Thank you Rochester for your questions.  Susan Wiggs a best selling Romance author has answered all.  With her new book out just in time for the holiday shopping season, Lakeshore Christmas, Susan took a few minutes out of her schedule to answer our questions.  For all that love the classic Susan Wiggs here is the interview.

Thank you for having this interview with me and your Rochester Fans. If you don't mind, I included some questions from your fans. So let's start with the basics.

Q. What inspired you to write Lakeshore Christmas?

SW: I'm a sucker for the librarian/bad-boy storyline, for sure. There's always that moment when he takes off her horn-rimmed glasses, plucks the hairpins out and her bun melts into a cascade of gorgeous hair, and he says, "Why, Miss Davenport, you're beautiful!" I know, lame, right? But it gets me every time. Maureen and Eddie are bringing sexy back to the library.

Q. Knowing it's based in Upstate NY, near and dear to us in Rochester, I was wondering what inspired you to write about our neck of the woods.

SW: I lived in upstate New York until I was ten years old and we moved overseas. I have a lot of nostalgic memories of that part of the world, and I love going back there by writing the Lakeshore books.

Q. As always, people love to read about success stories, tell us about receiving your first acceptance letter, what was it like for you?

SW: It was thrilling! It was July 1986 and the call came from a young editor, Wendy McCurdy. She said, "We love your book, and we want to publish it." It was particularly fun for me, because I had never told anyone other than my husband that I was writing. I just didn't want the pressure of having to explain that, no, I hadn't finished my book yet and no, I didn't have a publisher for it. So I had the added excitement of getting to call all my family and friends to tell them my book was about to be published.

Q. How does teaching influence your craft?

SW: Interesting question. I've never been asked that before. But it's insightful because I have a strong strain of teacher in me. Teachers are by nature idealists, and they believe anything can be learned. So I would say the influence had to do with attitude. I never felt I was incapable of succeeding because I felt confident I could always learn what I needed to know. Talent is required, but much of writing is a matter of craft, which develops with time, attention, patience and practice, like playing an instrument or learning to dance.

Q. From Connie of Park Ave, Rochester… What motivates you to get out of the bed in the morning?

SW: In soggy November, nothing. I live in the darkest corner of the country (the Pacific Northwest) and it's soooo tempting to dive under the covers and stay there. However, it's impossible to turn off a writer's brain. Once I start thinking about my story, I feel compelled to pour myself a slosh of coffee, turn on the fire (love that propane) and get going.

Q. From a Fan in Fairport… When you hit the top of the Best Selling list did you jump in your swimming pool with or without your clothes on?

SW: I totally did that! Clothes on. It's on my blog. Huuuuge mistake. Hello, it was February and I didn't really think things through. It was totally unplanned. Jay (husband) was standing there with the camera and I knew I wanted to do something to make sure I remembered the moment-that very singular sensation of hearing yours is the top-selling book in the country. So in I went. Not only was the water covered with a skin of ice, but I was wearing winter clothes. I sank like a stone. Try swimming in jeans, ski socks and a heavy sweater. I nearly drowned and Jay was not about to jump in after me. (He's the Sensible One.)

Q. From Christine in East Rochester…As an unpublished author I find the 'getting an agent/publisher' part of writing very overwhelming. How long did it take you to learn the business of writing? Did you learn from your agent? Your publisher? Self-taught?

SW: I'm self taught and there's always something new to learn. I found mentors in everyone, from readers to booksellers to editors and agents. The process takes as long as it takes, and it's different for everyone. For me, it took around three years to write three books and sell one of them. Don't let it overwhelm you, Christine. Start where Lakeshore Christmas starts-at the public library. A smart librarian is golden. She'll point you in the right direction-to web sites, books and publications that will help you.

Q. From Christine of Rochester… If you were starting today as a new writer, would you do anything different?

SW: I wouldn't change much because it's been such a fun ride. I guess I'd get a computer instead of that stupid Correct-O-Ball typewriter. Yeah, I'd definitely upgrade.

Q. Would you give us a tidbit or two on your current Work In Progress?

SW: It's The Summer Hideaway, and it is full of surprises. The mysterious heroine is in the witness protection program, and a Secret Bellamy Brother arrives on the scene. There's lots of Camp Kioga, lots of laughter, lots of tears. But, sad to say, very little Daisy. She's next in the series. I know she's a reader favorite and I want to do her justice.

Q. Any advice do you have for writers out these?

SW: Besides reading my books? (Kidding.) Seriously, read and learn. Like Maureen in Lakeshore Christmas, you can find the whole world in books. And then, sorry to tell you, roll up your sleeves and get to work. I've heard it said a writer's apprenticeship is a million words. So let's get cracking!

Thank You for your time.

You're welcome! Thanks for the interview.

For More information check out Susan Wiggs website, her Blog. Buy her books on Amazon.

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