Caroline Leavitt, author of DAYS OF WONDER
Longlisted for the Joyce Carol Oates Literary Prize
Caroline Leavitt is the New York Times bestselling author of 13 novels, most recently Days of Wonder, which was a Most Anticipated from the Read with Jenna Page, and a CBS/Mary Calvi bookclub pick. The recipient of a New York Foundation of the Arts fellowship in fiction, she also received a MidAtlantic Arts Foundation award for Days of Wonder, and was longlisted for the Maine Readers Prize. The co-founder of A Mighty Blaze, she also writes a column/blog for Psychology Today and reviews books for People. Her work has been published in, featured in and reviewed in the New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The Chicago Tribune, The Washington Post, New York magazine, and more.
What has been the most surprising aspect for you since your book came out?
How deeply I am invested in my next novel!
What’s the best writing advice you were ever given?
Write what matters to you. Never give up. And use structure.
What’s the worst?
Write to the market. Give up. Don’t use structure.
What have you read lately that you wholeheartedly recommend?
It is coming in February and it is called This is a Love Story by Jessica Soffer. Set in NYC, it’s about love and loss, and is a Valentine to Central Park.
How about an older book—five years or more?
I still adore Amy and Isabelle, Elizabeth Strout’s first. She created a whole world, and like the best books, “it broke me in the best way.”
Are you a re-reader and why?
I used to be. Every year I used to reread Larry McMurtry’s Moving On because I needed courage to do just that. I don’t reread it anymore. And now there are just way too many books I love to do that, though I will dip into parts of books all the time for the pure pleasure of reading a writer I love.
How far will you read before you stop or do you finish every book you begin?
I always give it the first ten pages, then if it isn’t for me, I stop and find a book that is.
When you begin a draft, does it go straight onto the computer or do you start with a pen or pencil, or typewriter, or…..
First is always computer. Then I always carry a notebook with me so I can jot down notes.
What do you do when you hit a wall?
I have more coffee. It boosts my mood and then I turn fiercely back to work.
What are you currently obsessed with?
Horror movies. I try to watch one a day because it actually helps me navigate these really horrible times. I don’t want to spend time worrying and feeling sick and terrified about the world, but feeling terrified about a door that was never there before, or a voice speaking to you from the ceiling…now that helps me! I only will watch the ones that are not gory, and that have some psychological aspect. I loved The Substance!
What is a question no one asks that you wish they would? Ask and answer it.
Why do you believe in both science and things like psychics and mediums?
Because I think the universe is stranger than anything we can imagine. And because I love having that sense of wonder, of possibility.
Listen to my talk with Caroline here.
Connect with Caroline:
Website/social:www.carolineleavitt.com
FB: https://www.facebook.com/carolineleavitt
BlueSky: @carolineleavitt.bsky.social
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolineleavitt/
Substack: https://carolineleavitt.substack.com/