In honor of the paperback release of Sarah Addison Allen’s THE PEACH KEEPER (a New York Times bestseller, don’t ya know) I’m thrilled to have Sarah on Women’s Fiction Writers. Many times I start reading a book simply because someone said, “Read this.” Rarely do I not put down said book until I’m finished reading. Such was the case with THE PEACH KEEPER. Though intricately woven and delicately played, Sarah doesn’t shy away from hard issues facing her characters in this book — and the same goes her advice to all of us below!
Please welcome Sarah Addison Allen to Women’s Fiction Writers! Here’s wishing Sarah success and good health for 2012!
~ Amy
Author Sarah Addison Allen Shares A Little Of Her Magic With Women’s Fiction Writers
ASN: What was the road to publication like for you?
SAA: Despite a lifelong love of writing, I didn’t always want to be a writer. When I was a toddler, my most fervent hope was to become a trash man when I grew up. I would daydream about it.
But I gave up on my dream of waste management and decided to pursue writing as a career when I graduated from college. I wrote for about 12 years, sold a few small things, but then I went through a very long dry spell during which I wrote like a fiend, trying to follow what was hot in the market, and couldn’t sell a thing. That’s when I decided to write the story I wanted to write, not the story I thought would mostly likely get published. I followed my voice, not the market. I wrote Garden Spells. And that’s when my big break occurred.
Occasionally, though, I still daydream about how fun it would be to ride on the back of a garbage truck.
ASN: How do things differ for THE PEACH KEEPER than they did for GARDEN SPELLS, your first novel published almost five years ago?
SAA: I wrote Garden Spells in my own time, with no expectation that someone was out there waiting to read it. Every book I’ve written since has had an outside expectation attached to it. So I think the biggest difference boils down to a deadline, which has both its pros and its cons:
The pro — someone is waiting for what you write.
The con — someone is waiting for what you write.
ASN: Speaking of writing — do you plot (making you a plotter) or do you write by the seat of your pants (making you a pantser)?
SAA: I wish I was a plotter, but I’m not. I am a pantser. It’s like having straight hair when you wish you had curly. I think writers are naturally one or the other.
ASN: Which comes first — the magic or the characters? Or do they arrive together as you’re writing — or before?
SAA: My writing process is very organic. I start with an idea. I have the general story arc and the cast. But then I sit down to write and things change. New characters appear, some disappear. And the big elements of magic never make themselves apparent until I’m well into the book. I’m always surprised by them. Making it up as I go along is one of the best parts of writing. But it’s also one of the most frustrating parts. It’s an insecure feeling, not knowing what’s going to happen. But I’ve learned to trust my process.
ASN: I picked up THE PEACH KEEPER not knowing what it was about and then did not put it down until I was finished reading (the luxury of having teenagers who can cook for themselves). What are some key elements you keep in mind when writing to insure your readers are always compelled to turn the page?
SAA: I usually don’t know what’s coming…and even when I think I do, it ends up changing anyway. For me, the element of my not knowing the story as it unfolds translates well into the reader not knowing. Or that is my lame pantser excuse. Plotters out there are probably hyperventilating.
ASN: What is your definition of women’s fiction?
SAA: I’ve never really thought of it as a definition. It’s more like a feeling. The feel of a book that is more feminine than masculine. I like to think of it as how, in the French language, some words are masculine and some are feminine, oft times for no discernible reason. Books are like that for me.
ASN: What is your best advice for aspiring authors of women’s fiction?
SAA: Trying to get published, trying to make a living from writing, from something you love to do and know you were meant to do, can be frustrating and disheartening. Believe me, I know. But don’t give up because of the dark days. Succeed in spite of them. The dark days will make the bright days seem even brighter. So bright you can hardly stand it.
Sarah Addison Allen is the author of The Girl Who Chased the Moon, Garden Spells, and The Sugar Queen. She was born and raised in Asheville, North Carolina.
Sarah, I remember reading your query letter on Miss Snark’s website, and absolutely loving it. I’ve been a fan since then. Thanks for sharing a bit of your process as inspiration. (And great interview, Amy!)
Wonderful interview. I was intrigued by The Peach Keeper since I first saw it release. It’s being added to my stack RIGHT NOW. I love your sense of humor, Sarah – “Plotters out there are probably hyperventilating.” Since I am kind of a middle-of-the-road plotter and panster (loose outline), I think I am safe from running for my brown paper bag.
Thanks for the advice to keep plugging along – and the reminder that the bright days send the dark ones into obscurity.
I loved the Sugar Queen and I still think about those characters. One of the things that amazes me about your writing the way the “magic” feels so natural, not strained in anyway. It takes a lot of talent to pull that off. Good to see you here! Great interview.
I LOVED The Girl Who Chased the Moon. Now, the rest of your books are on my wish list, Sarah!
Hello fellow WNC author!
One of the things that made me feel much better is that you, Sarah, are also a “Panster” – I’ve been driving myself insane these last few weeks trying to even force myself to sit down and plot something when it’s against my nature – figuring most successful authors plotted to some extent. Now, here you are, a panster, too! WHOOP! *laughing*
I completely agree with what you said about writing before deadline and after deadline – it’s wonderful and terrifying. And I agree with “writing what you want to write” and not for “the market” – yes.
Great interview!
I’ve heard your name for months now, Sarah, and have been meaning to go to Amazon and buy one of your books. This post is my incentive. I love women’s fiction and with your reputation I’m sure I’ll love your writing.
Patti
Fun interview! Trash collection…! 🙂
That was a great interview. Sarah Addison Allen is one of my favorite writers. I became an avid fan from firrst reading Garden Spells, have read all her books and look forward to the next.
I was hooked when I first read, Garden Spells years ago. In fact, I recently re-read it over the holidays and fell in love all over again. Each story is unique and flavorful, well worth the investment. I own them all. I’m looking forward to reading more! I know at the library where I work, the books are almost always checked out. I recommend them often, especially to those who want to really connect to characters.
I’m thrilled to see Sarah here at WFW, too. Yay, Amy!
Thanks for sharing this interview – I am a fan of Sarah and have all of her books on my shelves
Shelleyrae @ Book’d Out
Coming late, but this interview’s still worth a comment. 🙂
This is the only one of Sarah’s books I don’t yet own, and I’ll rectify that immediately. I think my absolute favorite part of her (your) fiction is the sense of spirituality and hope that permeates the storyline, even when events get hairy for the characters. I see threads of that worldview hidden within this interview. Wonderful!
This comment is a little on the late side, but thank you very much for interviewing Sarah Addison Allen. She’s one of my favorite authors, and I’ve always wondered about how she puts the magic in her books, and reading her words on the matter is terrific. Wonderful interview.