Interview with Sufani Weisman-Garza, Author of 1377 Rikoppe Lane

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write 1377 Rikoppe Lane?

I love writing and the story just began to tell itself in my head and I had to write it down. Sometimes my writing is a conscious will, and at other times the stories are asking to be written. Characters call out and I must write them. This is what happened here. I love thriller, ghostly, haunting fiction, and everything Victorian, especially homes, so 1377 Rikoppe Lane was born! All my stories involve healing, relationships, and lovable characters and animals mixed with a macabre, faux historical storyline.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of 1377 Rikoppe Lane, what would they be?

Gaylor Carter “Kings Row”

What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I love fiction thrillers most; anything ghostly, haunting, paranormal, scary, but not gory. I love reading and writing fiction thrillers. I love non-fiction too. I have read so much non-fiction over the years and I love reading about mystical, mysterious things that make us question our reality. Like books on true reincarnation stories, near-death stories, or questions of time travel, astral travel, otherworldly beings, and so on. There are just so many stories and things to know. Books are amazing!

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

The Authorized Biography of Gene Roddenberry, Star Trek Creator (Trekkie: Next Generation), 599 pages, been getting through it for two years. Alfred Hitchcock Presents| My Favorites In Suspense (got it at a vintage shop), The Ghostly Grounds: Death & Brunch, by Sophie Love. Haunting Adeline, by H.D. Carlton & A Writing Retreat by Julia Bartz

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

The opening that really sets the tone (first page) and the cutest scene which was when Jo goes to rescue a “BIG” dog at “Ruff Times & Happy Endings” Dog Spa Rescue (pun intended). If you love dogs, you’re gonna love this scene. It makes me smile just thinking about it.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I have to have music that matches the mood of what I am writing. I like to write in places that stimulate a creative spark to get me going or even visit places with a certain feel or vibe and then when I go home, I transfer that feeling onto the page. I need a space clear of clutter, and not to be bothered if I am on a roll at a crucial point. Oh, and my cat seems to think I need her walking across my keyboard at the absolutely wrong time as part of my process! LOL

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

To love & accept themselves, every single part, including the part they are least proud of, or the part that makes mistakes or gets angry sometimes. I would say to them, it’s ok to be human and imperfect. Art happens in the mistakes; and you ARE art baby! Oh yah, and, “STAY SPOOKY.”

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

That life happens while we’re healing. Life can be scary and a good scare can be fun. Life is way more messy and crazy than we think. And family, animals and community are really important.

Sufani Weisman-Garza is the author of the new book 1377 Rikoppe Lane

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