An Interview With Suzan Wiener - one of our authors
April 8th, 2009We asked Suzan Wiener several questions.
How long have you been writing?
I have been writing for 20 years. I started writing when I turned 40 because I developed a painful back condition and couldn’t work anymore. Writing had always been my passion, but I didn’t have time for it. Staying home and not being able to do very much, led me to want to see my work online and in print. Fortunately, my dream came true.
Do you make your living writing?
No, though, that is not my desire. It’s more to feel fulfilled after I’ve written a piece that I’m proud of and hopefully make others happy also when they’ve read it.
What have you done in your life besides writing?
I worked as a secretary for many years.
What attracted you to writing?
Seeing how some of my other friends, who write too, felt after they had their work published. They were so happy, it made me want to write and read what they wrote was wonderful.
Where do you get most of your ideas for writing?
I don’t sleep much at night, so my ideas come to me then, usually while I’m watching television. I keep a notebook and pen by my bed and I jot down whatever comes to mind. Then in the morning, I’ll type it up and see what I come up with.
Do you write more than short stories?
Yes, I write poems (mostly about love), articles (mostly about writing), anecdotes, one-liners and other short pieces. I also enjoy writing greetings for card companies and have sold several.
Where or how did you first learn about StoriesThatLift.com?
From writer friends of mine and I’m happy they told me about it. It’s a great website.
Where did you grow up and did that influence your writing?
I grew up in the Bronx. In school I was told I had potential as a writer, but didn’t try to submit anything until my later years when I injured my back.
Who provided the strongest influence on your writing?
My husband Howard. He encouraged me totally and helped me with my writing also. He was a former editor and gave me much-needed support.
If you could change one thing about your life up to now, what would it be?
I would change the fact that my health isn’t good, but then if my back hadn’t become a health problem, I wouldn’t have written all the things that I have. Sometimes good comes out of a bad experience.
What advice do you have to other writers?
Keep trying. No matter how hard it gets and no matter if you have encouragement or not, if you feel you are a writer, you are. Perseverance is the key to getting published. I know first-hand.
