Interview with Suzanne Jenkins, author of Stronger

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

Thank you so much for asking. I began writing Stronger several years ago after I started to obsess on a day dream about living in a stone cottage in the English countryside. The countryside morphed to the seaside, and the young woman, a runner, became the ex-wife of an FBI director in the US. As stories will go, this took on a life of its own. I stopped working on it when it became too complicated to go by the seat of my pants, as I usually write. It had to percolate for a few years.

What’s the last book you read?

I read a few at a time but the last one I finished was The Wind Up Bird Chronicles by Murakami.

What or who inspired you to become an author?

I wrote little stories as a child, usually autobiographical, and embarrassing. Lol! In 1986, I went on a business trip to New Orleans with my husband and I knew I would write a story in that setting. The Savant of Chelsea came from that trip. It took me that long to write it, too because I was still working as an OR nurse.

You’re hosting a literary dinner party. Which three writers are invited?

Joyce Carol Oates

Patti Smith

PD James

What’s your favorite thing about writing?

Letting my imagination go!

If you had an extra hour each day, how would you spend it?

Writing!

What scene in Stronger was your favorite to write?

Without a spoiler, I’ll just say when Karen’s children wake up the morning of her disappearance.

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

I’m trying to be kind and live one day at a time.

Suzanne Jenkins is the author of the new book Stronger

Connect with Suzanne:
Author Website