Suzanne Scott Tomita: 'Once you are clear about your writing project and honour your creativity, you will be amazed at the outcome'
BY Maya Fernandes
20th Feb 2025
Suzanne Scott Tomita was a student on our Write to the End of Your Novel course in 2023. We caught up to discuss her debut novel, Until Even the Angels – out now from Penguin Random House SEA.
Read on to hear about the inspiration behind Suzanne’s novel, her writing routine and tips for aspiring authors.
Suzanne, you were a student on our Write to the End of Your Novel course in 2023. How did studying with us shape the way you approach your writing now?
The Write to the End of Your Novel online course was exactly what I needed to encourage me to keep moving forward with my manuscript. The CBC courses are like having dedicated trainers or coaches to help you focus on your writing goals. Everyone needs a good coach.
Your debut novel, Until Even The Angels, is out now with Penguin Random House. It’s a literary crime novel touching on issues of class division and evolving friendships in a rapidly changing world. Can you tell us a bit more about the book and the inspiration behind it?
I was born in Tunisia and raised in Venezuela, Germany, Indonesia, Canada and Australia. These diverse cultural experiences have greatly influenced my curiosity and imagination. Fifteen years ago, I moved to Singapore with my young family, where walks around the British colonial homes (called black and whites) led me to imagine the lives of the people who lived, loved and worked within them. I love history and architecture and I was drawn to a particular grand mansion on a street called Mount Rosie Road. I began to imagine the characters of Mei Mei, Honour and Pash, whose complex relationships drive the heart of the novel. Over the following 15 years, I continued to hear the voice of my protagonist Mei Mei demanding me to tell her story. Included in the book is a brush with a historical incident which helps anchor the novel in time.
Until Even The Angels is set between post-colonial Singapore and modern-day London. How do these locations have an influence on the story's dynamics?
Great question. The book starts with lush descriptions of a 1950’s Singapore that was deeply divided by class and race. British Detective, Ayehsa Nur, leads the investigation surrounding an attempted assassination, and a missing child, and the reader is in for a page turner that brings a London-based detective to Singapore to uncover the mystery behind the crime.
What does a typical day of writing look like for you?
There is no typical day as I am a gold medal procrastinator! But there are days when I feel like I have honoured the creative process, respected the craft and worked hard on a scene, dialogue or plot line. Those are really good days. A perfect writing day begins with exercise in nature, good coffee and dedicated time for me to be still, find the voice of my character and drop into their thoughts and desires.
What novel do you most frequently find yourself recommending to others?
Shark Heart by Emily Habeck. It is stunning. A true love story.
Do you have any tips for the aspiring authors reading this who are thinking of applying to a writing course?
One hundred percent GO FOR IT. Sign-up, register. And not just once, make it a habit, like working out. Once you are clear about your writing project and honour your creativity, you will be amazed at the outcome. Build community. This is critical for you to stay connected to your craft. And be kind to yourself as what you are experiencing is powerful and important.
And finally, what’s next for your writing journey?
I am super excited that my book is available in Singapore, UK, EU, Canada and the US and am working with my publicist on author talks and social media marketing. I also can’t wait to dedicate my imagination and curiosity to my next novel. Every writer’s journey is different, and I am looking for an agent interested in reading my next manuscript.
Get your hands on a copy of Until Even the Angels.
The books linked in this blog can be found on our Bookshop.org shop front. Curtis Brown Creative receive 10% whenever someone buys from our bookshop.org page.