We had the pleasure of chatting with author Suzanne Simonetti about her debut novel, The Sound of Wings, writing, book recommendations, and more!
Hi, Suzanne! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
I am one of those writers who made the transition form corporate into the ethereal world of crafting fiction. I live on Cape May Harbor with my husband and spend a lot of time at my desk, on my yoga mat, and in the summer time, on my paddle board. I like to cook, daydream, and take long walks on the beach.
How is your 2021 going in comparison to that other year?
Monarchs are a key theme in my story so I will answer this question as it pertains to the caterpillar and butterfly. The year at our backs was my chrysalis phase, while 2021 feels like that outer shell is finally breaking, and my wings are ready to emerge as my book hits the streets. I am filled with hope and optimism for brighter days ahead.
When did you first discover your love for writing?
I was the kid who sat and stared out the window, daydreaming. I have always been imaginative, but it wasn’t until college that I discovered I loved to write stories.
The Sound of Wings is out on May 4th! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Inspiring. Descriptive. Poignant. Relatable. Surprising.
What can readers expect?
Expect to be surprised. Some of my readers have indicated that they didn’t see the “twist” coming, which makes me smile and greatly satisfied. Those who appreciate character-driven stories will feel a connection with one or all three of the women, and wish to have them as personal friends.
Where did the inspiration for the title, The Sound of Wings, come from?
The working title for this book was The Butterfly Garden, but I was asked to change it. My friend and fellow author, Patti Davis, read the book and effortlessly came up with its current title. One of the main characters acts as a bit of a silent angel throughout the plot. I also love how the title hints at each of the women discovering her own wings by the story’s end.
Can you tell us about any challenges you faced while writing the final book and how you were able to overcome them?
One of the greatest challenges was how I was going to connect these decidedly different characters to one another. The women vary in age, backgrounds, and lifestyles. I am a visual person, so I had the story outlined on index cards which I laid out on the ground and was able to bridge some of those divides.
Is there anything you hope your readers take away from your novel?
When I am crafting my stories, I lose myself completely. My hope is that the world and characters borne of my imagination offer a pleasurable and all-encompassing escape for my readers.
What’s the best and the worst writing advice you have received?
Best: You cannot edit a blank page. Write for yourself, not for others. I don’t believe I have received terrible writing advice and if I have, I don’t know it yet.
What’s next for you?
I am crafting my next novel. It is set on Cape May Point, New Jersey and takes place 12 years after The Sound of Wings. The plot is not a sequel, but two key characters will make an appearance in the new story.
Lastly, do you have any book recommendations for our readers?
I just finished The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah which was utterly brilliant, despite the heavy subject matter. If you are in the right frame of mind, I would pick this one up. I learned a lot about the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression era. The other one I loved was The Invisible Life of Addie Larue by V.E. Schwab. The book falls under the categories of historical fantasy and fantasy action, which are not my go-to genres, and yet it absolutely grabbed me. Really well done.
