If you’re in the mood for a fun rom-com, go find yourself a copy of Loving Lizzie March, the debut novel from Sydney writer Susannah Hardy. I know I’m not the only reader relishing the rising tide of Aussie rom-com novels. In this current climate, where many things are out of our control, there’s even more joy to be gained from quirky characters who tangle themselves up in messes of their own creation.
Lizzie March reminded me of Bridget Jones, with her madcap adventures, hunt for the perfect match, and infuriating yet lovable personality. Hardy does a great job of balancing humour, romance, and entertainment, and I found myself grinning about Lizzie and her antics long after I turned the last page. Out now in all good bookstores with Pan Macmillan. And in a coup for fans of author-narrated audiobooks, Susannah has also voiced the audio version of the novel.
Kiss and Tell with Susannah
Short and sweet questions
Current book on your bedside table:
There’s a pile, but ‘Dictionary of Lost Words’ by Pip Williams is currently at the top
Where do you do most of your writing?
At the kitchen table
Favourite Australian holiday destination:
Bunker Bay, WA – we went on our honeymoon so that may be why!
What’s your preferred drop?
Red wine, preferably French
Guilty pleasure?
Homemade chocolate chip cookies
Pet peeve:
Drivers who don’t indicate – it doesn’t take much to let me know what you’re doing
Favourite fictional couple and why?
Ross & Rachel – they’re gorgeous, hilarious, flawed, likeable and we’re so happy when they finally get together
If you could pack two non-essential items for a deserted tropical island, what would they be?
Pen and paper (does that count as two?) so I could write
Tweezers – if not I’d have a beard in a week!
Name an emerging author to keep an eye out for:
Sarah Hawthorn – her debut novel A Voice in the Night is a great read (psychological thriller)
Book you’re most looking forward to reading in 2021?
Magpie’s Bend by Maya Linnell (*note from Maya: aww – thanks Susannah!)
Best thing about being a writer?
I get to spend my time writing, which I love.
Worst thing about being a writer?
Wondering if what I write is any good
Do you prefer music, podcasts or silence when writing? What song/channel/podcast do you have on high rotation?
I love silence when I write. I don’t mind a bit of background noise like being in a café or a library, but I don’t usually listen to music when I work. I love listening podcasts in the car or walking the dog, my favourites are So You Want to be a Writer and Chats 10 Looks 3
Favourite perfume:
Calvin Klein Eternity
TV/film crush:
Andy Samberg in Brooklyn 99 and Phoebe Waller-Bridge in anything
The best non-writing related prize I won was …
I never win anything – even recently at a school fundraiser, I was ecstatic to have won a $200 voucher for our (very expensive) local gourmet butcher in the raffle - until an organiser came up and quietly explained that while I had the right number, my ticket was the wrong colour – but not before I’d managed to tell absolutely everyone around me. I did win most improved hockey player in high school – that was pretty awesome
Top three tips for aspiring authors?
· No one cares whether you write a book or not, so you just have to start writing and get your first draft out
· Don’t compare you’re journey to anyone else’s, everyone has a different path to publication
· Choose very carefully to whom you show your early work – otherwise it can be devastating
What theme do you hope shines through in your writing?
We’re all flawed but all deserve happiness
Proudest author moment?
Receiving the email from Pan Macmillan, offering my first book deal
My favourite thing about writing romance is ….
I get to create happy endings
If anyone gives me flack about writing romance, I tell them…
Romance is hugely popular! At least I’m writing, what are you writing?
Three fun facts about the author:
· I’m on a Nurofen TV commercial at the moment
· I was one of two singing Carmen Mirandas on rollerblades called Tutti & Frutti (I was Frutti)
· When I can’t sleep (which is often) I like to get up and tidy the pantry - put things in jars, throw out items past use-by date etc.
Loving Lizzie March
A funny and poignant debut novel about one woman's over-enthusiastic search for Mr Right.
Life is not going to plan for failed fashion designer Lizzie March, and then she finds herself pregnant to super-hot bad boy Jake Wheeler.
Convinced that he's The One, now all she has to do is make him realise that she is The One for him!
But is it possible she's been looking for love in all the wrong places? Maybe everything she has ever wanted is right under her very own stilettos.
About the author
Originally an actor, Susannah completed a Bachelor of Arts at the University of NSW before running away to study acting in Paris. Back in Australia, her work has involved anything from film and television roles to being one of two singing/rollerblading Carmen Mirandas, Tutti & Frutti, and creating sketch comedy for Foxtel.
During this time, Susannah discovered a passion for writing, and fourteen years ago, started working freelance, creating feature articles and copy for print and online publications. However, in between writing on parenting and home interiors, Susannah pursued her love of women's contemporary fiction, and now enjoys creating stories about the more comic side of life and love.
Susannah lives in Sydney's inner west with her husband, two young daughters and recently acquired puppy.
Find Susannah online
www.susannahhardywriter.com
Facebook: Susannah Hardy Author
Twitter: @suzehardy
Instagram: @susannah.hardy
BUY THE NOVEL HERE