The all-new Mumsnet Meet the Author feature is designed to introduce Mumsnet's many bibliophiles to authors we think you'll find engaging. Each month the author will be sharing their own reading habits and answering your questions about their novels. We'll also be offering you the chance to get your hands on free copies of their latest novels as well as bringing info about their backlist.
This month we're pleased to present author Susan Lewis. Her latest novel Too Close to Home has just been published in paperback and we have 15 copies to giveaway for review. Find out more about this and Susan's other novels. Meanwhile we caught up with Susan and asked her a few questions about her own reading habits:
Q&A with Susan Lewis
What are you reading now?
SL: BRIMSTONE WEDDING by Barbara Vine. I'm gradually working my through all of them and am so far loving every one! I can't imagine why I'm such a latecomer to these incredibly absorbing and inspiring books.
What is the last book you bought someone as a gift?
SL: A variety of children's books for the recipients of the Special Recognition Award that I'm sponsoring for the local secondary school. They've chosen the titles themselves and what a fascinating selection they've made - from The Diary of a Wimpy Kid to The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time (one of my own favourites).
Is research a big part of your writing process?
SL: For many of my books which are often issue-driven, research is an enormous part of the process especially when the story is tackling a serious medical, social or legal issue. In order to really bring alive the feelings and thoughts of my characters who face some of life's most difficult challenges, I have to get inside their heads and really put myself in their position. This is often an emotionally challenging task for me but research is a step towards achieving this.
Some of my books require more in the way of location research, which involves a lot of travelling. This can be very enjoyable! My recent trip to Culver, Indiana for my next hardback No Place to Hide was a very joyful and rewarding experience thanks to the amazing input I received from this exquisite small town's residents.
Do you have any peculiar writing rituals or habits?
SL: Nothing too peculiar! I'm very strict about the hours I write, starting at 10 in the morning - or before - and going through until 5pm or 6pm, usually six days a week. Then, I love to have a glass of wine at the end of the day as I read back over what has happened in 'my fictional world' over the last seven or eight hours.
What advice would you offer to aspiring writers?
SL: Remember to listen: listen to the way people speak, to the rhythm of the words you are writing (this you're most likely to do in your head),and always give your characters room to be themselves. They'll have plenty to say if you just let them chatter on to one another, often giving you ideas you hadn't even thought of!
If you have any questions to put to Susan, please post before 20 August and we'll post up her answers before the end of August.