“Nathan proves she knows her audience as her first novel hits all the right notes . . . Jodi Picoult fans will appreciate the surprising twists embedded in this thought-provoking narrative.” –Booklist
I’m thrilled to have Amy Sue Nathan join me today. Amy launched the very popular blog, Women’s Fiction Writers, in March 2011. In addition to blogging, her stories and essays have appeared in The Chicago Tribune, The New York Times online, The Washington Post online, The Huffington Post, Chicago Parent, Grey Sparrow Journal, Rose and Thorn Journal, Scribblers On The Roof, The Verb, Hospital Drive Journal and The Stone Hobo.
Today marks the highly anticipated release date of Amy’s debut novel, The Glass Wives, which is garnering wonderful reviews.
When a tragic car accident ends the life of Richard Glass, it also upends the lives of Evie and Nicole, and their children. There’s no love lost between the widow and the ex. In fact, Evie sees a silver lining in all this heartache—the chance to rid herself of Nicole once and for all. But Evie wasn’t counting on her children’s bond with their baby half-brother, and she wasn’t counting on Nicole’s desperate need to hang on to the threads of family, no matter how frayed. Strapped for cash, Evie cautiously agrees to share living expenses—and her home—with Nicole and the baby. But when Evie suspects that Nicole is determined to rearrange more than her kitchen, Evie must decide who she can trust. More than that, she must ask: what makes a family?
Welcome, Amy. Please tell us about your novel, THE GLASS WIVES.
ASN: The Glass Wives is about family—the one you’re given as well as the one you choose. I think the thing that makes the novel a little different is that the main character, Evie, chooses (against the wishes of her friends and family and community) to accept a very unconventional duo into the fold—her ex-husband’s young widow and baby. When I explain that part people usually grimace at first, and then that melts into “ooh” and a nod, which I like!
LNS: I’m definitely oohing. What a great premise. What has been the biggest moment on your journey to publication?
ASN: I think the biggest moment is ongoing. For me, there is nothing like sharing the different stages of this journey with my kids. Since they’re pretty-much-grown (almost 18, and 21) they really “get it” and have seen my writing career from its rebirth about seven years ago. In terms of actual publishing moments, each one is it’s own gem. Corny, but true.
LNS: Would you mind sharing something on your life list–real or imagined–that you’ve accomplished.
ASN: I always wanted to be a mother, and an author, and now I’ve done both. Short list perhaps…maybe it’s time to make some additions. Author of multiple books and a grandmother (one day!) maybe? I’m not much of an adventure seeker, although motherhood and authorship has proven adventuresome at times.
I realize there are places I’d like to see that I’ve not yet seen…and sometimes I think I better hop to it. I don’t have a travel bug (I’m really a homebody) so I’m not drawn to wander. But when I think about visiting somewhere new, I’m always thinking West. As in Wyoming, Montana, Colorado, the Dakotas. I’m thinking (hoping?) I was a cowgirl in another life. I find mountains inspiring and I love to ride horses.
LNS: Your writing success is inspiring, from your blogging to your magazine articles to a full-fledged novel. Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?
ASN: Jeez, it’s so cliché, but I have to say just don’t give up. And by that I mean don’t just write and plod along…join online groups, in-real-life groups, takes classes, workshops, read blogs, comment on blogs. Become immersed in the world of writing. Be part of the community and the conversation. That will make the waiting and the writing a lot less lonely. It also makes it harder to give up when you’re invested in many different ways. And also, don’t be afraid to be proud of yourself.
Thank you, Amy, and best of luck with The Glass Wives. I’m hoping to receive my copy in the mail today!
Readers, you can connect with Amy on her website: http://www.amysuenathan.com
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6539552.Amy_Sue_Nathan
Twitter: @AmySueNathan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Amy-Sue-Nathan/140712402677717?fref=ts