A First Book

It’s time to tell the truth. I was never that little girl who always dreamed of writing a book. Instead, this book found me.

Now, I’ve always wanted to be a writer. I figured that out in the third grade. But I wanted to write for newspapers and magazines and live some wonderfully glamorous, fast-paced life that surely belonged to the journalists. And, all grown up, I did write for newspapers and magazines, except there was no glamour and very little fast-paced living.

Then I found myself in Los Angeles, and sure as the sun sets over the Pacific, a writer in L.A. can’t help but think of writing a screenplay. Truthfully, I wasn’t brave enough to write a screenplay, so I wrote a treament, nothing more than a 10-page idea for a movie. But when I shared it with several friends in the industry, they all agreed, a book needed to be written instead.

I sat down at my desk and wrote one chapter, thinking surely at the end of the first chapter I’d know whether I was cut out for this life as a novelist or not. One chapter led to two, then three, and then there was no turning back.

Living so far from my native Tennessee, it was an unexpected gift to plunge into this world where Catherine Grace and Gloria Jean lived. I felt wonderfully connected with my characters and my childhood all at the same time. And when the book was finished, I was sad, surprisingly so. And I finally realized that I was desperately missing my friends in Ringgold, Georgia.

Before I ever signed with an agency, my friends were wonderfully encouraging, always reminding me that the process of writing was surely fulfilling in and of itself. At first I really didn’t couldn’t say that I agreed with that. I was used to having a byline and a paycheck and now there were no guarantees.

But by the time I was done, I realized they really did know what they were talking about. The process had become the great joy. Being published is certainly a tremendous thrill for any writer, but the joy is, and will always be, in the writing.

Posted October 26, 2007 at 4:28 am · 24 comments · Leave a Comment

Comments

  1. Becky Eagleton, October 17th, 2007, 9:58 am

    Hey Susan!!!! I'm your first blogger - coolio. How's the book coming? Fill me in on life. Love and kisses, Becky

  2. Julie, October 29th, 2007, 4:52 pm

    Susan, Your blog gives hope to the rest of us! Keep it up, fun and fast to read!

  3. Frequent Fan, October 29th, 2007, 7:14 pm

    So very exciting to see your website...it sparkles...like your first novel!

  4. Rich Wiltfang, November 7th, 2007, 1:52 pm

    Hey Susan, I can't wait for the book. Love your website! This is gonna be fun! Love, Cuz Rich

  5. Claudia Gilmore, November 17th, 2007, 11:24 pm

    Hey mama! I agree with Rich, this is most certainly going to be fun! Georgetown can't wait for your book's debut. I can't wait for the organic turkey this Thanksgiving! I love you, Claudia :)

  6. Tammy Carroll, December 12th, 2007, 4:42 pm

    Hi Susan ~ I am a friend of Dans! Can't wait to see your new book...sounds wonderful and fun. Looking forward to meeting you soon. Tammy C.

  7. Susan, January 17th, 2008, 7:29 pm

    Thank you Tammy. Sorry for the long delay in getting back to you. I haven't written too much lately except for a grocery list. But I am really getting excited about Dairy Queen, and I hope you are able to come to the reading at Davis-Kidd on the 12th of February! Susan

  8. Susan, January 17th, 2008, 7:56 pm

    Hi Sweetie, I added a new blog -- check it out ! Love, Mom

  9. Carolyn Harris, January 18th, 2008, 8:50 am

    Susan, I am so excited for you. Looking forward to the book signing in Chattanooga and reading your book. Congratulations! Carolyn

  10. Treva Horne, January 19th, 2008, 10:17 pm

    Can't believe that I know a real writer! Very excited to hear about your book. I knew that first day I saw you at (St. Thomas Hospital) that you were special. Can't wait to read your book.

  11. Babs Young Behar, January 26th, 2008, 11:46 am

    Hey Susan, What a great website! I loved reading your bio and about the book. I, like so many of your childhood friends, are so excited about the release of your first novel. We are so proud of your talent as a writer, and as a woman who made it happen. Congratulations! I can't wait to read it. Babs

  12. Susan, January 26th, 2008, 1:27 pm

    Look forward to reading your book. Was born and raised in Ringgold, GA.

  13. Tracy, January 28th, 2008, 9:51 am

    Hi Susan, I am looking forward to the debut of your new book. I was born and raised in Ringgold and I made my way to Atlanta in 1987 and have now been here for 20 years. While I am rising my children in a big city, I have taken them to Ringgold many times and we have dined at the Chow Time among all of the regulars. I wouldn't trade my small town childhood for anything! From what I can tell of your book's description, I will be able to relate to a lot of the colorful characters. I wish you much success!

  14. Ruth Ann K Cook, January 28th, 2008, 11:26 am

    Love you, your family, and your book idea.Looking for it everywhere! We'll be waiting if you come to Dallas! Danny's cousin and yours, Ruthie

  15. J.B. Wilcox, February 12th, 2008, 10:23 pm

    This is so exciting... not just about the book, but to re-connect with old friends! I travel a lot, so I won't be in town when you come to NJ, but I hope we get the chance to catch up soon! Can't wait to read the book! I'll have to wait until Audrey's done with it, and probably Catherine and Sarah too!!! Give our love to Dan and the girls! P.S. I'm sure you know Catherine is at Syracuse now, but did you know Georgetown is playing Syracuse in Basketball this Saturday? We are going up for the game! Go SYRACUSE! ...sorry Claudia, we still love you though :)

  16. lisa andrews, February 16th, 2008, 3:00 pm

    susan just finished your first book what a hoot and great story telling keep looking for the perfect tomamto best wishes lisa

  17. Florence Dennis-Huskin, March 9th, 2008, 4:45 pm

    Hi Susan, I just saw a copy of your book today when I was visiting my parents and would like to extend my heartiest congratulations from all of us for this wonderful achievement. I started reading it right then and there and was just delighted by the story and the quality of your writing. May God bless you and your family and please give my regards to all. Sincerely, Florence Dennis-Huskin Alexandria, Virginia

  18. Jenny Everett, March 10th, 2008, 1:21 pm

    I'm only about halfway through the book and am having a great time! Having known someone from Ringgold and Ft. Ogelthorpe makes it even more fun. All I can say is that I hope another book is in the works! Thanks for such a fantastic story! Jenny Glasgow, Kentucky

  19. kathy peterson, March 31st, 2008, 8:18 pm

    Hi Susan- Last year I heard Elizabeth Gilbert at Barnes and Noble and she mentioned her sister had written a book. It had the words Dairy Queen in it. Are you her sister? I can't wait to read your book- it seems like a real page turner.

  20. kathy peterson, March 31st, 2008, 8:30 pm

    Hi Susan- Last year I heard Elizabeth Gilbert at Barnes and Noble and she mentioned her sister had written a book. It had the words Dairy Queen in the title. Are you her sister? I am anxious to read your book-it sounds like a page turner.

  21. Lynelle Stevenson, April 4th, 2008, 10:31 pm

    Hi Susan Just finished "Looking for Salvation...." and couldn't go to bed without telling you how much I enjoyed the visit. I hope we haven't heard the last of these folks or from you. Thanks so much.... Seems that all small towns have a lot in common!

  22. Judith Walter, March 8th, 2009, 2:18 pm

    I am trying to read your blog, the responses, and maybe get brave and post a response. I think I don't know how to do this!! Or do I just jump right in like I have done with so many other things???

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Susan Gregg Gilmore