Penticton author Susan Lane has just published her first book, 'Secrets.'

Image Credit: SUBMITTED / Susan Lane

Penticton has a new author in its midst following last week’s release of the book “Secrets” by London’s Olympia publishers.

Susan Lane (Dutrizac) says the release date of March 26 didn’t seem like the best timing to publish, but she is finding the COVID-19 pandemic may not be a big impediment to sales after all.

“I had book readings and signings planned that were all cancelled, and I thought, 'oh no!'” Lane said in a telephone interview today, March 31.

“Then, all of sudden I’m like, 'oh, people are buying my book because they have nothing to do,'” she says.

Lane knows how difficult the book publishing world is, and is grateful to see her book published.

“There are a lot of books out there. Amazon has over 8 million titles listed right now,” she says. "I’m taking my publisher’s advice and working very hard at an online presence and to develop community roots in writing on Twitter and Facebook. I’m finding so far that has been successful,” she says.

Lane was excited to find Amazon sites in the United Kingdom and here in Canada list the book as sold out, although there are copies available in the United States.

"I find that’s a bit odd but my publisher says they have more. I can’t understand it all, but the world’s in chaos right now, so I don’t always expect to understand it,” she says.

Lane has been writing seriously since she was in her 30s.

“The rejections just break your spirit. The lesson is never give up, just keep trying,” she says.

Lane originally began writing poetry, coming from a family of poets and artists that include Canadian poet Patrick Lane, who passed away a year ago.

“He was my mentor,” Lane says.

Lane had some initial writing success in her early years, but then life turned in a different direction as she married and had kids.

She was working as manager of a corporate Penticton paint store when head office closed the branch, leaving Lane wondering what to do next.

'Secrets' by Susan Lane.

Image Credit: SUBMITTED

“My husband suggested doing something with all the writing I have on my computer,” she says, eventually submitting “Secrets” to her publisher.

The book is a collection of short stories. Lane said she pitched the idea to Olympia under the premise of providing a short, exciting read for people who have some, but not a lot of time, on their hands.

“I got the idea one night while looking for reading material before going to bed. I didn’t want to read a lengthy novel that would keep me up reading all night. A few pages would do. I just wanted a short, quick exciting read I could finish and go to sleep,” she says.

Lane calls “Secrets” a diversely themed, eclectic collection of stories. One story is about an abused wife and a murder, another story about people trapped as a forest fire heads toward their home.

“There’s tragic stories and feel good stories about unsung heroes and people struggling to come to terms with gender and who they are. It’s handy reading for a lot of situations where people have a bit of time on their hands,” she says.

Lane's passion for writing stems from a curiosity about people.

“People interest me. I can walk up to a stranger and just start talking to them. I’m always interested. It makes my husband crazy, standing in line having a conversation with the cashier because I really want to hear about her day,” Lane says.

“Maybe she’s going to give me some little tidbit that’s gonna make me go ‘whoa,’ and I’ll finish the story in my head,” she says.

Lane says her book hasn’t been distributed locally, as most bookshops are closed, and the book was just released last week.

Those wishing to buy physical copies of the book can order online through Amazon, searching for ‘Secrets’ by Susan M. Lane, or they can purchase it through the publisher's website.

She also has a website where readers can find excerpts from her book as well as a short story from her next work presently up for consideration by her publisher.

Lane was born in Kamloops, but now lives in Penticton with her husband. She was raised in Penticton and Vernon and returned to the Okanagan after a lengthy sojourn in MacKenzie, north of Prince George.

“My directive was always to get back to the sunshine of the Okanagan. There’s no finer life than this. I love Penticton,” Lane says.

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