About | Suzanne McKenna Link

Suzanne McKenna Link

I grew up in Bayport, New York.

A tiny suburban town on the South Shore of Long Island (aka Lawn-GUY-Land) about half way between the hubbub of New York's Big Apple and the exclusive, swanky Hamptons. The youngest of four siblings, I was very much a latchkey kid with lots of unsupervised time. I was a pretty good kid. (just ask my mother!) Well, I wasn’t always so well-behaved, but shhh… my mother doesn’t need to know about those times! Mostly though, I was an introspective teen who spent a lot of time writing letters, journals, short stories and poems.

As a Long Islander through and through, the locale is prominent backdrop for all my stories so far. I don't know if that will ever change, but I love to travel.

Aside from writing, I enjoy an assortment of artistic outlets.

Photography and drawing, along with the written word, have always given me a way to express myself. In school and at home, I developed a love for words and was often acknowledged for my writing ability. Rewarded with the desired laughter for the satirical humor of my short stories, and further inspired by good grades in writing classes, my passion for writing grew. I studied several aspects of writing in college.

I knew I wanted to write, I just wasn’t sure what.

I fell in love, married my soul mate and began a family.

With the demands of a young family, I put aside my career pursuits and plowed through a plethora of interesting part time jobs and volunteer community services—Hallmark Cards merchandiser, Girl Scout leader and religious education teacher to name a few. When my kids were a little older, I went back to school and got my graphic design degree.

I landed a job with a small, family newspaper that covers events in the local area.

The Long Island Advance is an old fashioned, unassuming office that puts out three, weekly newspapers. Laying out the paper appeases my visual, creative side, and I simply love it. And what’s more, I adore all my wacky, diverse co-workers. Deadlines are inherently stressful, but I find myself laughing all the time

And, it was at this job that I rediscovered my love of writing.

The two women editors of these newspapers were great advocates for new and undiscovered talent.

While working in the newspaper office, I inquired about writing for the papers, and the editors put me to work. It was with their encouragement that I dove in and published my first pieces of writing. I learned a lot, and my writing grew stronger.

It took me several years to piece together a full-length book.

Saving Toby was my first book, and as an independent author, I was personally responsible for every aspect of writing, publishing and promoting it. I had an enormous amount of support from my family and friends and assistance from a handful of professionals, like my editor and cover artist. It was a tremendous learning experience that I wouldn't change a thing about. Knowing I have come full circle, I’m extremely proud of this journey.

Despite the bad lighting, long hours and extremely poor pay, I am totally head-over-heels in love with the whole process. And while I can’t quit my day job, I not only dream of future writing successes, I expect them.

I believe I am exactly where I need to be right now, and that’s a really good place to be.

I love hearing from my readers! Feel free to get in touch.

Author of the Save Me Series