How did you come up with your title?
Jordan Valley was the original name of the area where I live. And since the characters are rodeo-ers, I thought ROUNDUP would be perfect.

Tell us about your hero and heroine. What makes them likeable?
My heroine loves horses. She’s always wanted to work with abused critters and she finally gets a chance to do so.
My hero’s father died teaching him to ride bulls, and he feels responsible to help his mother rear his younger brothers and run the ranch.

How much of the book is based in real life?
I’ve always loved rodeos and wished I could ride barrels. Instead of actually doing it, I researched it and wrote about it. (Writing is almost like living it, right?)

What makes this book special to you?
I love rodeos and horses and cowboys.

Are plots based on someone you know or events in your own life?
The last rodeo my hubby and I attended was Jim Shoulders’s last one. A barrel racer’s horse fell at the final barrel, and when he stood up, the racer’s foot was caught in the stirrup. The cowboys watching ran out and saved her.

What books have most influenced your life?
Gone with the Wind, Little Women, and Little House on the Prairie. These books all have strong women who care about the people in their lives.

What makes this a “must read” and why?
The heroine (Jessie) cares so deeply about her horse, she steals to keep him from being sold. And she gentles an abused animal.

Do you have a person you consider a mentor?
Yes. Marilyn Pappano.

What book are you reading now?
A Little Ray of Sunshine, by Kristin Higgins

What do you do when you’re not writing?
I have a full-time job in the family oil business.

What does your family think of your writing?
They love it. My youngest impressed his friends in college by telling them I’m a writer.

What is your next project?
After Jordan Valley Roundup there’s Jordan Valley Rescue.

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
No. I love it like it is.

Is there anything you find particularly challenging when it comes to your writing?
Finding time to write.

Who is your faviourte author and what is it that really strikes you abou their work?
I love Marilyn Pappano’s books. She puts so much emotion in them.

What is the hardest part about writing?
Putting the emotion in my books.

Did you learn anything from writing this book? What was it?
I learned about barrel racing, which I’ve always wanted to try.

Do you have advice for other writers?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. People love to tell you about what they do.

Do you have anything specific you want to say to readers?
God is love, and Love can make the world what it should be.

Is there anything you’d like to add?
Writing this book has made life a blast!

How can readers connect with you?
http://susanspess.com