Author Interview – Suzan Mutesi – Love Beyond 30s

On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, author Suzan Mutesi talks about her new book, Love Beyond 30s, in which red flags fly high, Wi-Fi is more reliable than love, and a squad of friends navigate ghosting, existential crises, and the pursuit of true love.

 

Written by JJ Barnes

www.jjbarnes.co.uk

I interviewed Suzan Mutesi about her life and career, what inspired the story of her new book, Love Beyond 30s, and her creative writing process.

When did you first WANT to write a book?

I wanted to write a book because writing became my way of healing and finding strength. Growing up, I faced bullying that left me feeling isolated, powerless, and misunderstood. Writing was the one place where I could be myself, process my emotions, and escape into a world where I had control over the narrative. It started as a private outlet to make sense of my experiences, but over time, I realized how powerful storytelling can be—not just for me, but for others.

I began to see writing as a way to turn pain into purpose, to create something meaningful out of what I had been through. It was a way to reclaim my voice and share stories that could resonate with others, helping them feel seen, understood, and inspired to overcome their own struggles. That’s what led me to write my book—not just as a personal journey, but as a message of hope for anyone who has ever felt silenced or defeated.

When did you take a step to start writing?

I took the first step to start writing when I realized I had stories and experiences that needed to be shared. It was during a particularly reflective moment in my life when I felt ready to face my past and transform it into something positive. I remember sitting down with a notebook one evening, just pouring my thoughts onto paper—it wasn’t perfect, but it was the beginning.

As I kept writing, the process became therapeutic and empowering, and I knew I wanted to shape those ideas into something bigger. That’s when I decided to outline my first book, taking my personal reflections and turning them into a story that could inspire others.

How long did it take you to complete your first book from the first idea to release?

It took me about [4 years] from the first idea to the release of Memoir “The immigrant that found an apologetic voice”. The journey wasn’t a straight path—it started with brainstorming and jotting down ideas, which gradually evolved into a structured story.

Writing the book itself took a significant amount of time, as I wanted to ensure it captured my experiences and message authentically. After finishing the manuscript, I went through rounds of editing, feedback, and revisions to make it the best it could be. The publishing process added another layer of preparation, from designing the cover to marketing the release.

Altogether, it was a challenging but rewarding process that taught me patience, perseverance, and the power of storytelling. Looking back, every step was worth it to see my vision come to life and share it with the world.

How long did it take you to complete your latest book from the first idea to release?

It took me about four years from the first idea to the release of my first book. The journey was anything but linear—it began with me jotting down ideas and reflections, which slowly grew into a structured story. Writing the manuscript was a deeply personal process, as I wanted to ensure the story was authentic and meaningful.

After completing the first draft, I spent months revising and refining it, going through rounds of feedback and editing to make it the best it could be
Looking back, those four years were a mix of challenges and triumphs, but they taught me so much about patience, resilience, and the importance of sharing your truth. Seeing the finished book in my hands made every step of the journey worth it.

Focusing on your latest release. What made you want to write Love Beyond 30s?

Writing Love Beyond 30s was my own journey and the experiences of so many women around me navigating love, dating, and self-discovery in their 30s. I noticed that this stage of life brings unique challenges—balancing career ambitions, societal pressures, and personal growth while trying to find meaningful connections.

For me, this book was a way to explore those stories, both the humorous and the heartfelt, while addressing the universal struggles of modern dating—like ghosting, dating apps, and the occasional existential crisis over a glass of wine. Through the characters, I wanted to show the beauty of self-love and the importance of defining happiness on your own terms.

Ultimately, I wrote this book to empower anyone who has ever felt disheartened in their search for love. It’s a reminder that the most important love story you’ll ever write is the one you create with yourself.

What were your biggest challenges with writing Love Beyond 30s?

Trying to balance authenticity with relatability. I wanted to make sure the stories reflected the realities of modern dating while staying true to my voice and experiences. It wasn’t always easy to dive deep into personal themes, like vulnerability and societal pressures, without feeling exposed.

Another challenge was creating characters and situations that felt fresh and engaging while still resonating with readers. I spent a lot of time refining the balance between humour and heartfelt moments, making sure the tone felt honest but also uplifting.

On the technical side, navigating the structure and pacing of the book was tricky. I had to ensure each character’s journey was compelling and interconnected, all while delivering a cohesive and entertaining story.

Despite the challenges, writing this book was a rewarding process that taught me patience, resilience, and the importance of trusting the creative journey.

Who or what inspired you when creating your Protagonist/s?

The protagonists in Love Beyond 30s were inspired by a blend of real-life experiences—both my own and those of the amazing women around me. Each character represents a different perspective on love and dating in your 30s, and I drew from conversations, observations, and personal reflections to bring them to life.

Rachel, for instance, was inspired by women navigating the financial and emotional pressures of dating in a city like Sydney, where the cost of living adds another layer of complexity to relationships. Bianca reflects the exhaustion many feel after endless swiping and shallow connections on dating apps. And Suzan? She represents the journey of self-love, confidence, and the courage to wait for someone who truly matches your energy.

Tom, one of the key characters in Love Beyond 30s, was inspired by the idea of someone who represents both the allure and challenges of modern relationships. He’s charming, successful, and seemingly has it all together, but as the story unfolds, we see his own vulnerabilities and struggles with commitment.

Tom embodies the complexities of dating someone who appears perfect on paper but has layers that make the relationship anything but straightforward. His character was inspired by real-life experiences of encountering people who challenge you to reevaluate your own expectations and emotional boundaries.

Through Tom, I wanted to explore the idea that love isn’t always about finding the ‘perfect’ person but about understanding yourself and what you truly want in a partner. His interactions with the protagonists add depth, humour, and a touch of realism to the story, making him a memorable part of their journeys.

Ultimately, these characters are a celebration of resilience, humour, and the beauty of redefining love on your own terms. They’re a tribute to anyone who has ever felt the ups and downs of searching for connection in today’s world.

What is the first piece of writing advice you would give to anyone inspired to write a story?

My first piece of advice to anyone inspired to write a story is: just start writing. Don’t wait for the perfect idea, the perfect moment, or for everything to make sense. The magic happens when you put your thoughts on paper, no matter how messy or incomplete they feel.

Allow yourself the freedom to explore your creativity without judgment—your first draft doesn’t have to be perfect; it just has to exist. Write from a place of honesty and passion, and don’t be afraid to pour your heart into it.

Remember, storytelling is about connection, so focus on what you want to say and why it matters to you. The rest—structure, editing, and polishing—can come later. The most important step is taking that leap and believing in your voice.

Can you give me a hint about any further books you’re planning to write?

I don’t have a concrete plan for my next book yet, but I have a strong feeling it could be a Love Beyond 30s part two. There’s still so much to explore in the world of modern dating, especially as relationships evolve and new challenges arise. A sequel could delve deeper into the lives of the characters readers have grown to love, following their journeys as they navigate new stages of love, career, and personal growth.

Perhaps Rachel, Bianca, and Suzan face unexpected twists in their lives—like marriage, heartbreak, or even starting over in their 40s. It could explore the complexities of love later in life, blended families, and how past experiences shape future relationships.

There’s something compelling about showing how love, in all its forms, continues to evolve as we do. A part two would allow me to keep the humour, heart, and relatability that made Love Beyond 30s resonate with readers while taking the story to new heights. It’s an exciting possibility!”

And, finally, are your proud of your accomplishment and what do you hope to share with your readers?

I’m incredibly proud of this accomplishment. Writing Love Beyond 30s was not just a creative journey but also a deeply personal one. It feels amazing to see my experiences and stories come to life in a way that resonates with others. This book represents so much more than just words on a page—it’s a celebration of resilience, self-discovery, and the power of love in all its forms.

What I hope to share with my readers is a sense of connection and encouragement. I want them to know they’re not alone in navigating the challenges of love, dating, and life. Through the characters’ journeys, I hope to inspire readers to embrace their own unique paths, find laughter in the chaos, and, most importantly, prioritize self-love.

It’s my way of saying, ‘No matter where you are in life or love, your story matters, and it’s never too late to create something beautiful for yourself.’

Pop all your book, website, and social media links here so the readers can find you:

Kindle: https://amzn.to/3ZXQTVQ

Paperback: https://amzn.to/4024nzZ

Apple Audiobook: https://apple.co/41EboYL

Follow Suzan on Instagram: @suzan_mutesi

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