Susan and John Ruff, Fantasy Authors

  • Don’t Do This By Yourself

    Writing is a solo activity best done with friends. Yeah, that sounds contradictory. Frankly, it is contradictory. In my experience, however, I have found it to be true. Writing is more fun when someone else… Read more

  • How Are Those Writing Resolutions Coming?

    We are now approximately one month into 2021. It’s a good time to take a moment and assess how well your New Year’s resolutions are coming. On January 1, everybody talks about them, but then… Read more

  • A Few Points About Multiple Viewpoints

    So whose novel is it anyway? Well, yes, of course, it’s the author’s book. But which character or characters are the focus of the story? Whose thoughts and observations drive the narrative? From which character’s… Read more

  • How Can You Avoid Writing Distractions?

    We all have them — those things that distract us when we sit down to write. Or sometimes before we sit down to write. At times, they strike even when we contemplate thinking about intending… Read more

  • Fantasy Novels and the Real World

    We have an interesting power as fantasy authors. We can invent a unique society that operates according to the rules we choose. As long as the world we write about remains consistent with its own… Read more

  • An Indy Author’s Resolutions

    Happy 2021! A brand new year. The Year of Hope. New Year’s resolutions are not usually my thing. I tend to prefer a Yoda attitude toward them: “Resolve not! Write or write not. There is… Read more

  • Celebrations in Fantasy Novels

    Happy Holidays to all my friends out there! I hope that, despite the pandemic, your holidays are still filled with love and joy. And to all my friends and family who are celebrating Christmas today,… Read more

  • A Few Written Words About Audio Books

    Before I retired, my job often required me to drive long distances. Those of you familiar with Southern California freeways know that, during rush hour, it can literally take hours to drive a few miles.… Read more

  • Do You Outline Your Novels Before You Write?

    Notice that the title of today’s blog post does not say: “Should you outline your novels before you write?” I don’t think there is a correct answer to the “should you outline” question. From what… Read more

  • Update on Current Book Projects

    It’s been a while since I provided an update on the current writing projects, so this seems like a good time. John and I are still hard at work on our latest fantasy novel Prophecy’s… Read more

Welcome to Susan’s Monthly Blog!

On the first Friday of every month, Susan writes a short post about our books, the craft of writing, upcoming projects, travel, writing inspiration, and similar topics that strike her fancy. We hope you enjoy reading them.

Feel free to leave a comment. Susan loves hearing from readers!