Susan Schneider has over 10 years of experience as a bridal magazine editor; formerly she was executive editor at Bridal Guide Magazine, a national consumer magazine for engaged women, and she was also executive editor at Conde Nast's Modern Bride and at Elegant Bride. She covers everything wedding, from fashion to flowers to food to stationery, etiquette, registry and honeymoons. She especially enjoys writing true-life wedding stories. Her first novel, The Wedding Writer, draws on her expertise as a wedding writer and from her day-to-day contribution to the business of bridal.
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Let's ask Susan Schneider a few questions...
Where are you from?
I’m from New York, New York, specifically the Upper West Side of Manhattan, a mere two blocks from Zabar’s, the world’s best deli!
Tell us your latest news?
My latest and greatest news is that I’ve left the world of the office for the world of my desk at home (a far more exotic, fascinating, and entertaining place to be)!
When and why did you begin writing?
I’ve been a writer for a long time because I’ve always worked at women’s magazines. I learned many skills as a magazine editor and writer, one of which was NOT to be “blocked.” When you have a deadline in real time, you really do have to step up to the plate. But I always wanted to write fiction. Back in the Dark Ages, when I was very young, I published some short stories in literary magazines. Then my fiction writing went dormant while I married, had a baby, divorced, raised my daughter and worked at magazines.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I never considered myself a “real” writer until I published The Wedding Writer. Now I feel I’ve earned it.
What inspired you to write your first book?
Once I write something, I know what I think or feel. Until I get it down in words, it all seems like a big mess! So when I looked at the crazy world of the New York bridal industry that I was in, I had an urge to make some sense of the madness.
Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
No, I don’t like fiction with a message. I’m not trying to make a point. I like fiction that’s both entertaining and real. If I achieve that, then I’m happy.
How much of the book is realistic?
It’s pretty realistic! Some readers have said that they don’t believe the magazine/bridal world could really be as cutthroat as I made it. I say, believe it!
Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
I never believe it when a writer says she doesn’t base her work on her life. How can you not? If I don’t base my work on what and who I know, I feel hideously insecure. I feel as if someone will call me a fraud—and that they’ll be right! So I’m careful to draw on my own experiences. Fiction is very like our dreams—all the characters are parts of ourselves, and in our dreams everyone who plays a part is also some projection of self.
What are your current projects?
My current project is a sequel to The Wedding Writer. I’m about 150 pages in, and I’m at the point where I’m totally surprised at the plot’s twists and turns. This novel will also be based in the wedding world, but will be taken from the point of view of the women in the stationery and fine paper business, as opposed to magazines and fashion. I’m going to be spending time in design studios in NYC watching how beautiful paper invitations are actually created. I’m going to learn about calligraphy and monogramming too. I’m really excited! Stay tuned!
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Thank you to Susan Schneider for sharing her book with me... and agreeing to do an interview... and donating a copy for moi to read and GIVEAWAY...
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