Interview with Liz Alterman, Author of He’ll Be Waiting
06 Apr 2021
What can you tell us about your new release, He’ll Be Waiting? He’ll Be Waiting combines a suspenseful plot with a coming-of-age story that explores love, grief, and the way secrets can cause families to unravel. What or who inspired you to become an author? One of my earliest memories is of my mom reading to me. I’ve always loved books and so writing one, and then having it published, has been a longtime dream of mine. What’s on your top 5 list for the best books you’ve ever read? Music for Torching by A.M. Homes The Secret History by Donna Tartt Bridget Jones’s Diary by Helen Fielding Will Not Attend by Adam Resnick A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle. Say you’re the host of a literary talk show. Who would be your first guest? What would you want to ask? Judy Blume What would you want to ask? I’d like to know her secret for masterfully creating novels for children, teens, and adults, and if she’ll write another. What’s your favorite thing about writing? My favorite thing about writing is when an idea, a character, or even just a phrase comes to you out of nowhere and catches you by surprise. What is a typical day like for you? I’m a freelance writer so every day is a little different, but I start each morning with coffee while scrolling through email and news sites. From there, I finish up any lingering assignments, start new ones, and try to think of pitches. I also like to take a walk or two during the day because I sit for far too long. I enjoy baking and cooking, too, because your mind can wander and you’re still creating something. What scene from He’ll Be Waiting was your favorite to write? (I’m smiling just thinking about it!) My favorite scene to write was the one in which Tess meets James in the library so he can interview her for the school paper. I tried to capture that magical feeling you get in those initial moments of meeting someone really special. Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by? Henry Ford’s quote, “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t – you’re right.” And one from He’ll Be Waiting: “Don’t dwell in the darkness. Linger in the light.”
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