This piece was originally published in the April-July 2019 issue of our journal, Vol. 5, Issue 1: Women of West TN.

We’ve all been there: mindlessly scrolling through Facebook only to be caught completely off-guard by a disturbing photo, a shocking headline, or an ignorant comment. It’s pretty common these days to interact with social media a bit like a minefield, but it’s rare for those “explosions” to produce laughter and “amen.”

Susannah B. Lewis is one of these unique Facebook-dwellers, and I’ll never forget the day I first stumbled across this striking blonde with a smart mouth speaking some things that needed saying. I was a little mesmerized, I must admit; it isn’t often you find someone with such an unapologetically Southern drawl who seems unfettered by the Bible Belt’s nice church lady expectations. Susannah is Susannah, and she ain’t trying to be anybody else.

That confidence coupled with her sharp wit and unmatched comedic timing were what initially drew me in, but the story of losing her own mom while she was still trying to learn how to be one herself—that’s what made me listen. And I’m guessing it’s what has kept her Facebook fan base of 1.2 million on their toes for words of truth for both the moments of tears and those of laughter.

So you can imagine my excitement when I got the opportunity to interview Whoa! Susannah herself to learn more about her life, career, and recently launched book. And as luck would have it, our conversation took place on the very day she welcomed her third baby to the world.

What was your early life like?

I grew up in Brownsville and attended Haywood County public schools. I have a brother, Keith, and sister, Carmen. I was involved in sports and extracurriculars until about ninth grade when I dumped it all to spend my free time writing and entering short story contests weekly. I majored in English at Jackson State Community College and received a Bachelor’s in Business Management from Bethel University in McKenzie.

Did you always see yourself settling down to raise a family in West Tennessee? What has kept you rooted here?

Because of my Stephen King obsession, I wanted to live in Maine. However, I’m Southern through and through and would probably end up back in the South. (I’m more of a catfish girl than a lobster one. A vacation home in Maine would be pretty cool, though!) I stuck around West Tennessee because I wanted to stay close to my mother and family.

Who were you before we knew you as Whoa! Susannah?

I was pretty much the same person—I just wrote in a private journal instead of online.

What was the catalyst for finding your voice in the world?

I knew writing was more than just a hobby when my daddy died of a heart attack when I was eleven. Writing was cathartic. I had to release my feelings, and writing has always been my voice.

When did you realize that you are funny?

I didn’t know I was!

“I say what others are thinking. I’m not afraid to let people know I’m a mess-up.”

— Susannah B. Lewis

How do you overcome negative feedback?

I’ve grown an incredibly thick skin since starting my blog in 2012. What people think of me is none of my business and my self-worth is found solely in Christ and who He says I am.

Who has been your biggest cheerleader?

My mother was until the day she died. I’m also blessed with in-laws and extended family and a close group of friends who always encourage me. My dogs also think I’m cool.

What was your reaction when Whoa! Susannah went viral?

I sat in my kitchen eating a cheeseburger and shook my head in shock.

Where does your inspiration for your hilarious videos come from?

Everyday life is my inspiration. This world and the people in it are funny! I rarely think it through before I record a video. I just say what comes to mind and hope it doesn’t backfire in my face.

Why do you think your work resonates with so many people?

I think I’m relatable. I say what others are thinking. I’m not afraid to let people know I’m a mess-up. I’m human and make mistakes.

It seems like there was a point at which you started to be more intentional about sharing your faith. Was that something you decided, or did it happen organically?

I decided this after my mother suddenly passed in 2015. I knew I was called to tell others about the hope and comfort found only in Him. The inspiration for [my latest book] was my mother’s passing and finding hope and humor in life’s disappointments—beauty from ashes and purpose in pain.

Susannah’s latest book, Can’t Make This Stuff Up!: Finding the Upside to Life’s Downs, was released on April 9, and you can order it and check out more Whoa! Susannah content on her website.