Interview with Lucille Guarino, Author of Elizabeth’s Mountain

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Elizabeth’s Mountain?

Elizabeth’s Mountain was sparked by a dream that followed a phone conversation I had with my ninety-two-year-old aunt. She was living alone in Florida during the pandemic and I could feel her loneliness. I thought about what it must be like to have lived ninety-some years, all that she had seen and lived through, and now going through an isolating time. After waking from that dream, I went right to my laptop and started writing Elizabeth’s Mountain, and didn’t stop until it was finished. Two years later, it went from concept to publication.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Elizabeth’s Mountain, what would they be?

“Till I Waltz Again with You” by Teresa Brewer (1953) for Elizabeth; “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran (2017) for Amanda.

What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

My favorite genre to read is family sagas and romance. Also, my favorite to write as I’m most familiar with them.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

The Dutch House by Ann Patchett, Adelaide by Genevieve Wheeler, The Women by Kristin Hannah.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

My favorite scene in Elizabeth’s Mountain to write was when Jesse invites Nana Elizabeth to go with Amanda and him on a drive through the Blue Ridge scenic parkway. Unexpected and touching, it is the scene where they share time and conviviality together.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

The only quirky writing habit that I have is that I usually wear an old, worn out sweater when I write. It’s my comfort outfit.

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

I quote I live by is “Life is about creating yourself.” – George Bernard Shaw.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

The one thing I would want readers of Elizabeth’s Mountain to remember is that no matter what the era, love is love, it is the one thing that never changes.

Lucille Guarino is the author of the new book Elizabeth’s Mountain

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