You all know that I love a good book so when I was asked if I wanted a preview copy of Susan Lewis’ new book ‘One Day at a Time’ I obviously said yes!! I’m not sure if you’ve heard of Susan but I’m pretty sure that you will have seen one of her 25 odd best sellers on the shelves of most book stores and supermarkets.
Susan’s latest book, One Day at a Time, which is released this Thursday, 10th November is a memoir of Susan’s childhood and describes the heartbreak of her losing her Mother (review to follow). In the run up to the book being released I was lucky enough to chat with Susan about the book and to ask her a few writer type questions!!!
The second part of your memoir, One Day at a Time, is due for release in November. Was it a difficult or emotional book to write?
It was both very difficult and incredibly emotional mainly because of how hard it was for my father back then. Trying to cope with a troubled (nightmarish, totally out of control, but bereaved) teenager, while still grieving for the wife he loved so much must have been hell. Reading through his old diaries and his descriptions of loneliness while I was pulling the book together was absolutely heartbreaking. Fortunately there were some lovely witty entries too, and his usual ramblings about class, communism, literature, and anything else on his mind that day.
You’ve lived in some exciting places. What’s your favourite story from your time in Hollywood?
That has to be the time that my dog, Casanova (the great seducer of the canine world) became a little confused and broke into George Clooney’s garden to go after George’s pot-bellied pig. Unfortunately – or fortunately - the gorgeous man wasn’t at home at the time, but I did see him at a premiere a few days later when I apologized. He was very amused, having not heard anything about it until then, and he assured me there wouldn’t be any paternity suits.
How did you become a writer?
I started out in TV production and was very interested in becoming a producer. When I asked the controller of drama at Thames TV for his he suggested I write. And so I managed to write my way out of television into publishing.
Which book was the hardest to finish and why?
To be honest I haven’t found any of them particularly hard to finish. Sometimes there’s a problem in the middle when I fear I’ve lost the plot, so to speak. Then I have to go back to the beginning and work it all over again.
Which is your favourite book?
I have a few favourites – A French Affair and Darkest Longings because they’re set in France; Missing, The Choice and Stolen because of how well they’ve connected with readers. And of course Just One More Day and One Day at a Time because they’re about my mum and dad.
How do you deal with writers block?
I take a break, sometimes for a day or two, in order to recharge. Thankfully I usually find that works.
Do you have a special writing area where you get into the zone or can you write anywhere?
I absolutely have to write in my study at home. If I’m anywhere else I simply make notes.
Has your writing changed over the years?
It’s probably changed quite a lot considering how long I’ve been doing it, hopefully for the better!! The stories themselves have certainly changed, but that’s probably because I’m so much older. Having said that, my characters are still quite young with the exception of those in Forgotten as the kind of story it is would only work with older characters.
Who do you write for?
I think my books are mainly for those who enjoy a good escapist read, but want more depth than fluff. I almost always add a twist that of plays havoc with the emotions.
I am lucky enough to have four copies of One Day at a Time to give away so check my review blog tomorrow to find out how to enter :-) Should you want to find out more about Susan in the meantime you can check out her Facebook or web page.
