What is the best thing that I love about my work? I was always the kid in school who gazed dreamily out the window lost in reverie. Writing fiction allows me an opportunity to channel my creative energies and explore the hidden corners of my imagination in productive ways. I also love being able to connect with people whom I have never met; I believe there is a bond between an author and her readers bridged by words on the page and a shared affinity with the characters.

What is my idea of perfect happiness? Balance. I believe impassioned work, exercise and healthy eating, positive human interaction, creative outlets, learning, discovery, exploration, down time, and restorative rest all create a recipe for sustainable joy over the course of a lifetime.

What is my greatest fear? Not being able to support, care for or protect myself and/or my loved ones. Anything which threatens my sense of security be it physical, psychological, financial, or otherwise.

What is the trait that I most deplore in myself? Allowing the dark side of my mind to take the driver’s seat. Wasting time and energy on negative thoughts and habits which drain my motivation and pull me down the rabbit hole to that awful, dead end street of futility.

Which living persons in my profession do I most admire? All of the women and men who have been publishing books for years, many of whom do not receive the recognition they justly deserve. The ones who continue to show up and tap those keyboards day after day with aching backs and stiff joints, sacrificing time with their families, friends and, on occasion, their own sanity. Whether they are on their third book or their tenth, they do not quit. They do not stop. As an aspiring new author, those who have gone before me provide an eternal source of inspiration, respect, and admiration.

What is my greatest extravagance? Eating out. I do love to cook, but once I moved to Cape May, I became spoiled by the many restaurants options: From the five-star gems to seafood to Indian to Japanese to Italian (not to mention a host of pizzerias!) there is no shortage of yummy places to feast. I enjoy good food and wine and readily admit, I spare no expense in treating myself to a decadent meal from time to time.

On what occasion would I lie? For survival.

What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work? Getting started. Once I have a story, there is no stopping me and that is a most exhilarating experience. But, getting there is the problem. There are many questions I force myself to answer first—plot points, character traits, moral, theme—which take a lot of time and concentration and may impede my forward momentum as I question each and every detail I try to nail down on paper. And yet all are absolutely crucial for the foundation of a strong story.

When and where was I the happiest, in my work? I was working on my debut—The Butterfly Garden—and literally, on my hands and knees, surrounded by color-coded index cards indicating various chapters and multiple character points-of-view. Once I could *see* my story laid out before me on the floor, I was able to identify the missing piece which had been stumping me all the while. And just like that, it came to me. Voila! I knew the answer. What a moment, I will never forget. I gathered up the index cards, plunked down at my desk, and spent the next 10 months cranking out the story.

If I could, what would I change about myself? I would be better at sticking to a schedule over the long-term as opposed to the short-term. I often have a wonderful week or two where I am focused and balanced and then something shifts or I have to travel and my energy and awareness are redirected, knocking me off course. I need to train myself to get back on track and hold fast to the reins of time, schedule, and productivity.

What is my greatest achievement in work? Completing not one, but two manuscripts. I never thought I would make it through the first. I look forward to the many more hurdles and achievements I will tackle along the way.

Where would I most like to live? Where I was born and where I currently live: In the northeast corner of the USA.

What is my most treasured possession? I cannot believe I am going to admit this but….my blankie. The one my grandmother knit for me when I was an infant. It is decrepit and falling apart from decades of being stuffed into suitcases with each and every one of my moves, over the years, but it’s a piece of my childhood and just its presence can nurture and soothe.

What is my most marked characteristic? Being able to (almost always) recognize the good in all things and all people no matter the circumstances.

What is my most inspirational location, in my city? Ah, the ocean. The beach. Even in the winter, there is such solace and beauty and inspiration to be found along the shoreline with the companionship and cries of the seagulls.

What is my favourite place to eat and drink, in my city? The Lobster House at Fisherman’s Wharf. It is opened year-round—many places close up in a resort town—and I live within walking distance. If I am stuck on a scene or just need to take a break, I can ride my bike or walk over for the freshest clams on the half shell imaginable. Plus, I know many of the servers who welcome me as an old best friend coming for a visit.

What books influenced my life and how? I can think of many, but I will narrow it down. Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier: It was a well-crafted story; I loved how du Maurier titled the book , giving Rebecca a prominent role and yet she was dead. I also found it intriguing that we never learn the protagonist’s name and it never seemed to matter—brilliantly done. Big Little Lies and Truly Madly Guilty by Liane Moriarty: To put it simply, she raises the bar, in my eyes. I never see the twists and turns coming. Moriarty has flooded me with chills more than a few times over. When an author “wows” me with his or her novel, I feel a need and responsibility to challenge myself in my own writing.

Who are my favorite writers? Again, I have many, but I am going to narrow it down to three from different genres. Elin Hilderbrand: She writes about the island of Nantucket and life therein. I can relate to life in a beach town and enjoy all the references to seafood and fine cuisine. Her characters are complex and quirky, her plot lines clever and original. Jane Austen: I love getting lost in one of her classics when I need an escape. Austen made me fall in love with the English language. Nelson DeMille: I enjoying branching out from my own genre. His page-turners are captivating, his characters real.

You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day? Anything by The Beatles.

Who is my hero or heroine in fiction? Elphaba from Gregory Maguire’s Wicked. I had the pleasure of recently seeing the show on Broadway and loved the book. I will always enjoy a strong female lead who thrives in the face of adversity, exhibiting unassuming amounts of courage, confidence, and determination, in spite of the odds stacked against her.

Who are my heroes and heroines in real life? My mentor and best selling novelist, Caroline Leavitt. Over the four years I have been working with her, she has pulled no punches—or praise, for that matter, when I get it right—and has made me a stronger at my craft in every way possible. Long ago, she essentially whispered in my ear, “You can do this” and made me believe in myself in a way I never have before, for the first time in my life. No matter how I have struggled or what pitfalls I have faced along this journey, Caroline has appeared with her magic wand and in one or two sentences washed away my fears and self doubt. Everyone writer (everyone woman, for that matter) needs a Caroline in her life!

Which movie would I recommend to see once in a lifetime? Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. I love that flick and constantly quote the movie lines (which, incidentally, can be applied to almost anything that happens in any given circumstance.) Also….Paul Newman and Robert Redford.

What role plays art in my life and work? As a writer, I am able to live vicariously through my characters; so while I cannot paint, draw, or sing, I am able to explore such vocations and experience them on the page. Background music is important while I write. I love to explore all different types of classical and smooth jazz. Living in Cape May, I am surrounded by artists of all different persuasions: Musicians, painters, photographers, actors, potters, writers, interior designers, artisans. Twice a year, our town hosts the Exit Zero Jazz Festival—a multi-venue festival with headline concerts in various theaters, music clubs, and restaurants throughout Cape May. For theater, one of my favorite past times is jumping on my bicycle and riding into town to catch the latest performance at The Robert Shackleton Theater (“The Cape May Stage”) or Elaine’s Dinner Theater on Lafayette Street.

Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime? My husband, Joe, who is also introverted and can relate to and appreciate my need for solitude and quiet in order to create. Years ago, I had emerged from my home office after spending an entire morning and afternoon struggling with several chapters. I printed them out for him to read. The look on his face told me all I needed to know: This is not working. Instead of being sensitive or hurt by his reaction, I was grateful because I knew the chapters weren’t cutting it and I valued his candor. I thanked him and started to walk back inside. “Where are you going?” he asked. “To fix this. I am not stopping until I get this right,” I said. His expression was a mixture of surprise and sheer admiration; Moments like these have kept the wind at my back.

Whom would I like to work with in 2017? Highly-spirited, self-motivated, like-minded individuals who can appreciate the ups and downs of the writing process and are secure enough to laugh at themselves and press on.

Which people in my profession would I love to meet in 2017? Stephen King. Even though he is not one of my favorite authors, I believe him to be a brilliant and favorable gentleman. His memoir On Writing sits on my writing desk and one I would recommend to every writer across all genres. I would be honored to have lunch with him and hear more about his journey from Carrie to now.

What project, in 2017, am I looking forward to work on? I am currently working on my next novel (untitled).

What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me? People retire from jobs. Pursuing and finding one’s passion is a treasure to behold. A lifelong, never ending love affair.

Which creative heroines should Peter invite to tell their story? Loretta Nyhan, Terry Thomas, Gina Sorell

How can you contact me? Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suzanne.simonetti.9

Twitter: @ExitZeroSuzi