Elizabeth
Bass has been entertaining millions of readers for decades, and, still, readers
are just discovering who she is and the fabulous, never-ending wealth of
stories she has to offer. The reason for this odd turn of events in which an
author can be both well-known and seemingly new isn’t that Elizabeth grew up in
Texas but lives in Montreal with her husband and pet menagerie, or that she’s a
huge fan of old movies and strong real-life women. It’s that Elizabeth became a
fan favorite writing under the names Liz Ireland and Alexandra Bassett.
Liz
Ireland’s Silhouette romance novels (“Man Trap”) were amongst those found in
wire racks in bookstores, pharmacies, and discount stores. Her Harlequin
romance novels, such as “A Cowboy’s Heart” and “Blissful, Texas” have garnered
rave reviews and throngs of fans. But, as I said, Elizabeth has a lot more
stories she wants to share with readers and while she’s passionate about
writing about passion, another part of her was ready to open the door to other
genres.
In
2011, Elizabeth Bass introduced herself to readers as the author of the
literary fiction novel “Miss You Most of All,” a poignant drama of family
bonds, dreams, and love without limits. Readers quickly responded to this “new”
author’s incredible talent. “Wherever Grace Is Needed” soon followed.
Now,
“The Way Back to Happiness” has been released. And, once again, Elizabeth’s
mastery at storytelling shines. In this novel we are introduced to Bev
Putterman who is already struggling with an erratic life when her estranged
sister dies, leaving Bev to raise a fourteen-year-old niece, Alabama, who never
heard a good word about Aunt Bev. While Bev tries to forge a relationship with
Alabama, the teen sets out to learn about her father and discard the unwanted
aunt in the dust, not understanding that some roads are designed to lead us
where we were supposed to be all along. This book is seriously good. Buy it,
and then buy a copy or six for your friends.
Q)
The obvious question: Why venture into literary fiction?
A)
Thank you for the nice recommendation! I’m not sure I consider the women’s
fiction books I write now as literary fiction, necessarily. I write the stories
I want to tell and let the publisher (and readers) decide how to categorize
them. However, I do love being able to write a longer book that allows me to
delve more into the characters and show how their lives develop over time,
which is what my recent books have been.
Q)
The other obvious question: Why the name change?
A)
My Liz Ireland books tend to have more of an emphasis on humor and romance, so
when I decided to write longer, more emotionally involved stories, it seemed a
good idea to start a new “brand,” as they say in the biz. I didn’t want a
person looking for a breezy, light-hearted read to be disappointed when they
discover they’d bought a book about a woman dealing with cancer—the subject of “Miss
You Most of All,” the first book I wrote as Elizabeth Bass.
Q)
Your interest in writing literary fiction actually began some time ago. “Three
Bedrooms in Chelsea,” though romantic comedy or possibly ‘chick lit’, by your
own words, has definite parallels to your temporary life in New York City. How
often have your real-life experiences inspired stories?
A)
I do draw on little bits of real life now and then, although I can’t say I’ve
ever written anything autobiographical. A lot of times a book will begin when I
think of something that’s happened to me or someone else and wonder, “What if
things had turned out differently?” I do dip into personal experience if I need
help with a setting—which is why I usually set books in places I’ve been to or
lived—or sometimes just for character detail. For instance, one incident from “The
Way Back to Happiness” was based on something very true. During the mid-1980s I
met a teacher who was applying to be the first teacher in space, and who was
later disappointed not to be chosen. But of course, given what happened to the
space shuttle Challenger, it actually turned out to be a fortunate thing for
him that he wasn’t picked.
Q)
Liz Ireland fans are not going away, nor should they. Now you’ll be faced with
Elizabeth Bass fans. How will you balance the two and ensure fans of each
aren’t disappointed?
A)
I think most of my Liz Ireland followers know that I have an alter ego, but I
also hope to write more Liz Ireland stories. I especially love historical
romances, and I have one halfway finished that I hope will appear in the next
year or so. Meanwhile, there are a couple more Elizabeth Bass books coming out
from Kensington in 2014—one humorous romance novella and another longer book.
Q)
You earned your stripes before the Internet rocked the publishing world. What
adjustments did you have to make to your writing routine to remain competitive
in this ‘new’ technology?
A)
The biggest adjustment I’ve had to make, frankly, is getting used to the
constant distraction of the internet and social media. Facebook and Twitter can
eat up a chunk of the workday if I’m not careful, yet it’s so great to have
instant contact with so many writers and readers all the time. Writing is
solitary work, and in the old pre-internet days, we authors mostly met and
talked at a conference or two, and rarely got to interact with readers. Also,
the time the internet saves in doing research still amazes me. I remember
spending an afternoons at the library tracking down information when I was
writing historicals during the 1990s. Now I can track down the answers to
questions in a matter of seconds.
Q)
Any parting comments for fans and those yet to read your stories?
A)
I’m always ecstatic to get feedback from readers, and I’m so thankful to the
people who have actually taken the time to write to me. Honestly, there’s
nothing better than hearing from people who’ve read something you have written
and liked it. When someone takes the time to contact me, or even just to leave
a short review on Goodreads or Amazon, it makes my day.
DA Kentner is an
award-winning author www.kevad.net
Nice to hear from you. Please write faster.
ReplyDeleteHi Amber,
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by.