An Interview with Susan Meissner

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How did you develop your talent as a writer?

Simplistic as it may sound, I surrounded myself with very good books. Books were my professors. I studied the craft by watching it play itself out within the talents of others. Recent favorites of mine are The Kite Runner, Peace Like a River, Expecting Adam and the Life of Pi. I have also subscribed to Writers Digest for the past fifteen years and I read and keep every issue.

What lessons did you learn by not finishing your college education?

There have been seasons over the last 25 years where I have wished things had been different, that I had stayed in college and gotten the degree. But I have learned that God is the creator and sustainer of any talent or ability I have. Besides, I would have pursued a degree in education, when my heart was really in writing. It is possible to self–educate yourself on the art of writing, which is what I endeavored to do. But I don’t recommend it over getting a college degree. I don’t think there are too many people out there who regret staying in college and finishing, even to the point of great sacrifice. When choosing a major, I would encourage students to choose a path they already know they enjoy.

How do you fit the profile as a middle child?

I have heard that the middle child seeks affirmation not from within or from Mom and Dad but from her peers. For me, this is so very true. Writers need affirmation like kites need wind, at least the writers I know. I soar on every encouraging word I hear from readers, fellow writers and my editors. Likewise, my self–confidence plummets when I fail these people. Not entirely a bad thing, but I do have to daily remind myself to seek to please God first and then others.

In what ways do you stay connected to readers?

I invite reader contact at the close of every book and I respond to every email or letter I receive – did I mention I thrive on peer affirmation? I also send out a newsletter several times a year to let my readers know what I’m working on.

Your books Why the Sky is Blue, about crisis pregnancies; A Window to the World, about a kidnapping; and Remedy for Regret, about a mother’s death, deal with very serious subjects. Why do you write about such strong life–changing issues?

I suppose it’s because it’s the tough issues that make us think, make us grow, make us adjust. Life–changes expose our weaknesses. They also expose our strengths. And this is the essence of story, isn’t it? A collision of wills that tests our resolve, magnifies our flaws and virtues, and compels us to break through barriers and chase our dreams.

They say every writer weaves bits and pieces of their own life into each story. What contributions are from your personal life?

Every story I write contains glimmers and shimmers of who I am and how I think. I try to step into the very shoes and slippers of my main characters, which can sometimes be quite a stretch. The actual contributions from my personal life are quite small, but they are everywhere. Like, for example, the purse motif in my third book, The Remedy for Regret. I gave my motherless protagonist a quirky fondness for purses because I remember thinking that my own mother’s purse was an extension of her, a part of her very being. I loved the way it smelled, how her wallet was fat with pictures of people she loved and how inside her purse she kept folded tissues blotted with lipstick kisses, to be used over and over again.
To me, this was a metaphor for the bond between mother and child. And this found its way into the book because my protagonist’s key struggle is her regret that her mother died giving birth to her.

Where do you get your ideas for novels?

The craziest places. Airports, malls, newspaper articles, photographs in National Geographic. Usually an idea for a story will come when I’m not looking for it. I will see a photograph or a line of poetry or read an obituary and I will suddenly see a seed of a story. I file these away when this happens. There are about a dozen of these in that file right now.

What was it like living in Europe as an Air Force wife?

Living in Europe as American military was absolutely wonderful. We lived in a 900–year–old English village on one assignment and in a tiny farming community in Germany in another. We had the lovely experience of living in a different culture, but also had the comforts of the nearby air base, which meant if we had a sudden hankering for Pop–tarts we could go to the commissary and get some. Europe is beautiful and enchanting, but languishing in many places in its fervor for Jesus. I long to go back.

Was settling in Minnesota tough after being raised in San Diego and then living in Europe?

I have found that there is charm everywhere, in every place. Minnesota has the bleakest winters I have ever known – lasting from November to April – and the bugs and humidity send us right back into our houses come June, but October is spectacular in its beauty. Kind of makes up for some of the other months’ drawbacks. And people are the same everywhere: San Diego, Europe and the Midwest – we all want to exit the planet having made a difference of some kind, albeit even a small one. And to see our children grow into remarkable human beings.

What activities do you, your husband, and children enjoy doing?

We love the ocean and mountains (okay, so that’s a bit of a problem living here in Minnesota), long walks, good books, Italian food and just being together. My daughter Stephanie and I share a love for writing that truly blesses me.

How has your role as a mom evolved?

My kids are 21, 18, 15 and 13, which means I am learning how to let go. It is far more wonderful and terrible than the parenting books said it would be. I love having adult children. It is like having new best friends. But I do miss those days when I was the center of their universe!

Do you have any hobbies or talents your readers might be surprised to learn about?

I wish I could say I can snowboard or dance the tango or play the bagpipes, but the fact is, my hobbies are rather ordinary. Music, photography and traveling. But, oh how I do love them...

Once your children are grown, if you could do anything in the world, what would it be?

It would be lovely to head back to Europe for a spell, maybe write a series of novels set against the backdrop of the Cotswolds in southern England, start a Bible study or writing group. Live the gospel. Write stories of redemption and hope. Yep, that would be grand.