Susan J. Farese is an author/poet, nurse, veteran, and owner of SJF Communications in San Diego, CA. She is in awe of hummingbirds, seahorses, shorebirds, and life! We enjoyed having this Author Interview – Susan J. Farese for our blog. Check out this fantastic author and follow them for more amazing stories.
Susan J. Farese, MSN, RN, a native of New Jersey, is the owner/ president of SJF Communications, San Diego, CA. SJF Communications, originally established in 2002 in San Jose, CA, provides communications services, including Public Relations, Publicity, Marketing, Websites, Filmmaking, Acting, Social Media, Writing and Public Speaking, Photography, Mentoring, Coaching, and Legal Nurse Consulting services.
Ms. Farese has diversified experience in health care/communications, including clinical nursing practice, management, education/training, research, and consulting. She has a Master’s Degree in Nursing in Adult Health from Seton Hall University (NJ) and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from Widener University (PA). Susan has presented numerous continuing education classes, seminars, and keynotes.
Susan J. Farese is the author of the book Poetic Expressions in Nursing…Sharing the Caring (1993 and 2021) currently teaches ‘Capturing Your Creativity with Haiku‘ workshops and has published poetry and articles on a variety of topics. Since 2017, Susan has been a Volunteer Mentor in the San Diego State University Aztec Mentor Program.
Contact SJF Communications at 858-353-7488 or info@sjfcommunications.com. Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/Sjfcommo
When did you start writing?
1991
What was it like growing up?
I grew up in a small blue collar town in NJ. My Mom (now deceased – she passed away last year) was a wonderfully talented dance teacher and professional singer (before I was born) but occasionally did choreography during my childhood and teens. My Dad, a great athlete, was in sales, real estate (salesperson and broker), and also in financial services and insurance (and continues to teach continuing education for real estate at age 88)! I have one brother several years younger than me. My maternal grandparents lived around the corner until my grandfather passed away at age 55, and my grandmother suffered from and endured early Alzheimer’s Disease and passed away at age 60. My paternal grandparents lived a town away.
I attended parochial school until 8th grade. The summer between 7th and 8th grade, we moved about an hour South to the Jersey Shore. I transferred to a public school system from 8th grade through high school. My summer jobs during high school included working at a bakery as well as a gift shop on the Asbury Park Boardwalk.
How was your early life?
This is a bit complicated. My childhood in NJ consisted of dance lessons from my Mom’s phenomenal student/protege and her colleague. From age 8-14, we witnessed my maternal grandmother’s suffering. She was my soulmate. The experience of her suffering and early demise compelled me to become a nurse. Her loss was ultimately the catalyst for me to begin writing in 1991, 20 years after her death in 1971.
What has been the biggest influence in your career?
My parents, husband, daughter, brother, geographical and professional changes/reinventions, maternal grandmother’s early death, and of course, my strong INTUITION!
Tell us about your newest release.
Poetic Expressions in Nursing: Sharing The Caring
Which book of yours would you call your favorite child?
Poetic Expressions in Nursing: Sharing The Caring
What inspired you to write this book?
The pandemic compelled me to publish a 2nd edition of my book due to the stress, anxiety, and depression that nurses were enduring, as well as others experiencing the pandemic and its effect all over the world. I chose to celebrate nursing and inspire others through the creative art of poetry.
What are you usually found doing when you’re not writing?
Hiking or strolling in nature, snapping nature photography photos, spending time with family/friends, and watching reality TV!
What does your writing space look like?
Anywhere I am inspired! My office desk, on the couch w/laptop, or in nature at lagoons or the ocean with my phone notes!
If you wrote your autobiography, what would you name it?
“The Creative Reinvention Maven“
How long did it take to write your novel, and what was your process?
It took several months-both in 1991 for the debut & 1993 versions and also for the 2nd edition in 2021.
Favorite reads?
Biographies and memoirs.
Do you have any book recommendations?
I am eclectic in my choices. Not sure if I want to recommend them individually, but I enjoy biographies, memoirs, and non-fiction.
What’s your next big project?
Continue spreading creative inspirations and stress management with Haiku by teaching workshops to nurses and the general public. Gearing up for a county wide contract to teach Haiku at local county libraries in San Diego. Please reach out to me and let me know if I can make an impact on nurse groups/healthcare organizations with Haiku workshops!
Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?
Don’t be too tough on yourself but remember to make a plan to market your work early enough (or hire a publicist)! Use the platform(s) that best fit your genre/topic etc.
Follow Susan:
SJF Author Page
‘Capturing Your Creativity With Haiku’ Workshops (Live/Zoom)
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