Susan J. Hetrick grew up on the east coast , and has also lived in Las Vegas, and in a trailer on an ostrich ranch in Texas, before settling in Arizona. She was a freelance art critic for many years, and has written children's books, magazine articles, art and dance reviews, and poetry. She is an abstract painter, scuba diver and a devoted Christian. Currently, Susan lives in Scottsdale, Arizona, with her husband David, and their four teenage children.

Susan earned her M.Div. in Counseling and Family Ministry from Phoenix Seminary while her own family was blending, giving her the opportunity to test the concepts in her book, Advice from the Blender: What to know before you blend so nobody gets creamed. (2007, Xulon Press)

With more than nineteen years experience as a mom and more than eight years experience as a stepmom, Susan has a unique understanding of the challenges facing Christian stepfamilies today. She continues to write and is a sought-after speaker on a varity of Blending Family topics.