Interview with Lauren Clark

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.

Website: http://www.laurenclarkbooks.com

Blog: http://www.laurenclarkbooks.com/blog

Amazon Author Page:  Lauren Clark

Facebook:  Lauren Clark

Twitter:  @Laurenclark_bks

Pinterest

Goodreads

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

Who inspires you?

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!