An Interview with Sandra Brown
A Bestselling Mystery Author Talks about Writing, Reading, and Life
Aug 14, 2007
A Texas native and Texas Christian University English major, Ms. Brown was a model and TV talk show host before embarking on her writing career. She began with romance novels, but switched to mysteries in the early 90s. Her last 20 novels have been mysteries, including the 2006 bestseller, "Ricochet."
Ms. Brown's last novel, "Play Dirty," was just released August 14 (2007). I had the opportunity to speak with her recently. In her charming Texas accent, she shared her thoughts with Suite 101 about her writing, reading, and her life.
Suite101: You've written an incredible 70 novels since your first novel came out in 1981. Fifty-five of them have made the "New York Times" Bestseller List. That's impressive. What the secret to your success?
Sandra Brown: I love my job. I guess that's my secret. I get to tell stories for a living.
Suite101: You've managed to write a novel a year for a good number of years. How do you do that plus find time for your family and to promote your books? You must be very organized.
Sandra Brown: I set various small goal and benchmarks for myself. For instance, I set when I need to have the plot outlined and the first chapter completed. My publisher expects a novel a year and it's a very workable pace for me. If I had to write two novels a year, I think I'd feel a little pressed.
Suite101: The Simon and Schuster Web site has some great pictures of your family. How many children and grandchildren do you have?
Sandra Brown: I have a grown son and daughter and two grandsons. My third grandson is due very soon.
Suite101: You're a Texas native, born in Waco and raised in Ft. Worth. You now live in Arlington. "Play Dirty" is set in Texas as many of your novels are. How does being a Texan affect your plots and your characters?
Sandra Brown: I write about Texas--and the South--a lot, because that's what I know. It's also an advantage to have the Texas heroes and history to use. Plus, "all Texans are liars". It makes for good stories.
Suite101: You state on your Web site that one of your favorite pastimes is reading. Who are your favorite authors? Is there one book that got you hooked on reading?
Sandra Brown: Right now I'm reading Anita Shreve's "Body Surfing." I also like Barry Eisler, Lee Child, John Sanford, and Tracy Chevalier. I don't read just one type of book. I like good stories.
What book got me interested in reading? The first book that really impressed me? I'd have to say a Nancy Drew book. I read them all several times.
Suite101: Many of Suite101's readers are writers themselves. Do you have any advice for aspiring writers or those just starting their first book?
Sandra Brown: First, just as we've been talking about, read as much as you can. Read all different kinds of books. Also write. Write every day. Writing takes practice. And study the business of writing -- how to market your book, how to develop plot lines.
Suite101: Did it take you long to get your first book published?
Sandra Brown: I guess it took me about a year to find someone to publish it (the 1981 release "Love's Encore").
Suite101: Do you have a daily writing routine?
Sandra Brown: I usually get to my office around 930am. I'm not an early riser. Then I take care of the business details. I try to write around four to five hours in the afternoon. I consider it a good day when I can write four or five hours.
Suite101: What's next for Sandra Brown? Are you working on a new novel?
Sandra Brown: I'm working on a new novel (yet untitled). I also have four books that are being considered for films. I'll make an announcement if anything develops about that.
Many thanks to Ms. Brown for taking the time to talk with us and to Simon & Schuster for making the arrangements.
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