Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Susan Wiggs is full of heart and has a book to give away

Interview and introduction by Tracey Meyers

**Giveaway is now closed**

Blunt scissors, pages from a Big Chief tablet, a borrowed stapler and a Number Two pencil ....  Those were the items Susan Wiggs used at the age of eight to create the first book she ever published.

Sadly, her first "novel" wasn't well-received by her public, and didn't go on to win any awards. However, that didn't deter this talented writer from pursuing her aspirations.  But the road to writing greatness wasn't necessarily a direct one.  Prior to the fateful night she would yet again pick up a Big Chief Tablet and pen her first novel, she used her "left brain" to teach math.

Today she is an acclaimed writer with 35 books to her credit, with her 36th (!!!) and latest installment of the Willow Lake series, "Return to Willow Lake," due out in September.

To learn more about Susan, visit her at Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and her website and blog!

Thanks to Beyond Novel, we have a copy of  "Return to Willow Lake" to give away to one lucky CLC reader anywhere in the world!

Of all the books you’ve written, which is your favorite and why?
The next one. The one I haven’t ruined for myself by writing it. Of my published books, I love Return to Willow Lake because it's still fresh in my mind, the characters near to my heart. Sonnet, the main character, really resonated with me. She's very prickly in some ways, but she has a huge heart. It gets broken over the course of the book, but she survives.

Which part of the writing process takes the longest for you?
Revisions! They never seem to end. I have a bad habit of picking things to death, taking a story apart and putting it back together again.

In 2011, you published a memoir with your daughter, Elizabeth Wiggs, called “How I Planned Your Wedding: The All-True Story of a Mother and Daughter Surviving the Happiest Day of Their Lives.”  In what way(s) was the writing process for this book different from the ones you had previously published?  In what way(s) was it the same?
Writing is always the same. But this book was so different in so many words. First, we had to tell the truth, since it’s a memoir. Even the painfully funny truth. Working with my daughter was a hoot. She’s hilarious, we respect each other, and Google Documents helped us coordinate the master document.

What three traits do you feel a successful writer should possess?
1. A heart.
2. A work ethic.
3. A patron of the arts. :)

The bio section of your website mentions your approach to writing was like skydiving… "by taking a blind leap and hoping the chute will open."  Have you ever been skydiving?  If so, describe the experience.  If not, would you ever try skydiving?  Why or why not?
I’ve never been. I’d love to, though, and I hope to get to one day.

Describe your personal version of paradise:
It would look a lot like an endless library, except it would come equipped with an ice cream dispenser, a latte machine and a fantastic stereo system. In my paradise there would be no war or suffering, just great books, good conversation, friends and family all around me.

What is one thing you’ve done that people who know you best would say doesn’t fit your personality?
Jumped in my swimming pool in February (in the Pacific northwest). I did it right after my literary agent called to tell me my book had hit #1 on the New York Times bestseller list.

If you were to live in another country, which country would you want to live in?
France, in a little vintage flat in Rue Bachaumont. I just love it there.

A heartfelt thanks to Susan for a wonderful interview and to Beyond Novel for sharing a copy of "Return to Willow Lake"  with our readers.

How to win a copy of "Return to Willow Lake":
Please comment below with your e-mail address. (Please note: Entries without an e-mail address will NOT be counted. You can use AT and DOT to avoid spam. Or provide a link to your facebook page or blog if you can receive messages there.)

Bonus entries (can be listed all in one post):
1. Describe your personal version of paradise.
2. Follow this blog and post a comment saying you are a follower (if you already follow, that's fine too).
3. Post this contest on Facebook or Twitter or in your blog, and leave a comment saying where you've posted it.
4. Join Chick Lit Central on Facebook. Edit settings if you don't want to receive a lot of messages at your e-mail account. Please read our posting guidelines as well. (If you're already a member, let us know that too.)
5. Add a friend to our Facebook group. (Tell us who you added.) Be sure to remind them to edit their settings.


Giveaway ends September 3rd at midnight EST.

55 comments:

susieqlaw said...

sendsusanmail AT gmail DOT com

Paradise...tropical island, outstanding accommodations, food, all living needs, all the people I love, sunshine.

I follow CLC blog, Facebook, and Twitter.

I tweeted this contest @susieqlaw

Anonymous said...

blaine67ATattDot.net

my version of paradise warm breezy day on the beach with the people i love evryone gets along and a book to read

I follow on facebook

Amy said...

givemesweeps at gmail dot com

Paradise: An island retreat with the man of my dreams, good books, a private chef and personal masseur! And chocolate cake with coffee & cream!

Amy said...

Oops! And I follow on Facebook!

Anonymous said...

Shan_Britt2011AThotmailDOTcom

Carolina beach house with a veranda and a stack of good books to read and a view of the ocean to rest my eyes. ♥

I follow on facebook!

Cindy Gasper said...

cindygasper AT yahoo.com

tropical island, white sandy beaches, sun bathing in paradise.
I follow CLC blog, facebook and twitter!
tweet cindy gasper

Anonymous said...

Wildirishlass17 AT gmail.com

My idea of "Paradise" is being up in the North Woods with my husband, my boys and my dogs on a warm, sunny day (kinda like Willow Lake) but we are on Lake Winnebago. Relaxing in the yard on a lounge chair or hammock with a cool glass of lemonade, listening to my "boys" tease eachother about who is going to catch the biggest fish, while I read a book by one of my favorite authors. :)

I follow on CLC, and also now on Facebook, and also follow on Susan's Facebook page.

Thanks so much for this opportunity!

Marjeen said...

werdie AT hotmail DOT com

Paradise - Cool breeze on a warm day at a beach while relaxing and enjoying family and reading a good book.

I follow CLC blog and Facebook.

Anonymous said...

My version of Paradise is a warm sunny day, an ocean to sit by or walk along, and a great book to keep me company!

marcia@expectation.com

I tweeted this contest @MarciaFalzone

I follow on Facebook.

Anonymous said...

Wildirishlass17 AT. Gmail.com

Hi again, I also shared the Blog on my Facebook. Thanks again!

Unknown said...

hawleyleah AT gmail DOT com

My paradise is northern MN cabin on the lake. Met my husband 20 years ago there at it feels like yesterday every time we go up north.

I follow blog Facebook

Posted on Facebook

Love you Susan!!

Zandria Muench Beraldo said...

My paradise is riding my ATV with my three dogs to a lake in a meadow where we all jump into the lake and role in the meadow grasses!!! (hopefully with no ticks!)

MrsReddog said...

dilligaff3 at gmail dot com

My version of paradise is a day to myself...no kids, no phone. Just me, a great SW book sitting out under a tree in a hammock! Ah, bliss... ;)

I follow on FB and I shared with mareh at comcast dot net.

Anonymous said...

marcellarae AT nycap DOT rr DOT com

Paradise to me is sitting by a campfire after dark.

I follow on Facebook

Peg said...

peg@prizerdesign.com

Paradise is sitting in my back yard garden (with my 10 year garden design finally and fully installed), having a gin and tonic while reading a good book with my husband and my dog, Murray at my side and my kids playing in the yard. (Plus, the soft sound of water and laughing children in the background!) There is no place like home!

I follow on FB!

Maureen said...

Paradise is a warm day, a slight breeze, no responsibilities and a good book to read.
I follow on GFC
tweet: https://twitter.com/MaureenCE/status/240542595950985216
mce1011 AT aol DOT com

Rosemary said...

Arose4mary at hotmail.com

Paradise to me is waves lapping, sun, and a good chic lit book

Jessica said...

1. A cottage in the mountains. Sitting on the porch with Starbucks in my hand and a book in my other hand!
2. I'm a follower of this blog on GFC.
3. I posted this on twitter. https://twitter.com/xxpaperhearts/status/240544402056028162
4. I'm a member of Chick Lit Central on facebook.

Thanks!
-Jessica M
walkingcorpse11@hotmail.com

Sue P said...

Love, love, love this series! It is always interesting to learn a few more personal things about my fav authors as well, so thank you for that! Right now, paradise to me is a stay on Mackinac Island, MI. I seem to rejuvenate there and feel the need to return every couple years. Maybe not such a fantasy place, but at least I can really get there! I just requested to join you on FB. I follow your blog and Susan, too.
suepete12(at)yahoo(dot)com

Nova said...

My ideal paradise would have nice temps with low humidity, fun things to do like reading, walking, relaxing, delicious food & drink, and the laughter of my kids.
Sparkle40175(at)hotmail (dot) com
Follow CLC on facebook
Follow CLC blog by emails

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

Paradise: locked in cabin during a snowstorm with goodling guy with nothing to do

alisongail99@aol.com

https://www.facebook.com/settings?tab=account&section=username said...

muddgir1@live.com

Ideal paradise would be ocean waves rain or sunshine, sand on my feet and the taste of salty air. With my family, my dogs & a good book. Return to willow lake would be a good bonus :).

I follow on facebook & have posted it to facebook.

Anonymous said...

Paradise-an early winter morning right before the sun comes up, snow on the ground outside, I am curled up in my recliner with 2 or 3 cats wrapped around me, my coffee sitting on the table next to me, a book in my hand. My wonderful husband asleep for an hour or 2 more. Nice quiet time.

jeanne-mouse@hotmail.com

Rita Wray said...

Paradise to me would be a tropical island with beautiful beaches.
I follow on Facebook.
Kit3247(at)aol(dot)com

connie said...

Paradise would be a cottage on a lake with about 10 acres of land. Lots of woodland to explore and snow to watch. I loved the Lakeshore Chronicles so much that I move to Central New York, near the Mountains and near the lakes

connieb239@earthlink.net

tjcladd said...

tjcladd@yahoo.com

Paradise to me is where my family and friends are. Where laughter, love, and warmth abound. Although most would think a tropical island wold be the perfect spot, its not. Paradise is where your heart is. For where your heart is, your paradise will be. Home!

marion said...

a great book a cozy cornor and a hot cup of tea and no kids yelling hey mom that would be my paradise

O Norman said...

Paradise is having a good book to read under the ceiling fan.
O Norman
onorman@wilkes.net

O Norman said...

I posted on my facebook page.
O Norman
onorman@wilkes.net

karenk said...

paradise...'peace'

thanks for the chance to read this wonderful story.

i'm a follower, too.

karenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

Paradise would be on my own island with a staff to take care of the daily stuff. A canoe, glass of ice tea and my Susan Wigg book! Of course my family. And my friends would visit.

Anonymous said...

I follow on fb and just started her blog
Jackie.nookwormatgmsil.com
Posted to my fb page

Stephanie said...

My idea of paradise would be living in a Victorian house next to the ocean.

Doris A said...

My idea of paradise---being able to read a book uninterrupted on a beautiful day by Susan Wiggs!
I love to read and share all new titles/authors with my "coffee/reading" group.
How terrific to be part of this great group!

Kathy Rando Giannone said...

cowboy_seeker AT hotmail DOT com

I follow Susan's facebook page.

My idea of paradise is being able to read a book, uninterrupted, while at the beach.

I'm currently reading Lakeshore Christmas & am enjoying the characters so much.

Na said...

I'm a big fan of the Lakeshore Chronicles series.

My personal paradise is somewhere peaceful and picturesque. I want mountains in the background, a lake nearby and a forest. I like nature :)

GFC: Na
Cambonified(at)yahoo(dot)com

Claire foster said...

Claire
Claire.zanettiATbtinternetDOTcom

My most perfect paradise would be,,being at home surrounded by everything dear to me...my 4childeren running around like mad people being them selves,my husband doing what he does best...kocking walls down or renivating somewere..my dog laid by me and me well just being me and at the minute is reading SUSAN WIGGS BOOKS.....ervey day life is my paradise i love it x

I follow on fb and have shared on there too x

Anonymous said...

reneesnooky@yahoo.com
My paradise - is a chair on the deck, sun shining on my body - wind blowing in my hair - my husband sitting reading close to me - and the children running in the yard playing - - this is - truly heaven - paradise

Marthalynn said...

I really enjoyed this interview!

Paradise for me is simplicity, good food, an absence of to-do's, and my family.

Following :)

marthalynn16 at gmail

Mary Preston said...

An isolated coastal retreat with a well-stocked refrigerator & an impressive library.

GFC: Mary Preston

marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

bn100 said...

A place with friendly people, good books, and good food.

I follow the blog.

bn100candg(at)hotmail(dot)com

Izz said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Izz said...

paradise is in my cozy bedroom with stack of my favorites books and fresh drink :D

I follow on :
GFC : pingle
via email : pinglecoon at gmail dot com
join in facebook group : pingle alexandrov

also I share this giveaway on :

twitter : https://twitter.com/pingle2/status/241090354789634048

google+ : https://plus.google.com/u/0/103155974094839820843/posts/JezL8MnppvX

facebook : https://www.facebook.com/pingle.alexandrov/posts/355061991242267

pinterest : http://pinterest.com/pin/451626668851749088/

pinglecoon at gmail dot com

Cyndee said...

My version of Paradise is building a home Library to hold every book I want to read and another library to house what I have read. These rooms would have a cozy fireplace, comfortable chairs, Perfect for a book-a-holic! oh, and a coffee/tea bar tables and mini-fridge.
I follow:Pinterest& CLC Group Fb,& RSS, Goodreads
Cyndee Thomas cyndee dot thomas0 at gmail dot com

Debbie said...

Paradise to me is having ME time! I love massages, scrap booking & reading. I have my own crafting room but don't get enough time to spend in there. Follow on facebook when I have the time.

Debbie said...

Forgot my email address. Post about ME time.

debzwahr@aolDOTcom

Amber @ A Little Pink in the Cornfields said...

My personal paradise would be a lakehouse near my friends and family complete with all the "toys" like boat, skis... etc. :)

I follow on GFC, FB and Twitter

missamberljohnson at gmail dot com

StereoQueenBee said...

1. Describe your personal version of paradise.

Somewhere out of the city and with no obligations or things on my mind!

2. Follow this blog and post a comment saying you are a follower (if you already follow, that's fine too).

Already am a follower!

3. Post this contest on Facebook or Twitter or in your blog, and leave a comment saying where you've posted it.

Facebook - Sabrina-Kate Eryou
Twitter - stereoqueenbee

4. Join Chick Lit Central on Facebook. Edit settings if you don't want to receive a lot of messages at your e-mail account. Please read our posting guidelines as well. (If you're already a member, let us know that too.)

Am already a member.

queenofcrunk@gmail.com

Christine A. said...

Some where up in the mountains, a firei n the fireplace, bottle of wine and cool crisp air. Now find me a man to share in the paradise and I will be in heaven!

I am a follower. FB and twitter

your1chef at aol dot com

Diane Russom Harrison said...

1. My vision of paradise would be a waterfront cottage in SC LOW COUNTRY which has a wall of books where new publications automatically appear!

2. I'm a follower of this blog on FACEBOOK.

3. I posted this on FB.

4. I'm a member of Chick Lit Central on facebook.

4. I'm a member of Chick Lit Central on facebook.

Diane Russom Harrison
dharrison63038@aol.com

Bonnie K. said...

I would love to stay in a bungalow within a walking distance to an ocean beach. I love the sound of the ocean waves---so soothing.

bluedawn95864 at gmail dot com

I'm a follower of this blog.

I shared on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bonnie.karoly/activity/10151050092270233?og_perm_src=RECENT_ACTIVITY and twitter: https://twitter.com/grobiemum/status/242126731086016512

I've already joined Chick Lit Central on Facebook.

Dolly said...

Paradise is a shaded lounge chair on a private deck of a cruise ship...one I'd never have to disembark from!

I'm a FB/blog follower.

jcsites2002 at hotmail dot com

Aline Tobing said...

My idea of 'paradise' on earth is a vacation on the Maldives! Beautiful scenery, blue water and warm sand. That would be awesome!

* GFC follower under Aline Tobing

* Tweeted the giveaway : https://twitter.com/imsavedbymercy/status/242455212948869121

* I joined the group under Aline Tobing

* I added a friend : Maggie Loe Eteng


savedbymercy(at)gmail(dot)com

Unknown said...

My idea of paradise is being on a beach somewhere with my husband (with my 3 year old at home with my parents :)), reading a book, and a cold drink!

I follow the blog

I'm a member of CLC on Facebook

bjoneill@hotmail.com