AUTHOR AUTHOR: SUSAN FLETT SWIDERSKI

Gentle Readers . . . and Maxwell,

I welcome you to an interview with Susan Flett Swiderski, who blogs at I Think; Therefore, I Yam, and is the author of the recently released novel, Hot Flashes & Cold Lemonade, available from Amazon at  http://www.amazon.com/Flashes-Lemonade-Susan-Flett-Swiderski/dp/148489071X.

Take a gander at Susan:

And here's her delightful book:

On with the interview:

Q. What was the very first idea you had that got you started on this book?

A. It began with the premise of two women, one black and one white, who are lifelong best friends. It tickled my sense of whimsy to pick names more commonly associated with one race and do a switcheroo. Ergo, the white gal became Pearl, and the black gal, Candy. The story built layer by layer from there.

Q. What's your writing process like? Did it change as you worked on the novel?

A. I started with a basic (very basic) outline of what I wanted to happen, chapter by chapter, and then began filling in all the empty spaces by writing the stories from points A to B in longhand. Needless to say, I went through a lot of notebooks, but my brain seemed to function better with a pen in my hand than by staring at a blank computer screen. When I typed each chapter into my (believe it or not) Apple IIE, I did the first edits as I went along. Since so many years elapsed since that first draft and the day I pulled it out of the closet and decided to scan it into my PC and give it another go, I’ve become more comfortable doing edits and rewrites directly in the computer. Even so, when I get stuck, I still revert to paper and pen.

Q.    What have you learned about publishing a book that might be helpful to other writers?

A. If you aren’t qualified to design a topnotch cover and do a professional formatting job, pay someone who is.  If you aren’t a pain-in-the-patootie stickler for proper spelling and grammar, (like I am) consider hiring a professional editor, as well.  Nothing will ruin an otherwise good story faster than lousy formatting and poor editing.

Q.    How much of you is in Pearl, or in other characters? Is Pearl's family based on your family, or on people you've known?

A. Pearl is unique in some ways, but I also think of her as Everywoman. She and I share many common traits, but I think most women will see something of themselves in her. By the same token, many male readers seem to be identifying with George. No characters are directly based on people I’ve known, but I think most writers borrow memorable attributes, whether good or bad, from people who’ve made an impression on them.

Q.    If the book were made into a movie, and you got to choose the actors, whom would you pick?

A. I’m gonna punt this one right back atcha. Once upon a time, I imagined Jane Fonda as Pearl, but unlike us, she’s gotten older, and would no longer fit the part. I don’t watch enough movies to be up-to-date on actors, so you guys tell me. Here’s what we need in three 50-something roles: a short attractive blonde to play Pearl; a tall slender black woman with chocolate-colored skin, almond-shaped eyes and short Afro… oh, and of regal bearing and grace, to play Candy; a tall man with a lot more face to wash than there used to be, (i.e. balding) thickening around the middle, with a boyish grin. All need to be equally adept at playing comedic and dramatic roles. Lots more roles, but let’s leave it at these three. (Unless you have some scathingly brilliant ideas, Janie.)

Jane Junebug says: I would cast Meryl Streep as Pearl because only the best will do for this part. I think Viola Davis would be great as Candy. How about Tommy Lee Jones for George? 

Q.  Are you working on another book? If you are, please tell us a little about what we can expect in the future. 

A. Yes, and it’s a lot more ambitious than this one. Depending on how it plays out, Blast Rites (tentative title) may turn out to be three books, or one long-assed book split into three parts. In the first part, a man lies his way into the good graces of a Korean War widow, who refuses to believe her daughter Samantha’s complaints about him. When he dies in a mysterious explosion, Mom blames Sam for his death. Part two takes place during Sam’s stay in a girls’ reform school. What’s totally cool is not only have I found info about a reform school that existed in Maryland during the time frame of my story, but have found and joined an online group with women who were actually in there! (How cool is that?) The third part takes place after Sam is released from the reform school, and becomes a student at the University of Maryland. I have some reeeeally delicious twists planned for this last part.

Q.  Who are your favorite writers and what are your favorite books?

A. That would be a very long list. Just to name a handful: Michael Crichton, Jodi Picault, Iris Johansen, Stuart Woods, (more his earlier stuff than recent) Tami Hoag, and Anne Tyler. LOTS, lots more.  I love a bazillion books, but one of my favorites is A Prayer for Owen Meany , by John Irving. The brilliant way he tied up all the story lines at the end had me all but cheering.

Q.  I think you're very witty. Does your family think you're funny, or do they roll your eyes when you say something hilarious? 

A. I’ve been known to get a few eye rolls and groans from them, but for the most part, they’re an appreciative audience.

Q.  Do you laugh at your own jokes?

A. Heck, yeah! But it’s also a lot of fun to say something outrageous with a deadpan expression.  Like one time, my mother and I were sitting side-by-side on the sofa with our feet resting on the coffee table. Everybody was just sitting around watching television, no talking. Boooooring. So I turned to my mother and said, “Are my feet in your way?” She said no, so I moved my feet a teensy bit, and said, “Are they in your way now?” Again, she said no, so I moved them again. When I asked the third time, she cracked up.  And popped me one. 

Thank you, Susan, for answering my questions. Gentle Readers, if you don't follow Susan at I Think; Therefore, I Yam, then I think you'll want to start. Now. Check her out. She's so funny and interesting.

On Wednesday, I'll review her novel, Hot Flashes & Cold Lemonade, available from Amazon at  http://www.amazon.com/Flashes-Lemonade-Susan-Flett-Swiderski/dp/148489071X. Hint: I loved it.

Infinities of love,

Janie Junebug