About Me & Bitter Lily Books

Susan Quilty, author and founder of Bitter Lily Books, LLC

Susan Quilty

Indie Author

Susan Quilty writes novels for both adult and young adult readers. Her stories are grounded in reality yet often feature science fiction, fantasy, or psychological twists. She also hosts Freely Written, a short story podcast.

Questions? Contact Me

My Story

Some of my earliest memories are of writing my own stories and dreaming of being a novelist. Yet life led me through earlier careers, first in the field of computers, and later as a freelance writer.

My fiction writing had become a lifelong side-project and I was tired of private dabbling. In 2016, I buckled down and finished writing my first novel, The Insistence of Memory.

After about a year of navigating traditional publishing options, I decided to switch gears and try my chances with self-publishing. I published The Insistence of Memory in 2017 and my second novel, To the Left of Death the following year.

Since then, I’ve branched into young adult fiction with The Psychic Traveler Society series and added some quirky fun with my Twist Your Fiction Storybook: Audrey & Esther Geekify Greenville.

In 2021, I launched my Freely Written podcast. It began as a fun way to practice narration for future audiobooks and now provides a regular outlet for some spontaneous creativity.

Beyond writing, I have practiced yoga in various forms for about 20 years and have taught yoga since 2015. I hope to someday write a book that shares some of the lessons I’ve learned on and off my yoga mat.

Bitter Lily Books, LLC Logo. A drawing of a lily growing out of an open book.

Bitter Lily Books, LLC

Publishing Company

Founded in 2019

Bitter Lily Books, LLC

Beginning in 2020, my books will be published through my new publishing company, Bitter Lily Books, LLC.

I began Bitter Lily Books as part of my plan to expand my reach and attend more book fairs and conventions. Of course, that was pre-pandemic. My plans for public events are largely on hold, though I will continue to offer signings when safe opportunities come up.

I’ve recently created a merch shop as well, where you can buy some shirts and accessories to support my writing and express your love of reading.

Fun fact: As a kid (pre-internet era), I used a baby name book to come up with character names. When I looked up my own name, it said Susan meant lily and Marie meant bitter. I liked the sound of Bitter Lily and finally found a place to use it!

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Your reviews and support help more than you can possibly know!