This is Ink & Intrigue—the blog where romance ignites, secrets simmer, and every love story hides a twist. I’m your blog host, Sheila Kell, romance author and lover of plot twists, slow burns, and morally questionable book boyfriends.

TAGLINE: Can two wounded souls—an artist rediscovering herself and a musician chasing his comeback—find love amidst their personal struggles?

Susan’s favorite quote, from Zachary to Willow, when discussing the importance of following an artist’s dream:

I’m sure you’re just as excited as I am about Susan and her book. Here is our interview—

What drew you to writing romance in particular?

My first inspiration was my mother. She always had a romance novel sitting by her chair. Over the years, watching Hallmark movies with her, I always thought I could do that. So, when I retired as a speech pathologist some years ago, I seriously began writing every day.

What part of writing romance do you enjoy most—the meet-cute, the conflict, or the happily ever after?

I think the meet-cute and the always-happily-ever-after. I usually have my ending in my head before I begin to write.

Can you tell us about your latest romance (other genre) and what inspired the story?

My latest romance, Forever Kind of Love, was inspired by a local story of a man who was arrested for fraudulent investments, and I wondered what would become of his wife who was clueless? How would that affect her life if the rug was pulled out from under her? And the creative juices started flowing.

Was there a particular scene or emotional arc that was difficult (or fun!) to write?

I enjoyed writing the emotional scenes of when Willow returns to New York to face the trial and aftermath of the upheaval her husband had caused. It gave me a chance to dig deeper into my character.

How has your writing evolved since your first book?

I’d like to think my writing craft has improved, lol. I take courses online and whenever I can to keep improving my use of character development, plot and prose.

What was your journey to publication like?

After 30 rejection letters from submitting to independent publishers without an agent, I got an email from a Canadian publisher, Sands Press, who loved my story, and everything took off from there.

What advice would you give to aspiring authors?

Never, ever give up. Take a break if you need to, but if that passion resides inside to tell a story and become published, just keep going. Also, take courses, join a critique group and don’t be afraid of rejection. It’s just part of publishing.

How do you deal with criticism or negative reviews?

“Comparison is the thief of joy.” I keep this quote above my desk. I just tell myself, I’m improving, and I will keep going.

What are you working on next?

I’m in the editing process of the next book in my Cedar Hill series, Everlasting Kind of Love. I’m excited that my female protagonist is a state trooper. The dynamics of the romantic relationship are a bit different and fresh. Or at least, I hope😄.

I loved this review of Susan’s book so much, I had to share:

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  from an Amazon reader:  “Forever Kind of Love by Susan Bagby is a heartfelt contemporary romance about second chances, healing, and the courage it takes to trust again. When Willow Barton’s carefully built life collapses, returning to her Ohio hometown becomes both a refuge and a reckoning. Bagby beautifully captures the quiet resilience of a woman rebuilding from betrayal, grounding the story in the warmth of a small-town bookstore and the bonds of chosen family. The slow-burn chemistry between Willow and Zachary Hayes—a country music star grappling with career setbacks and family wounds—adds depth and tension, especially as past relationships and unresolved guilt threaten to pull them apart. Emotional without being overwrought, this novel balances romance with real-life struggles, making the love story feel earned and deeply satisfying. Fans of tender, character-driven romances will find Forever Kind of Love a touching and hopeful read.” 

Susan’s BIO:

Susan Bagby is a retired speech and language pathologist and full-time writer of romance books. She has four novels published with independent presses. In addition to being a Maggie Award finalist, Sweet Ridge Hearts, her third book, was also a Literary Titan gold award winner. She lives in Ohio, where she relishes the four seasons (well, maybe not winter), and loves yoga, jazz, golf, and walking anywhere outdoors.

I hope you loved getting to know Susan Bagby and hearing about her inspirations, journey, and latest release, Forever Kind of Love. If you haven’t added this to your TBR yet, now’s the time—trust me, you won’t want to miss it. 💖

You can connect with Susan Bagby here:
🔗 Website: https://www.susanbagby.com/newsletter/ 

📱 Socials:

🛒 Grab her books: Amazon  |  Barnes & Noble  |  Bookshop.org

Thank you for joining me in spotlighting a fellow author who’s giving us all the feels. Stay tuned for more author features, book talk, and behind-the-scenes romance goodness.

Until next time—keep reading, keep swooning! 💖