Susan Wiggs

By Alicia in Authors on Jan 30, 2010

Susan Wiggs is an American author who writes historical and romance novels. She realized her love for writing at a young age, but didn't pursue her craft full time until after taking a few years to pursue a career in teaching. It didn't take long for her love of writing to out weigh the monetary benefits of teaching; her first novel Texas Wildfire was released in 1987 and she has since gone on to release over 70 novels.

To learn more about Susan and see a book listing, check out her Website.

You dabbled in writing as a young adult but ultimately ended up being a math teacher. What brought you back to writing?

I never really left writing, but an aspiring writer needs a job—and a life! The whole time I was teaching, I was a "night" writer. I never stopped striving.

Since you switched to being an author full time, have you had an regrets about your decision?

I suppose I felt a twinge when I was looking at the bank balance and wondering if a family really could live in the back of a car! Seriously, I don’t have regrets. When you abandon a secure job, the stakes are raised immeasurably, but so is your motivation.

Writing a novel can be a daunting task. How do you spread out your preparations and writing so you do not overwhelm yourself during the process?

I do lots of pre-planning, and I tackle the book one day at a time, like a bricklayer. It helps to have an active, vibrant, smart critique group. Knowing I want to give them material to read keeps me on track.

Your latest book, The Summer Hidaway (#7 in the Lakeshore Chronicles) will be released in February. Can you give us a preview of what this story will hold?

The Summer Hideaway is one of the most challenging stories I've written, simply because each character brought so much into the picture. Okay, baggage. I admit it, they have baggage. But it's very entertaining baggage, and a meaningful journey.

First we have Claire, who is in a witness protection program and destined to stay in hiding for the rest of her life. Claire has chosen a life of isolation, providing end-of-life care for people. Her current client is George Bellamy, who I think has the potential to become a real reader favorite. At the end of his life, George wants to return to the place where he found his greatest happiness, the place where his story beganÐCamp Kioga, on Willow Lake. Despite his circumstances, he's learned to face things with love and laughter.

George is also determined to look after the people he loves, chief among them, his grandson Ross Bellamy, newly back from war and dealing with all the leftover fallout from his service as a medevac chopper pilot. I've always believed a the grandparent/grandchild relationship to possess a special magic, and this is what The Summer Hideaway celebrates in these two men. There is nothing Ross won't do for him.

Except fall in love. Because of course, that's what lies at the heart of The Summer Hideaway, a grand love story involving two unlikely people determined to resist getting involved at all costs. And of course, the more they resist, the more we root for them.

Do you see the Lakeshore Chronicles coming to an end soon or do you still see many stories left to be told at Willow Lake?

I keep thinking there’s an end somewhere, but each time I write a new Lakeshore novel, a new character or situation arises that I’m dying to write about! I’m currently at work on #8, and I’ve already "met" someone new in that book who probably needs a book of her own!

What is the reasoning behind writing a series vs. a standalone book?

Writing a series is a gift to both the writer and the reader. You get to explore new people and situations in an established milieu. A stand-alone book feels different for the writer. You have to tell the story in its entirety and there are no do-overs. I enjoy both.

Do you start writing intending to create a series, or do they sometimes form during the writing process?

I’ve had it work both ways. The Calhoun books (historical romances) just sort of evolved organically around a family, so there was no pre-planning. The Lakeshore books, on the other hand, were always conceived as a series.

The title of a book is just as important as the words insides. What process is involved in titling a book?

I usually think up something I love, and then my publisher changes it. I’m usually okay with that. A title means something different to the author than it does to, say, a publisher’s sales and marketing. They’re thinking about the whole package, the look and tone. In commercial fiction, you aim for mass appeal, so although I might complain, I’m usually happy with the results. I’m happy to say THE SUMMER HIDEAWAY was my original title and it stuck!

Who or what determines the order in which you will write a particular book?

It’s a collaborative decision between my editor, my agent and me. We try to create a publishing schedule that will be exciting to readers and a humane work schedule for me.

Many authors find that writings stories causes them to never want to touch a book in their personal lives, where many find that their writing abilities only fuels their desire to read. What type of person are you?

I’m a die-hard voracious reader. I can’t imagine not reading. All the writers I know are big readers.

Being a novelist can at times feel very isolating. Does the task of writing cause you to be more solitary or social in your personal life?

I really strive for balance. When I’m not writing, I try to keep up an active social life through friendships, hobbies and sports. My girlfriends are my support system!

During the writing workshops that you teach, what can one expect to learn? Are these workshops for all skill levels?

Most of the workshops I teach are for writers at any stage of their career. Participants tend to absorb what’s useful to them. I would say the chief lesson people take away is that success comes when you merge passion, inspiration, and a diligent attention to craft.

What are the first steps that someone should take if they want to become an author?

Read, read, read. Analyze your favorite novels and study your craft. And then write, a lot, with verve and passion. Finish what you start, and start on something new.

What are some of the most common mistakes that you have seen new authors make?

Not being broadly enough read, not studying their craft, not listening to constructive advice and criticism, and being too restrained about their passion.

What advice would you have for someone who wished to become an author?

Put everything on the page. Write all the time, about things you deeply believe and things you love. Don’t make the mistake of thinking it’s easy, just commit yourself to doing the work. Do it with a full heart and love what you do.

Purchase Books by Susan

The Summer Hideaway (The Lakeshore Chronicles)

Preorder Susan's latest novel, released on February 23, 2010.

Do you enjoy reading?

Check out this great interview with author David Baldacci and see if his books interest you as much as Susan's do!

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