Susan was born in Crickhowell, Wales, and grew up in southwest Scotland. 

She began her career as a magazine journalist and editor in Amsterdam and London. She graduated from Bristol University, UK with honors in History, and subsequently undertook further studies in history at Oxford University. Susan also holds a Master’s degree in Theology from the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley and Diploma in Spiritual Direction from the University of Redlands, Seminary in San Anselmo.

She currently lives in the Napa Valley, California where she enjoys contributing to her community, spending time with her grandchildren, and of course, writing.