. I know how to craft characters with compelling wounds and believable arcs. I know how to balance action with emotion, suspense with romance, grit with hope. Writing is both craft and art, and I’m still learning after 100 books!

T4JYM: Let’s explore a few more favorites… What is your favorite: Food? Dessert? Drink? Color? TV show? Musician/Band? Hobby? Movie? Book of the Bible? Bible Verse? Worship Song?

SMW:

Food: Anything my husband grills—especially a good steak. Or homemade pizza night with my family.
Dessert: Cake. I love cake.
Drink: Coffee—with plenty of cream and sugar! My husband calls it candy coffee, and he’s not wrong. It’s basically dessert in a mug.
Color: Teal—it’s the color of the ocean and Alaska skies.
TV show: I love Yellowstone and Blue Bloods—family drama plus action!
Musician/Band: Lauren Daigle, Zach Williams, Casting Crowns—music that ministers truth.
Hobby: Reading (when I have time!), traveling to research locations, and spending time with my family.
Movie: The Princess Bride. Perfectly quotable, romance and adventure!
Book of the Bible: Psalms. David’s raw honesty with God inspires me constantly.
Bible Verse: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
Worship Song: “Blessed Assurance”—which is why it’s the theme for this entire series! It captures identity, relationship with God, and perfect peace.

T4JYM: Who are some of the authors you enjoy reading? What authors have inspired you as a writer?

SMW: I read widely across genres! Favorites include:

Suspense: Dee Henderson, Lisa Phillips, Lynette Eason—they master pacing and tension.
Romance: Courtney Walsh, Lisa Jordan, Tari Faris, Melissa Tagg, Rachel Hauck—beautiful character work and emotional depth.
Historical: Julie Klassen, Jocelyn Green—rich detail and compelling stories.
Literary/General: Lisa Wingate, Francine Rivers—they write with such grace and power.

Who’s inspired me as a writer? Dee Henderson taught me how to write believable suspense. Rachel Hauck models vulnerability in storytelling. And honestly, my readers inspire me—when they tell me a book helped them through grief or strengthened their faith, it reminds me why I write.

T4JYM: Please tell us how you came to be a Christian and how this has influenced your writing.

SMW: I grew up in a Christian home, but my faith became truly my own during my college years and especially during my time serving in Russia in my twenties. Living overseas, far from everything familiar, I learned to depend on God in ways I never had before. I saw Him provide, lead, and sustain in impossible situations.

My faith is the foundation of everything I write. I’m not interested in preachy fiction, but I am passionate about showing God at work in the messy, difficult, beautiful chaos of life. I want readers to see characters wrestling with real doubts, experiencing genuine struggles, and discovering that God is present even—especially—in the storms.

In Track of Courage, I explore how God provides resources before we even know we need them (Caspian comes into Dawson’s life before the crisis). I show characters learning to trust when trust feels impossible. These aren’t theoretical truths—they’re born from my own journey of learning to surrender control and believe God is good even when life is hard.

My hope as an author is to offer truths through story, to reveal moments that might normally be unseen, and to stir readers’ hearts to recognize God’s presence in their own lives.

T4JYM: If you could pick any character from one of your books or another author’s, who would you want to spend an afternoon with?

SMW: From my books? Vic, Keely’s birth mother in Track of Courage. She’s a former undercover cop who gave up her daughter to protect her, lived quietly with that grief for decades, and gets a second chance when Keely shows up. I’d love to hear her whole story—the cases, the losses, the everyday courage it took to walk away from her child. She fascinates me, and I think she’d be incredible company over coffee.

T4JYM: If you could meet any 3 people – past, present, or future – who would they be and why?

SMW:

King David – His psalms have shaped my understanding of honest faith. I’d love to hear his stories firsthand and ask him how he held onto hope through such devastating circumstances.
C.S. Lewis – His ability to communicate deep theological truth through story inspires everything I do. I’d pick his brain about craft and imagination.
My granddaughter Addie in the future – I’d love to meet her as an adult and see the woman she becomes. To hear about her life, her dreams, what she’s learned, and know that our family’s legacy of faith continues through her generation.

T4JYM: What advice would you give to someone interested in publishing their work?

SMW:

Learn the craft. Natural talent isn’t enough. Study story structure, character development, pacing, dialogue. Read widely in your genre. Take workshops (like our MBT Novel Academy!). Great writing is both art and craft—develop both.
Finish what you start. Everyone has ideas. Few people finish manuscripts. Commit to completing a draft even when it feels messy. You can’t edit a blank page.
Find your tribe. Writing is isolating, but it doesn’t have to be lonely. Join writing groups, find critique partners, connect with other writers. Community makes all the difference.
Develop thick skin. Rejection is part of the process. Every published author has faced it. Learn from feedback, keep improving, and don’t give up. Persistence matters more than talent.
Write from your scars, not your wounds. Your pain has purpose, but wait until you’ve processed it. Writing from healed places produces powerful stories; writing from active wounds can be self-indulgent.
Remember your “why.” Publishing is hard. Keep your focus on ministry, not just metrics. Write stories that matter, that point readers to truth, that offer hope. That purpose will sustain you through the difficult seasons.

T4JYM: What advice would you give to the youth of this world?

SMW:

You matter. Your story, your voice, your dreams—they matter. Don’t let anyone convince you otherwise.
Be brave enough to be authentic. The world pressures you to perform, to present a perfect image, to hide your struggles. But real connection happens when we’re honest about being broken and needing grace. Your vulnerability might be exactly what someone else needs to see.
Failure is not final. You’re going to mess up. We all do. What matters is what you do next—do you learn, grow, and get back up? Or do you quit? Courage isn’t never being afraid; it’s moving forward despite the fear.
Your wounds don’t define you. Whatever you’ve experienced—trauma, loss, rejection, betrayal—it’s part of your story, but it’s not the whole story. God is bigger than your past, and He specializes in redemption. Let Him write your future.
Find your calling, not just a career. Don’t just chase success or money. Ask: What am I uniquely equipped to do? Where can I serve? What breaks my heart? Your purpose is found at the intersection of your gifts, your passions, and the world’s needs.
Hold onto hope. Life gets hard. Really hard. But hope changes everything. God is with you in the trials, the storms, the wounds. He doesn’t leave you without resources. Keep your eyes open—He’s at work, even when you can’t see it yet.