About Me.

My Philosophy

As a writer, I offer literature that inspires imagination, ignites critical thinking, and illuminates knowledge by presenting ethical situations in the form of a story. Through my stories, readers become engaged in the dialogue of the characters rather than just being an observer.

Although my stories infuse adventure, suspense, light romance, drama, and humor, they stay within the guidelines of what is acceptable for a general audience. I strive to create a literary environment that provokes thoughtful and ethical discussion, while providing accessible literature for all ages.

My writing has expanded into writing screenplays for television. I hope to see my screenplays produced by a streaming platform someday, which are best suited for family and faith-based audiences where I apply the same values as mentioned above.

Enjoy the journey!
Suzanne Y. Saunders, Author & Educator

Tobiano Publishing & Painted Horse Productions

Awards

My novel, "Vines: A Gripping Tale," was selected by the Library Journal as a SELFe pick, and it won the second round for the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award in Fantasy. My screenplay "Christmas Coffee" was a semi-finalist for Page Turner and a quarter-finalist in the Emerging Screenwriters contest. Two other screenplays, "Christmas Redemption" and "Coffee Fellowship" were awarded quarter-finalists with Page Turner, and a short screenplay I wrote, "Recovered Memories," placed as a quarter finalist with the Palm Springs Women in Film competition.

Background

• Certificate in Television Writing, UCLA

• M.A. in Literature and Writing Studies

• B.A. in Literature and Writing Studies

• B.A. in Business Administration

• A.A. in Radio and Television Production