What advice do you have for other writers?
If a reader is invested in your
character’s goal, if your reader wants to see your character succeed, he
or she will empathize with your main character. Your reader will become emotionally
bonded to the character.
Think about when you have NOT
finished a book. It’s likely you stopped caring about the character. Don’t let
that happen in your novel.
What's your favourite quote about writing/for writers?
Remember to
ask yourself, “How can I make things worse for my main character?” Vladimir
Nabokov (Lolita)
once said: “The writer’s job is to get the main character up a tree, and then
once they are up there, throw rocks at them.” It’s great advice. Really.
What's the best thing about being a writer?
That would definitely be connecting with readers along my journey as an
author. I’m indebted to my readers, my
teachers, fellow writers, bloggers, and book reviewers—everyone who’s been kind
enough to help me along the way.
Where can people find out more about you and your
writing?
I’m active on GoodReads, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, etc. and love to
connect with everyone! I respond to
every email I get from a reader, blogger, or reviewer.
Who is you favorite character in your
book and why?
Definitely,
my main character, Searcy Roberts. (It may take you a bit to love her as much
as I do, but stick with me here….) When we first meet Searcy, she is a very
spoiled Southern belle who’s been pampered and polished to shine in Atlanta’s
hottest social scenes. She has a personal shopper, a group of wealthy
girlfriends, and a credit card with no limit. She spends her days shopping,
going out to lunch, planning parties, and socializing.
What
makes her so special is that even in the first chapter, we glimpse the real
Searcy. She knows, deep down, that something is wrong, but can’t bring herself
to admit it. She projects a positive, upbeat attitude and tries to keep things
status quo, because she doesn’t believe she can live without her husband Alton.
Alton’s
leaving upends Searcy’s life. At first, it appears that the impending divorce
is the end of the world, but Searcy’s journey makes her into an entirely
different person—someone caring, giving, empathetic, and truly loving. Best of
all, she learns to rely on herself, forgives Alton, and finds true love.
Why do you think readers are going to enjoy
your book?
The message is about really knowing yourself and what makes
you happy. Searcy, the main character, has spent her whole life running after a
dream—one that she thinks looks perfect to her friends and family.
Unfortunately, she’s desperately unhappy and is clinging to the belief that she
can just ignore the loneliness she experiences and the problems in her
marriage. The message is also about the strength women have when their entire
world falls apart. Searcy chooses—after some initial moping—that she will fix
her life and make it better. Even when faced with seemingly insurmountable
obstacles, Searcy learns that she is smart and can persevere.
Who designed the cover?
The fantastic Damonza. Check out his work at www.damonza.com. Put simply, he seems to get
my concept for the cover, and manages to come up with great concepts in a day
or two. He’s designed four covers for me and I’ve never been anything less than
impressed.
 |
| Lauren Clark |
I adore Sophie
Kinsella, JoJo Moyes, and Jennifer Weiner. I absorb
and study novels by John Irving, Anne Patchett, and Sue Monk Kidd. My other
favorites include Pat Conroy, Barbara Kingsolver, Ian McEwan, Chris Bohjalian,
and Janet Fitch.
What is your work in progress? Tell us
about it.
I’m currently
writing the sequel to Dancing Naked in
Dixie, which was my second novel. Dixie
tells the story of Julia Sullivan, a NYC travel writer sent to the Deep South
to cover a story in Eufaula, Alabama. When she arrives, and begins her
research, she gets much more than she bargained for when she discovers the
city’s historic district is in danger of being replaced with a condominium
development. Julia ends up falling in love with the city and fights for the
preservation of Eufaula’s historic landmarks.
Who
or what inspired you to become a writer?
I
spent 6 years in television news as a reporter and anchor first! In many ways,
my literary career began with a microphone, a notepad, and 90 seconds to tell a
story. It was really the emotion-soaked stories that inspired and ignited me—a
family’s reunion after a soldier’s return from a tour of duty, the
international adoption of two Russian twins (a process that took years),
dramatic rescues, and tales of people persevering under the most challenging of
odds.
When
I left the TV biz and started my family, I had a whole host of ideas to write
about. It’s been a long journey, as there’s a big learning curve in the
transition from journalist to novelist, but it’s been worth every hour that
I’ve put into it!
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9 Comments
Thank you for hosting
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the interview.
ReplyDeleteThank you Rita! So glad that you stopped by Jo's website! xx, Lauren
DeleteI really enjoyed your comments.
ReplyDeleteThank you Mom Jane, I'm glad to see you here today! xx, Lauren
DeleteDear Jo, what a fabulous website you have here! Great advice for writers and authors :)
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed the interview and the opportunity to be showcased on your website! What a treat. Many thanks and I hope that your holidays are filled with wonder and joy!
xx, Lauren
nice interview
ReplyDeleteInteresting interview, thanks. :-)
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed reading the interview today
ReplyDeleteI love to hear from you. So feel free to comment, but keep in mind the basics of blog etiquette — no spam, no profanity, no slander, etc.
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