This really is the view from here. The photo above was taken by me, standing in my bathrobe at the water’s edge. I’m extremely lucky to live here on the beach, on an island in Puget Sound, in view of Mount Rainier. This is the sight that greets me each morning. There are more pictures of my part of the world here and http://susanwiggs.shutterfly.com/action/ for those who care to take a look. Thanks for stopping by.
Here’s my bio: Using blunt scissors, pages from a Big Chief tablet, a borrowed stapler and a Number Two pencil, Susan Wiggs self-published her first novel at the age of eight. A Book About Some Bad Kids was based on the true-life adventures of Susan and her siblings, and the first printing of one copy was a complete sell-out.
Due to her brother’s extreme reaction to that first effort, Susan went underground with her craft, entertaining her friends and offending her siblings with anonymously-written stories of virtuous sisters and the brothers who torment them. The first romance she ever read was Shanna by the incomparable Kathleen Woodiwiss, which she devoured while slumped behind a college vector analysis textbook. Armed with degrees from Texas and Harvard, and toting a crate of “keeper” books by Woodiwiss, Roberta Gellis, Laurie McBain, Rosemary Rogers, Jennifer Blake, Bertrice Small and anything with the words “flaming” and “ecstasy” in the title, she became a math teacher, just to prove to the world that she did have a left brain.
Late one night, she finished the book she was reading and was confronted with a reader’s worst nightmare–She was wide awake, and there wasn”t a thing in the house she wanted to read. Figuring this was the universe’s way of taking away her excuses, she picked up a Big Chief tablet and a Number Two pencil, and began writing her novel with the working title, A Book About Some Bad Adults. Actually, that was a bad book about some adults, but Susan persevered, learning her craft the way skydiving is learned–by taking a blind leap and hoping the chute will open.
Her first book was published (without the use of blunt scissors and a stapler) by Zebra in 1987, and since then she has been published by Avon, Tor, HarperCollins, Harlequin, Warner and Mira Books. Unable to completely abandon her beloved teaching profession, Susan is a frequent workshop leader and speaker at writers’ conferences, including the literary institution Field’s End and the legendary Maui Writers Conference. She is the proud recipient of two RITA awards for Lakeside Cottage, Lord of the Night and The Mistress. Her novel The Charm School was voted one of RWA’s Favorite Books of the Year. She is the proud recipient of many RT awards, the Peninsula RWA’s Blue Boa, the Holt Medallion and the Colorado Award of Excellence. Her books appear regularly on numerous “Best Of” lists.
Susan enjoys many hobbies, including sitting in the hot tub while talking to her mother on the phone, skiing, cleaning the can opener, sculpting with butter and growing her hair. She lives on an island in the Pacific Northwest with her family.
41 comments
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June 14, 2019 at 1:46 pm
Larry Holmes
While reading Table for Five you mention a reproduction of the Veiled Christ in North Carolina. My wife and have visited the original several times and find it a stunning piece of art. I s there really a reproduction in the US.
Thanks
Larry and Noreen Holmes
November 3, 2015 at 3:47 pm
Betty Allen
My grandaughters and I have so much loved all your books and if you have a third book in the Bella Vista Cronicles in the works I will pre order it as soon as I know about it. Sometimes a book reaches a part of you that cannot be explained and those books did that for me, maybe because I grew up during that time frame in America where I was safe (thank God).Anyway thank you for sharing your wonderful talent with the world. Happy writing! !!!
July 9, 2015 at 9:13 pm
Ann
I love the two Bella Vista books! I hope there is another one coming!
April 19, 2015 at 3:21 pm
Ellen Molbak Welsch
I enjoyed The Apple Orchard tremendously and it was the Danish element that initially drew me to the book. My parents immigrated from Denmark and I have heard many stories about the German occupation and the Danish underground/resistance.
I am curious. How did you come to write about a part of Danish history and include it in your story?
Also, some phrases written while the story is taking place in Denmark, read as if they were translated from Danish to English. Were they?
Thank you for taking the time to answer these questions.
We are discussing your book in my book club and I would enjoy sharing the answers to these questions, if possible.
Thank you!
Ellen
April 30, 2013 at 9:37 am
Susan Wigg's 5 Firsts and lasts | Chick Lit Is Not Dead
[…] It’s about a girl whose life is changed by writing. I wrote my first story then (photo here) I remember finally “getting” the shape of a story, which is so simple–beginning, middle, […]
October 23, 2012 at 4:09 pm
Shelley Prytula
Hi Susan…I saw “Return to Willow Lake” promoted on the Martha Stewart website. After reading the excerpt, I thought it mite be a book that I would enjoy. after finding your website, I’ve found that it was the last one in the series. Am in the process now of reading the others in sequence. I love how the characters intertwine. Am looking forward to reading the rest of them. Thanx for the entertainment!
July 7, 2012 at 9:00 pm
Contest with Susan Wiggs » Romancing the Book
[…] her first novel at the age of eight (and it can be seen on the author’s blog here—https://susanwiggs.wordpress.com/about). A Book About Some Bad Kids was based on the true-life adventures of Susan and her […]
December 27, 2011 at 3:39 pm
Why I love authors « my life in words
[…] – from The View From Here: #1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Wiggs: A writer at the water’s … […]
October 10, 2011 at 5:55 pm
Carol Wallin
Hi Susan, I just found your Web or blog (am still trying to work out the difference with these foreign things I’m afraid) I’ve read The Goodbye Quilt, Home Before Dark and Just Breathe. Enjoyed the books very much and hope to be a published author soon too. Writing is a wonderful world to immerse yourself in. Thank you for putting your work out there for so many to enjoy.
August 17, 2011 at 9:19 am
Geraldine
What a great story to read Susan. I’m so glad you did pursue your talents as a writer! I’ ve only recently started reading your books and I am enjoying them immensely. The Goodbye Quilt and Summer By the Sea so far.
I’ve also been writing all my life from a very early age. I have two books published but haven’t completed a novel yet. That project is finally going ahead full steam. I am really enjoying the process and reading over what I’ve written to date, I’m actually feeling good about it!
I don’t do FaceBook, do you have a contact email I could write to you at? I have an fun idea I’d like to ask you about. I hope so. Thank you.
Hugs, Geraldine 🙂
mypoeticpath (at) myway (dot) com
February 22, 2011 at 6:34 am
monicastangledweb
Just read your “About Me.” Loved it. How wonderful that you still have your first book, written at the tender age of 8. Love your sense of humor, too. Many years ago I lived in Seattle. Gorgeous views just about everywhere there, but yours takes the cake! Glad to have “discovered” you!
August 30, 2010 at 9:19 am
Sylvia Roper
Sad to say, I have just discovered your wonderful books! Just finished reading an earlier work, Table for Five and plan to buy all your novels. You are gifted beyond my ability to describe your talent. Keep writing stories like Table for Five. And hey . . . I’m 66 and still enjoy reading about younger people. I have a 46 year old soul trapped in a sixty-six year old body. It think of myself as a writer and write a lot. Of course, the manuscripts just collect dust because I’m too timid to send them to an agent. Maybe some day . . . before I’m seventy. Thank you for using your gift.
June 22, 2010 at 7:22 pm
Emily Covey
Hi Mrs. Wiggs! I am Emily Mitchell Covey, and you were my teacher in first or second grade! I just happened upon your name through a mention of your daughter’s blog, and did a search and found you. I remembered that you were a writer, and your name actually came up not too long ago when someone else I know mentioned they knew a romance novelist and I asked if it was you…it wasn’t. Anyways, I am glad to see how well you are doing with your writing career. Hope you are well otherwise. Take care, Emily
June 25, 2010 at 7:25 am
susanwiggs
I love hearing from former students, all grown up. 🙂
January 18, 2010 at 9:06 am
Marge
Susan, I’m a yoga teacher in Urbana, IL. I found your image of the heart rock while searching for some images to promote a special valentine’s day yoga class. It’s a calming and tender image. We’d love to use it to promote our class. Is it possible to get your permission to use the image on posters and in the newsletter for out upcoming valentine’s day class? Thank you. You can email me back at margaret12345@gmail.com regarding this. The yoga center is “Amara Yoga and Arts”
January 18, 2010 at 10:38 am
susanwiggs
Sure, help yourself! I’m very flattered! Please credit the photo source to me, Susan Wiggs, http://www.susanwiggs.com
Love yoga, I go to class at least 3x a week. 🙂
Thanks for asking.
January 18, 2010 at 9:02 am
Marge
Susan
December 17, 2009 at 1:37 pm
Mary
Susan,
The patrons at our Library System of 10 libraries and 4 counties here in NE Mississippi love your books. The Lakeshore Chronicles are a special favorite and especially for our librarians. All public libraries nationwide are feeling the pinch, as our local, state and federal funding decreases. Many of us have the same problem as Avalon with library closings and no money. We wish we could find benefactors, etc. to solve our problems. Thank you for talking and writing about the issue in such a great way.
October 8, 2009 at 2:47 pm
david king
I can`t get into the contestso I`m answering today`s question with Area Tango Delta
September 16, 2009 at 9:09 am
Jim O'Hagan
One of my great great grandmothers was Elizabeth Jane (Spicey) Wiggs. Spicey was born in 1852 in Bartholomew County, IN, the daughter of William (Tom) and Lucinda Blackketter. In 1865, the family moved to Carver County, MN. Are you related to this line of Wiggs?
Tom was born in Wayne County, NC, near Goldsboro.
May 19, 2009 at 4:30 am
Donna Palmer
Hi Susan! Just finished reading the “Lakeside Chronicles” and “Just Breathe” and loved them all! I did notice something in all of the books – the automobiles are -with the exception of the Mini in “Just Breathe”, various models made by Ford Motor Company. The other item that caught my eye is that the characterseither vacation or get married on St. Croix! Being as how my family has the oldest Ford dealership in the state of Michigan (now being run by my daughter and son-in-law) and that my late husband and I “discovered” St. Croix in 1972 and now have a winter condo on the west end (Frederiksted), I couldn’t help but pick this up!
I love the books – and these two little “tidbits” made them even better!!
What happens next in the Chronicle series? Are you ever going to do a book-signing in Ann Arbor, Michigan?
Donna Palmer
May 21, 2009 at 8:51 pm
susanwiggs
Thank you Donna! I didn’t even realize that about the Fords…but I’ve owned many in my day. 🙂
And St Croix is such a magical place. I had a wonderful vacation there with my parents and Jay. We rented a house there…it was near the casino, I believe.
I would love to come to Ann Arbor, home of Borders and many fine readers. I will keep you posted!
February 3, 2009 at 7:33 pm
pat miller
Hello Susan:
I love all your books, I just found your web site, I am new to this. I just finished your
book An Ocean Between Us. It was so much fun I didn’t want it to end I just loved the
Bennet family. I could not believe you wrote about Whidbey Navy Base and the Prowler
family. My nephew Bill is a Navigator on the Prower and is stationed there, his wife
Meredith is a Lt. in the Coast Guard. They have been separated for most of the first year
after they married in Ca., but now they are both in Washington State for next few years,
hopefully. So that could be your next book, two kids trying to make it in two different
branches of the service. How do you know so much about the Prowler?
Well keep up the good work, my Sisters and I read all you books, we pass them on to
each other. My name is Pat, I am from a seaside town in New Jersey. I am retired and
spend my time with my friends going to NYl to television shows, we go to Regis & Kelly
about once a month. I have 5 grandkids and a husband of 45 years, but the most
important person is our Labrador Annie Shea she is 3 years old, she is our fourth Lab.
Enjoy WA. i hope to be out there this summer to visit Billy.
Pat Miller
1225 Sherman Ave.
Point Pleasant, NJ 08742
November 17, 2008 at 6:46 am
April de Cardenas
Susan, you have charmed millions and your success allows other women to strive for their dreams! Are you ever in Michigan or New York? April
July 3, 2008 at 11:46 pm
writetools
I miss the Puget Sound, Mt. Rainier, rain… really, just green things! Thanks for taking me back home with your photos. I enjoyed the photo of your first book, mine was pretty similar. It was the “Grand Adventures of Dr. Lister”. He was the boy I had a crush on at eight, and I had just been enthralled with the tale of Jospeph Lister, the great physician who invented Listerine. So I rolled the two together, for a great romp of puppy love meets cutting edge medicine. Awe, the good old days. Thanks again for the post! Amie
June 25, 2008 at 7:35 am
SANDY
I live in Catskill NY and have loved reading the Willow Lake books. It is such fun to read about all the local areas. Have you spent time here or just read about the area. Your writing is great and I always look forward to your next book.
May 23, 2008 at 8:44 am
lalber
Susan!
I’m tagging you! Check out today’s post on my blog.
Just for Friday funsies, xo, Lisa
December 16, 2007 at 1:48 pm
Jay Bates
Hi Susan:
My name is Jay Bates. I host a podcast (recorded live as well as in a studio) that is published once a month. We cover Pacific Northwest writers and musicians. I was curious if you might be interested in writing a blog about our program. Garth Stein–a recent guest on our show–led me to your blog. Feel free to contact me at jayabates@hotmail.com
Thanks,
Jay Bates
November 4, 2007 at 1:36 am
AmusingGuy
Hi, was just wondering are all these recipies have been tried out and have some kind of ranking system if it’s good or not?
October 31, 2007 at 6:37 pm
Pam Orndorff
Susan,
I’ve “just found you” this summer, as well as some of the readers here. I’ve always been a strongly devoted Nora Roberts fan and have read most everything of hers. Lately, I’ve been leaning toward your books.
I’m exhaused as I write this from staying up until 3 AM reading Summer by the Sea. Last week, it was all three Lakeside Cronicles. I love the characters and can always picture them clearly in my head. I love the sweet men in your stories and the hint of sex without the minute by minute graphic image.
Carry on, and thank you for sharing your talent. I’ve now read all of the contemporary novels as I do not like the historial romance fiction as well. Some readers do, but I prefer modern days. Thanks for the sleepless night. You are a very gifted writer.
Pam in Shenandoah Valley, Virginia
August 10, 2007 at 10:47 pm
Carrie
I love your books. I have trouble putting them down once I start them. I do have a question for though. Do you plan on writing a book about Daisy Bellamy and her friend Julian Gastineaux? I truely do hope so! Well thank you for writing these amazing books.
July 25, 2007 at 11:47 am
Florence Richmond
Hi: I am curious to know if the recipes in your books are tried and true. Florence
July 6, 2007 at 1:42 pm
Sam
“At three minutes and four seconds after 2 AM on the 6th of May this year, the time and date will be 02:03:04 05/06/07. This will never happen again. So I’m setting the time stamp for this post for that moment. Enjoy the moment!”
Not true. This time and date has occurred every 100 years since the year 0007.
June 26, 2007 at 10:28 am
helensorenson
I have had the opportunity to share Summer by the Sea, with my new neighbor down the street, and Table for Five with another teacher at my school. They both LOVED the books, and had never “read you” before. I am going to continue to loan, (not give), your books to my young friends
(they each have 3 kids, the younger ones being pre-schoolers). I want these young women to learn the life lessons that seem to be in each one of your books.
Your new puppy is cute!
June 25, 2007 at 9:53 am
Tricia Ares
Susan,
I am working on my first novel, and I have been surveying every author I meet with about the issue of representation. Should my first stop along the road to publication be finding a good agent? I am hearing conflicting opinions. What do you think? Is it best to send your first manuscript out to publishers or to agents?
March 4, 2007 at 4:12 am
Teresa
I’ve just discovered you. I’m reading “The Winter Lodge” and totally loving it. I have a feeling that The Lakeshore Chronicles will become one of my favorite series of books.
Puget Sound is beautiful! I like in Oregon and love taking the train because I get to see the Sound on my way to a Seattle Mariners game!
Thanks for creating such amazing characters in your stories!
February 24, 2007 at 2:17 pm
Rahul
Thanks. Do visit my Blog in spare time.
Hv Blog Roll’ed yours.
February 23, 2007 at 6:23 pm
susanwiggs
Rahul, it’s so nice to hear from you. I started writing before I could even read, by scribbling pictures and having my mom write down the story. So it’s never too early to begin. Get excited about your story and write it down. That’s always a good place to begin. Good luck from Susan
February 23, 2007 at 6:15 pm
Rahul
This is what a BLOG can do!A chance meeting with a real life autho (well author’s Blog)!
Quite an experience for me.
I love to read & hope to write.I Envy those who can write & envy those more who can write so well that their works are published & even get Awards! 🙂
Best of luck n Regards frm Rahul (India)
February 22, 2007 at 9:18 pm
Lori Stevens
Can’t wait to meet you in person, Susan, this weekend at your Oregon Coast event. I’m looking forward to a few days of learning, leisure and laughter–perhaps not that order!
February 13, 2007 at 11:31 pm
Shannon Bracken
Great blog Susan!