#1 New York Times bestselling author, Susan Wiggs, spoke to me about why writers need to follow their bliss, how her stories come together like patchwork quilts, and her most “summery” novel yet, WELCOME TO BEACH TOWN. Susan Wiggs is the award-winning, #1 New York Times bestselling author of over 50 published novels, with a combined 25 million copies in print, published in 30 countries, and translated into over 20 languages. Her latest, Welcome to Beach Town: A Novel, is described as the “... tale of an idyllic California beach town forced to reckon with scandal when a high school valedictorian’s speech reveals secrets that shake the town to its core.” Kristy Woodson Harvey, New York Times bestselling author of The Summer of Songbirds called the book ​​"... a masterclass in storytelling…. a novel, [where] one thing is for sure: In this beach town, there is always more happening than meets the eye," and Booklist called it, "The perfect beach read...full of surf, rediscovered love, and second chances." [Discover The Writer Files Extra: Get 'The Writer Files' Podcast Delivered Straight to Your Inbox at writerfiles.fm] [If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click FOLLOW to automatically see new interviews. And drop us a rating or a review wherever you listen] In this file, Susan Wiggs and I discussed:  Why no one will pay you to be an “aspiring writer”  How her writing has changed over her 36-year career Her immersive research process Why she never reads her published books How a left-handed, office supply geek writes all her prose And a lot more! Show Notes: Susanwiggs.com Welcome to Beach Town: A Novel by Susan Wiggs (Amazon)  Susan Wiggs Amazon Author Page Susan Wiggs on Instagram Susan Wiggs on Twitter Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices