In Which a Librarian asks a Talented Author a Small Number of Questions:
Suzanne Woods Fisher loves stories worth telling about people worth remembering. With over a million copies of her book sold worldwide, this bestselling, award-winning author of more than 30 books is always on the lookout for the unsung hero with an untold story--at least that is what Audible says about Suzanne and we have to agree! Her books are memorable and feel good and make you want to read more AND you'll want to enjoy life. Let's get to know her a bit better below but don't forget to join us on July 25th at 6:30pm via Zoom when we talk with her live! If you can't make the event, it will be recorded and available on our YouTube channel, TADLnotjustbooks.
If you were a dewey number, what would you consider yourself to be?
Only a librarian would ask this question! I think you might find me in the sections of 030, tucked in right beside encyclopedias. Not that I have a vast knowledge about the world. I don’t. But I am curious about everything. This question reminds me of trying to narrow down my college major because I wanted to take so many different classes (with the exception of Statistics).
What are in your "to be read" pile of books or on your nightstand that you are reading right now?
I read a lot of non-fiction. On my nightstand right now is Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity by Peter Attia, MD. And I’m just finishing up Alice Water’s Coming to my Senses, about how she started the famous restaurant known as Chez Panisse.
Are you a hard or soft ice cream kind of person and what is your favorite flavor?
My husband’s vanilla ice cream. He attended Ice Cream School at Penn State! (Did you know there was such a thing? Since 1892. All the greats have gone—Baskin & Robbins, Ben & Jerry, on and on.) Vanilla is not only the most favorite flavor in the entire world, but it’s also the most difficult one to make. Chocolate and strawberry and mocha and mint can all mask inferior raw ingredients or errors of the ice cream maker, but not vanilla. It’s so pure. You can’t hide anything with vanilla ice cream.
Do you find it easier to write about what you know or does researching different topics for your books help you get motivated and inspired?
I do enjoy discovering new stories and new settings. That said, I have woven in some personal experiences into some books. The Sweet Life, for example, tells the story of a middle-aged woman who had a bout of breast cancer. That’s my story, too.
If you had a choice and could surround yourself with everything you love, is there one place in the world you would live and why?
A simple answer: wherever my family would be. When push comes to shove, what matters more than being with those whom you love the most?
Thank you so much, Suzanne! I have not been a fan of plain vanilla but I will definitely be tasting it with a different mind set now. With July being National Ice Cream Month I have a valid excuse to eat all I want!