My name is Pete, I work for the “Illinois Today” Newspaper . Our readers have recently asked us many questions about the prominent writer and artist Susan Minot. So we have decided to finally meet her and find out interesting things about enigmatic person. Who is she? And what is she famous for?
Susan Minot originates from Boston, Massachusets. Speaking of her education she graduated from Concord Academy. After that she got enrolled in Brown University, where the main things that she was studying were writing and painting. The last step in her education was Columbia University School of the Arts. She has got M.F.A in creative writing.
The inseparable part of each creative person is how he expresses himself. Speaking of Susan she found herself as a short-story writer and artist. Her first novel was “Monkeys” which came out in 1986. This novel made her famous. It was published all over the world, translated in more than 12 languages. This novel got her world-wide recognition. For this masterpiece she did receive a Prix Femina Etranger prize in France.
“Monkeys” is the remarkable novel, which describes the difficult life of the Vincent family. From the first pages they seem to be like a normal, average Irish family. On the surface they are really happy with their lives. But in fact, they face one of the most horrible illnesses in the world: Alcoholism. The head of the family suffers from it. Once the accident strikes – their family relationship and love for each other is being tested.
The novel is the ode to the family bonds, it describes how the family overcomes this evil.
Other works that she is famous for are: Novels: “Folly” (1992); “Evening” (1998). As well as short stories: “Lust and Other Stories” (1989).
She did take part in writing a screenplay about an American girl, who visited English artists that lived in Tuscany, She was seeking for “sentimental education”. As a result of collaboration a movie Stealing Beauty came out in 1995. It was a whole new experience for the writer.
Speaking of now, she and her daughter live together In New York, when not writing she paints.
Lets stop wasting any time and start the interview!
-Dear Susan, Thank you for your time. Our readers do enjoy your creative way of writing and your artist skills. We have got some questions for you.
Could you please tell us: What is writing for you and what styles do fit you the most?
-Hello, Pet and all the readers of the “Illinois Today”. Writing is what defines me in the best way. It is not about writing books, stories, it is all about the purpose, process. I like how it helps me to understand what I was thinking. As for the other part of the question, My favorite ones are novels and short stories, because once you finish writing a story, it feels like you have advanced one more step towards something beautiful.
-Thank you Susan, for your reply. Another question is what is the purpose of your writing? Is it just for pleasure, for determining your inner self? Or is it about being popular and all the attention that comes with it?
-That is a really interesting question, Thank you, Pete. Well personally I do not like all the fame and attention that some of my works might bring. I write it for myself, I absolutely adore the process of writing. Furthermore, I prefer being by myself, with nature, that is why I do tend to escape sometimes from the rush of the modern world.
- Do you like travelling a lot? How do you feel about the fact that other cultures do read your books as well?
-I absolutely Love travelling! It my third favorite thing after writing, painting. I have been to many countries in Europe, Asia, Africa. It is amazing how big the world and yet how tight it is. It is very pleasant, that people from the different part of the planet do enjoy reading my stories. I feel pleased and self-realized.
-Thank you Susan, The next pretty interesting question will be about what influences your artistic mood and your manner of writing?
-It will be really difficult to answer this question. Mostly nature, family influences on my writing the most. But as well as some other factors.
-Interesting! What is the main motive in your stories?
-Love and family bonds are the topics I do develop and write about in my stories. Because these 2 things are so close to each other, but yet different sometimes. Without them our life will be prosaic.
-Great, Could you please tell us, Susan, what advice could you give to other Writers and readers out there in the world?
-I am not quite sure what I can advice them, hm, but I would highly recommend to read, develop educate themselves. As for the writers – be free, work with the unique entity that you were given!
-Susan, are there any updates on your current work status? Are there any upcoming short stories/novels to quench the reading thirst of readers?
-I do not write according to some kind of schedule. Once I feel like writing – I writer, when I feel like painting – I do paint. I will gladly provide the readers with new interesting stories somewhere in the near future!
That will be it, Thank you, Susan for your devoted time and being honest with us in this interview. Make sure to check the Wednesday’s periodical of “Illinois Today”!
