The Imperfect First Draft: Author Interview with Suzanne Kelman

You’ve now sold over 475,000 books. That’s quite an accomplishment. How many books did it take before you realized it could be a full time career?
As for when I realized writing could be a full-time career, it didn’t happen overnight. It took about seven to eight books before I saw its potential to become something sustainable. When I started building a solid connection with my readers and saw my audience grow, primarily through my newsletter and preorders, I realized this could be more than just a passion—it could be my full-time career. That said, it was a gradual process, and treating it like a full-time job from the start helped set me on that path.

How do you keep the writing fresh and create new characters that your readers can relate to after so many books? 
To keep my writing fresh and create characters readers can relate to, I immerse myself deeply in each character’s unique challenges and inner world. Sometimes, a character is clear to me right from the start, but other times, like in the book I'm working on now, it takes until the second or even third draft to understand who they are truly. 

I’m constantly asking myself how each woman, with her specific life choices, challenges, and flaws, would react to the events around her. It’s this focus on individuality—how each character responds to the extraordinary circumstances of their time—that keeps me engaged to hopefully create relatable characters, even after writing many books.

What drew you to write stories around WWII?

I’m drawn to writing stories set during WWII because of the incredible resilience and courage of everyday people under occupation. The period provides endless inspiration, with many unsung heroes—particularly women—who stepped up and did the unimaginable for freedom. I love exploring how ordinary people faced extraordinary choices during such a pivotal time in history. WWII provides a wealth of external conflict that I can weave into my characters' inner struggles.

Since many of your books revolve around WWII how do you go about doing the research? Do you do the research or do you have an assistant? 
I do some general research before starting a project, but I really immerse myself as I go along. I’m fortunate to have a research assistant who helps dig through historical documents, photographs, and other sources that are essential to bringing authenticity to my stories. I focus on the creative side and the bigger picture, while my assistant helps with the more detailed and sometimes dry aspects of research.

 Can you share an “aha” moment when something surprised you in doing your story research?

One of the things that constantly amazes me during my research is how incredibly clever WWII spies were at deceiving the enemy. The lengths they went to with such limited resources and technology is truly fascinating. There was one particular “aha” moment that struck me when I was researching methods of espionage. I stumbled upon a lesser-known story about how spies used coded knitting patterns to pass on information. The creativity and ingenuity they showed to outsmart the enemy sparked new ideas for my characters and made me rethink how I wanted to portray certain plot twists. It's these kinds of discoveries that not only surprise me but often lead to ideas for future books!

On your website, you have a link to the character profiles for your Bookseller of Paris novel. Each one is just a short description. Do you build a much longer character profile before you write your stories? 
When it comes to character development, I do have a general idea of my characters, particularly their flaws, but it’s not always fully formed at the start. Sometimes a character comes to me immediately, but other times it takes time—sometimes even until the second or third draft—to truly understand them. 

Are you a plotter or more of a pantser?

That said, I’m definitely more of a plotter than a pantser for my books and characters. I outline my books in detail, following a process inspired by my background in screenwriting. I start with 40 chapters on index cards, which often expand, but that structure gives me a clear foundation. I split the cards evenly between both stories for dual timelines, which helps me keep the narrative balanced. I approach each chapter by outlining the scene's opening, middle, and end and the character’s emotional journey throughout. So while I do give my characters room to evolve as I write, there’s a strong structure in place to guide the process.

What’s the best encouragement you’ve had in your writing?
The best encouragement I’ve received in my writing is when readers tell me my stories made them cry. It might some strange but it means I’ve succeeded in connecting with them on a deep emotional level, which is always my goal. I aim to create characters and stories that resonate so strongly that readers feel the full range of emotions—joy, heartbreak, hope, and fear—alongside my characters. Knowing that my writing has moved someone reminds me why I write and keeps me motivated, knowing that my stories are making a personal impact.

Marketing is the biggest key to making sales. What is the best marketing source you've used that has produced more sales rather than just clicks?
One of the most effective marketing strategies I've used to generate actual sales rather than just clicks is building a strong email list. Having a direct line to readers allows me to engage with them personally, share updates, and offer exclusive content like behind-the-scenes insights and pre-order links. 

Additionally, linking the next book in a series at the back of the current one has been incredibly successful. I’ve had a book stay as a Hot New Release for nearly six months using this method. While social media and ads are important, nurturing a direct connection with readers through my newsletter has been the most reliable way to turn interest into sales. 

What do you know now about writing you wished you had known sooner?
I wish I'd known sooner the importance of embracing the first draft as a creative playground, free from the worry of reader reception. Fretting over how my work might be perceived, can really stifled my creativity. I've discovered that allowing myself to freely explore ideas in the first draft—writing solely for my own enjoyment and without fear of judgment—leads to richer, more genuine storytelling. This approach not only enhances the quality of the work but also deepens my connection to it, making the writing process more fulfilling and the stories more resonant with readers. This is my favorite quote about this, "Every first draft is perfect because all a first draft has to do is exist." - Jane Smiley 

What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give?
The best writing advice I’ve received—and what I always share with others—is to treat writing like a job long before you ever see success. Consistency is key. I write five days a week for 4-6 hours, and I’ve always stuck to that routine, even before I was published. Another piece of advice I’d give is to outline your story, especially if you’re writing something complex like a dual timeline. Having a clear structure in place helps guide the process and gives you the freedom to dive deeper into your characters and plot without losing your way. Writing is both a craft and a discipline and treating it as such from the start will help you succeed in the long run.

Are there any other points about writing you would like to add?
Another important point about writing is the value of persistence. Writing is often a long, solitary journey, and there will be moments of doubt or creative blocks. However, pushing through those tough times is what separates a finished manuscript from an idea that never makes it to the page. Writing isn’t just about inspiration—it’s about showing up consistently, even when the words don’t flow easily. Sometimes, the breakthroughs come in the middle of a difficult writing day, and those small steps forward eventually build into something remarkable. I love Stephen King's quote, "Amateurs sit and wait for inspiration, the rest of us just get up and go to work."

What is the next book coming out? Can you give me a short synopsis?
The next book will be in the spring, and it is the third book in the Paris Sisters Series, 

Though it is very much in the creation stage right now, here is a short synopsis of where we are heading.

The third installment in the Paris Sisters series unfolds against the tumultuous backdrop of World War II Paris. When Antoinette Valette's husband is arrested by the Nazis, she delves deep into the perilous world of the French Resistance to help save him. Her mission leads her undercover at the Majestic Hotel, which has been commandeered by the enemy, where she must obtain crucial documents. However, her task becomes complicated when a member of the Gestapo, desiring her for himself, forces her to navigate a new and dangerous world filled with espionage and moral dilemmas. 

 

Wow, that sounds like a lot of twists and turns will be found in that book. If you'd like to learn more about Suzanne's books, here are some links to get you started.

https://www.suzannekelmanauthor.com/

https://www.facebook.com/suzanne.kelman.5

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Suzanne-Kelman/author/B00JH1V3HW

And here's a bonus for my readers... Leave a comment on this post and we'll pick one reader who'll receive a copy of Suzanne's eBook, The Last Day in Paris. It's the first book of her current series So do that now. It can be as simple as I want to be in the giveaway. We'll chose a winner next Friday!