Interview with Alice McVeigh, Author of Susan

What can you tell us about your new release, Susan?

It’s a combination of Emma and Pride and Prejudice. It was inspired by my imagining what it would be like if characters in one of Austen’s books encountered characters from another.

Publishers Weekly BookLife Prize gave it ten stars out of ten: “Pitch-perfect: this Jane Austen-inspired novel echoes the master herself.” 

What or who inspired you to become an author?

I grew up in Asia, and most of the TV wasn’t in English. My sister and I did nothing but read. 

What’s on your top 5 list for the best books you’ve ever read?

Austen’s Emma, Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, the best novels of Balzac, the funniest novels of P.G. Woodhouse, The Left Hand of Darkness by le Guin.

What’s your favorite thing about writing?

It’s all up to me. Which is also my least favorite thing about writing! 

What is a typical day like for you?

Pre-Covid I played cello professionally a lot. Now I do my ghostwriting, along with my own writing. I miss playing in orchestras! 

What scene from Susan was your favorite to write?

The last one. It always is!!! (Yay!!!! I did it!!!!) 

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

I do in tennis. (I love tennis!!!!) If in doubt, yell, “Yours!” to my partner and look innocent.  

Alice McVeigh is the author of the new book Susan

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