Author Q&A With Liz Alterman
Liz Alterman is the author of the award-winning memoir, Sad Sacked, the young adult thriller, He’ll Be Waiting, the domestic suspense novels The Perfect Neighborhood, The House on Cold Creek Lane, and You Shouldn’t Have Done That, as well as the romcom, Claire Casey’s Had Enough. Her work has been published by The New York Times, The Washington Post, McSweeney’s Internet Tendency, and numerous other outlets. Meet Liz:
You are an author, but is it your day job? If not, what fills your days? I’m a freelance writer by day, author by early morning and evening. As a journalist, I’ve written about everything from pets to parenting and real estate to the Real Housewives.
Did you always want to be an author? Yes. Reading was my favorite hobby (and still is) and it was a dream of mine to be able to provide the same kind of escape for readers that I’ve always enjoyed.
What is your most recent book, and what inspired you to write it? Claire Casey’s Had Enough is a momcom/romcom that explores a day in the life of the forty-six-year-old main character, who finds herself at a crossroads. I hope the story speaks to anyone who’s ever felt like they lost themselves while caring for everyone else.
How do you hope your book uplifts those who read it? I hope that middle-aged parents who are juggling as much as Claire will have a laugh and feel a bit more seen and less alone.
What are you most excited about with this book? I’ve written several thrillers, so this was a nice, fun departure from those darker tales.
What advice would you give someone wanting to succeed in your professional industry? I would say don’t give up. This is a very subjective industry that’s often filled with rejection. Keep going.
How do you handle setbacks and criticism? While it’s never pleasant to receive a rejection or a negative review, I try to remember that my work won’t speak to everyone and there are plenty of books I adore that others don’t, and vice versa. The key is to keep trying.
Being an author today is like running a business. How do you manage your publicity and social media, and maintain engagement with readers? I’ve been having a lot of fun with Substack, sharing backstories to how each of my works has come about. I also offer recommendations for books and TV series I’ve enjoyed. Instagram is probably my favorite social media platform because I follow a lot of authors and it’s wonderful to have a chance to celebrate their success.
How do you hold yourself accountable and achieve the goals that you set forth? I have a wonderful friend, and she and I share pages every few weeks, which keeps me on track. I’m so fortunate because she has the rare ability to offer constructive and encouraging feedback. She’s a gift!
What book uplifts you? I love Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert and Truth Is the Arrow, Mercy Is the Bow by Steve Almond.
Anything else you’d like to share with your readers? I love meeting with book clubs, so if you choose one of my books and would like me to Zoom in, please reach out!
Connect with Liz and get her new book via her website.
Images Courtesy of Liz Alderman
