"Woman On Top" Blog Tour: Author Interview With Deborah Schwartz

In Deborah Schwartz's captivating debut novel, Woman On Top, 35-year-old Kate struggles, after the death of her husband, to keep control amidst the detour of a tempestuous romance with Len, a very wealthy Wall Street banker. As witness to a world of power and greed that life in New York offers to a vulnerable woman, Kate will find inner strength in her quest for a reaffirmation of life. I fell in love with this book the moment I read the synopsis and I am savoring every single chapter  of it. The author graced my blog with the favor of an interview: welcome to my book den, Deborah, and thank you for taking the time to answer my questions.

 

Q. Deborah, I read in your bio that you are an healthcare attorney, a mother, a mountain climber. Was becoming a published author always in your bucket list? What inspired you to become a writer? A book, an author, your professional background?

A. Becoming a writer had to happen at the right time in my life. That time was when my kids were grown and I could take the risk of writing full-time. I’ve always loved writing but I really waited till I felt compelled to write this book and had the time.

Q. What's the inspiration behind Woman On Top? Is there any part of the story or a character that is based on your real life?

A. Woman on Top was definitely inspired by my life.  But the book is fiction because I wanted to broaden the story to inspire more readers. And I don’t want to say what’s really based on my life because readers take what they want and need from a book. It really doesn’t matter how much is my story. It becomes their story.

Q. Somebody, I think Mark Twain, said that in order to succeed as an author you should write what you know and build the world you would like to live in. Do you see yourself as a character of your novels? Do you identify with any of them?

A. I found that in writing the book that I did want to write about what I know. But then in the process of writing, the book grew into something more.  Do I identify with Kate? Maybe.

Q. Are you a plotter or a pantser? Did you carefully outline each chapter of Woman On Top or let the characters lead the way?

A. I’m definitely not a plotter. The story carried itself and only at the end did I carefully define chapters and organize the book itself.

Q. Any important lesson you have learned from your first experience as a novelist? Any tip you want to share with aspiring author?

A. Lots of people have told me that they’d love to write a book but that they work full-time. I don’t think I could have written this book until I was free to spend many hours every day writing. But that’s just me. And being a writer means being in your head – alone, a lot. But I learned so much doing it. That’s why I loved it. It’s a great experience. I just think if you feel compelled to write, just do it! It’s so rewarding.

Q. Are you active on social media networks? Do you think it is better for a writer to avoid the clamor of Facebook, Twitter etc., or you'd rather keep a direct line with your readers?

A. I am active on social media. There is nothing better than hearing from readers – whether through my website or whatever way they choose!

Q. Reviews are an important asset for a writer, when they provide a constructive feedback. Do you read them? How do you react to the negative ones?

A. I definitely read them and love to hear constructive feedback. If the negative review makes sense, then I’m listening. 

Q. Any work in progress? What can your readers expect from you in the future?

A. Yes. Readers have encouraged me and asked me to keep going. Some want a sequel. 

WOMAN ON TOP

by

DEBORAH SCHWARTZ

Women's Fiction, Chick Lit

Laudan Press, May 2013

Print & ebook, 346 pages

Be on the look out for my review on this blog

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Book description

Kate after the heartbreaking loss of her husband, falls prey to a very wealthy Wall Street banker who tries to acquire her heart as he has successfully completed all of his other deals-pouncing on the vulnerable and taking control. 
This is the captivating story of how Kate struggles with the heady lure of the enormous money, excitement, glamour, greed and power of life in New York and whether she can ultimately rescue herself. Will she allow her heart to be reclaimed by a good man?
While following her quest for reaffirmation of life and love including a surprising adventure, Kate's story touches on the unexpected pleasures, detours and decisions we face throughout our lives.