It's been amazing watching the journey of bestselling author Suzetta Perkins. I first got a chance to interview her in 2008 with her book EX-Terminator. Since then I have seen her garner a fanbase of readers around the world, win awards and in 2024 we were both honored with the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for our work in the community.
As 2025 was coming to a close, Suzetta released her 20th book, One L-Hyde Place. In this conversation we discuss the road to where she is today, the new book and advice for everyone pursuing their goals and dreams.
Suzetta, it’s been great following your career over the years. What has it been like to look at the books you have written and the lives you have touched through them?
I’m still in wonder about my accomplishments on this literary journey considering I was afraid to step out on faith in the beginning. However, it has been a pure pleasure and rewarding to write stories that I’m proud of, not only leaving something for posterity, but how readers have endeared themselves to my work and have been loyal followers, often sharing how a particular story impacted them.
I have interviewed you before, but we met for the first time in person in 2024. During the Chosen Pen Awards we were both honored with the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Awards. Do you still have those pinch-me moments when it comes to your literary career and the impact you’ve had on communities?
Yes, and I don’t take anything for granted. Writing is my passion. I only hoped that readers would enjoy what I’ve written, and to those I’ve helped along the way, it was pure joy. To receive and be honored with the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award was humbling.
This year we connected around your book LOVING MYSELF (Reese’s Story). What has it been like for you to connect with different ages through the books and characters?
I have to begin this answer with a review I received online. A reader wrote, she wished her sixteen-year-old self had read this book. That said it all to me. The dialogue at several book club meetings I attended to discuss this book was deep, as different ones shared personal experiences that either involved them or a loved one. With all my character Reese endured, many agreed with how she was able to overcome and begin healing, while others felt with the odds stacked against her, it was too soon for her to achieve what she did. It elicited deeper conversations, which were valuable. While I was writing this story, I was a mentor to two young teens as they wrote their stories about self-esteem, colorism, texturism as it applied to black and brown girls. Our discussions led them to read my work and asking for a follow-up.
So many writers have come and gone since you entered the literary world. What do you think has been the key to your success?
Reading and writing are my first loves. As I expressed earlier, I have a passion for this. Whether I’m published or not, I’ll always write.
You are also instrumental in helping others along their literary journey. Why has that been important to you?
Giving back is cliché, however, I recall how being in a writer’s group and gaining wisdom from author friends helped guide my work. Being asked to mentor aspiring authors in Chosen Pen, a group established by Dr. Norma McLauchlin, just opened up an avenue that I hadn’t anticipated. It also led me to establish a Life Group— Literary Ink through my church, guiding individuals who have a desire to write a book but didn’t know how to get started, and seeing them to the finish line—editing and publishing. Three members have published, and I’m so proud of their accomplishments. There’s nothing like authors helping authors.
Outside of writing, you have a genuine love of life. Part of that includes traveling. How has seeing the world helped you in the worlds that you create?
There’s nothing like seeing a character travel around the world, giving a reader a worldwide view of places they may wish to travel, especially people of color. I can’t tell you how many readers tell me they want to travel to a particular place I’ve portrayed in a story. It’s been humbling attending several book club meetings where I’ve walked into Paris or Italy, scenes that grew out of the stories I wrote about, making guests feel as if they were really there.
My 20th book. Wow. One L-Hyde Place is about a minister’s fall from grace. Ordained as one of God’s messengers, Maxwell Washington breaks a cardinal rule. He has sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. A newly ordained minister of a small congregation in Mississippi, he has eyes on a larger prize—a mega church that will bring in bigger tithes. However, the sky, a pivotal character throughout the story, gives you a glimpse into Maxwell’s fall from grace almost as soon as the story opens.
What advice would you give others about the importance of pursuing their goals and dreams?
For those pursuing a goal and/or dream, my advice is to keep your eyes on the prize. If what you’re pursuing is your true desire, don’t allow anyone to dissuade you from accomplishing and reaching your goal. Sometimes dreams are deferred, pushed to the sideline for a minute, but don’t give up. You can only reach your goal if you believe it’s yours.
Thanks again, Suzetta, for your friendship and support over the years. How can our readers stay connected with you?
Cyrus, thank you for giving me the opportunity over the years to showcase my work. You are a prenominal interviewer/influencer, and I congratulate you on all of your accomplishments. Readers can connect with as follows:
Website: suzettaperkins.com
FB/Meta: Suzetta Perkins
X: Authorsue
IG: suzettaperkins
TikTok: Authorsue
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