Susen Edwards Transforms Real-Life Struggles Into Powerful Stories of Resilience and Redemption
A Visionary Author Who Turns True Stories Into Compelling Novels
Featured in Reader’s House Magazine
Susen Edwards, an accomplished author and educator, shares her journey from pioneering massage therapy education to writing powerful novels like Lookin’ for Love, weaving themes of resilience, redemption, and self-discovery.
Susen Edwards is a force of nature—an educator, entrepreneur, and author whose journey is marked by resilience, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to transformation. From pioneering massage therapy education in New Jersey to crafting compelling narratives that delve into themes of self-discovery and redemption, she continues to inspire through both her professional and literary pursuits.
Her career began with an ambitious vision: to revolutionize massage therapy education. Recognizing the lack of standardized training, she and her husband founded the Somerset School of Massage Therapy, which became New Jersey’s first state-approved and nationally accredited institution in the field. Her leadership in education was widely recognized, earning her a nomination for Inc. Magazine’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Even after selling her business, she remained deeply involved in community development, contributing as an administrator at a local college and currently serving on the board of trustees for her town library.
While her influence in education is profound, Susen’s transition to writing has allowed her to channel her passion into storytelling that reflects deep human truths. Her novels—“Lookin’ for Love,” “What a Trip,” and the children’s fantasy “Doctor Whisper and Nurse Willow”—demonstrate her ability to craft narratives that resonate with readers on an emotional level. Her writing is shaped by her diverse experiences, encounters with people from all walks of life, and a keen understanding of the complexities of the human spirit.
Transforming a True Story into Fiction
One of her most compelling works, “Lookin’ for Love,” is a powerful novel based on a real-life story that unfolds through the eyes of Ava Stanton, a woman who endured decades of hardship, addiction, and redemption. Susen’s journey to capturing Ava’s story was deeply personal—rooted in long conversations, pauses for healing, and a commitment to preserving the raw truth while shaping it into a literary experience.
Initially, Ava’s emotional wounds made it difficult to revisit her past. The weight of her trauma forced a temporary halt to their discussions, yet when Ava was ready to continue, the depth of her reflections added a profound richness to the novel. Susen took great care to protect Ava’s identity while ensuring the integrity of her journey remained intact.
In translating reality into fiction, she created immersive settings, authentic dialogue, and nuanced characters that brought Ava’s story to life. The challenge of balancing the darkness of addiction and crime with themes of faith and hope was something Susen navigated with sensitivity. She acknowledges that societal structures decades ago offered few resources for women in distress, making Ava’s survival and eventual transformation even more remarkable.
A Message of Hope and Strength
For Susen, Ava’s journey reinforced a universal truth: it is never too late to seek healing and transformation. Whether through faith, self-discovery, or inner strength, her novel underscores the resilience of the human spirit. Ava’s story is a reminder that self-love is essential, and without it, one will continue searching for fulfillment in all the wrong places.
Beyond her novels, Susen’s dedication to storytelling remains driven by empathy and a desire to shed light on untold experiences. She believes that literature has the power to inspire change, broaden perspectives, and provide solace to those who see their struggles reflected in the pages of a book.
Through her work, Susen Edwards continues to weave narratives that transcend fiction—they are, at their core, reflections of life’s struggles and triumphs, crafted with deep compassion and unwavering honesty.
