Recently I was able to review Susan Mallery’s new novel Only Mine and loved it! Coming up in a couple of days Leah will be sharing her review of the next in Susan’s Fool’s Gold series, Only Yours. So, it’s only obvious that when I was offered the opportunity to interview Susan I jumped at the chance! Susan kindly indulged my list of questions and shared a little more about herself & her wonderful books. So, without any further hesitation on my part, my interview with author Susan Mallery…

1. Can you tell Chick Lit Reviews readers a little about yourself and/or your books in a short two to three sentence synopsis?

 

Although it’s kind of creepy to talk about myself in the third person, I think my official bio says it best: New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery has entertained millions of readers with her witty and emotional stories about women and the relationships that move them. Susan appreciates critical praise, but she is most honored by the enthusiastic readers who tell her that her books made them laugh, made them cry, and made the world a happier place to live.

2. Only Mine is the fourth book in the Fools Gold series and there’s a pretty good chance readers might have missed a thing or two if they haven’t read the previous books. What are a few things you think every reader should know about the series before picking up Only Mine?

Each Fool’s Gold book works as a standalone novel. Although readers who have read the previous books will enjoy reconnecting with characters they love, you can start with ONLY MINE, and you won’t be confused. For some fun background information and lots of bonus content and freebies, visit www.foolsgoldca.com.

3. Dakota’s fears are something I believe many women can relate to today. Was there a specific message you were trying to share with readers from her experiences?

Last year, in FINDING PERFECT, readers learned that Dakota was struggling with a problem that had her in tears. As ONLY MINE begins, she still hasn’t told anyone what’s bothering her, not even her mom or her triplet sisters. Dakota is the kind of person who faces her problems head-on, but she keeps them to herself until she has a plan of action. I do think that many readers will relate to the issue Dakota’s facing, and even readers who haven’t dealt with this particular issue will relate to the idea of wondering, “Why me?” Dakota is a triplet, identical to her sisters in every way… but one.

4. With so many wonderful books coming out in such a short period of time how do you find the time to write as well as be so involved in your readership online?

I adore connecting with readers online, primarily at www.facebook.com/susanmallery and www.twitter.com/susanmallery. If you think about it, it makes sense. These are people who love my books, which means they have a similar world view. They laugh at things that I think are funny, they connect emotionally with the characters I write, who are in some ways an extension of me. What I love about Facebook and Twitter is that they allow the communication to become two-way, meaning that my readers can entertain me. (Yes, it’s all about me!)

As for time, well, time is a precious commodity. But if I have to skip doing laundry in order to chat with my readers online, well, that’s a sacrifice I’m willing to make.

5. What about writing keeps you coming back?

I’m addicted to the emotions. I feel every emotion that my characters feel – which can get confusing when I’m in a scene with two characters with opposing views. When my characters are excited, I get a rush. When they’re sad, the world feels wrong. And when they earn their happy ending, I get tingly.

6. Do you think you’d ever try your hand at another genre, possibly YA even?

I. Love. YA!!! I don’t have any plans at the moment to write for young adults, but I adore reading the genre. However, I have begun writing non-romance women’s fiction over the past few years. These novels are more serious than my lighthearted romances, and they give me the opportunity to examine some of the other relationships that impact women.

7. Outside of writing what’s the one thing you couldn’t do without in life?

The shallow (albeit true) answer would be chocolate.

8. When can we expect to see your next novel (after the Fool’s Gold series wraps up in October)? And can you give our readers any hint of what it might be about?

BAREFOOT SEASON, my next women’s fiction novel, will be out in April 2012 and will launch a new series set on quaint Blackberry Island. The story is about two former best friends who have to work together to save the inn they both love.

Thank you so much Susan! I’m sure our readers would agree when I say that chocolate is never a shallow answer! Also, I know I personally can’t wait to read more in the Fool’s Gold series and hear more about your upcoming novel Barefoot Season, it sounds wonderful.

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