Seven Year Switch (Thorndike Press Large Print Core) - Hardcover

Where did the idea for SEVEN YEAR SWITCH come from?
 
Seven novels in, I stopped to think about what hadn't I tried before, and I realized that while some of my narrators had been single women, I'd never written from the point of view of a single mom. I've been married for a zillion years (to the same guy, no less!) so I started reaching out to friends and friends of friends who were single mothers. I was a teacher for sixteen years before I became a writer, and I remembered some of my students' experiences as their families navigated the waters of divorce. Then I started thinking about how our lives never turn out quite the way we plan. And I've always been fascinated by other cultures, and I was dying to take a research trip to Costa Rica. And it was my seventh novel, so I started thinking about the significance of the number seven. And somehow into all this Jill Murray was born! I'm never quite sure how it all comes together--I just feel my way through. And I try not to think too much during the first draft. If I get too analytical, my writing goes flat. And often the parts I didn't plan turn out to be the best parts of the book, so I try to stay open to surprises.

SEVEN YEAR SWITCH has been a popular choice for book clubs, and you've chatted with lots of them via phone and Skype. What has surprised you about their reactions?
 
How much they love to fight about Seth! Some women think he's basically a nice guy who did a bad thing, and others think he is evil incarnate. Some even said they kept yelling, "Don't do it, Jill" while they were reading - out loud! I politely suggested that these women might have been projecting a former boyfriend/husband from their own life into the mix!

What is the craziest thing that happened to you on your SEVEN YEAR SWITCH book tour?

I love meeting readers and booksellers, librarians and media, so book tour is a joy and a privilege. But it's not for sissies - you just never know what's going to happen! It's hard to pick one, but I think the craziest thing this time around was when, after traveling across the country, I checked into a hotel with exactly seven minutes to get changed and made-up before leaving for my event. I peeled off my clothes, grabbed a toothbrush, opened my suitcase and started rifling frantically for a clean outfit while I brushed my teeth. All of a sudden the door opened and a guy walked in - he'd checked in right after me and the hotel had somehow given him the same room. I screamed so loudly I scared him half to death. He said "my bad" and took off. But I got a good laugh about it at the event, so all's well that ends well!
 
What's the secret to being a successful author?
 
That it's all about your readers! My readers have made this midlife career of mine possible. They talk up my books to their family and friends and book clubs, and get the word out on the Internet. And they're the best writing assistants ever! Whenever I'm stuck for a name for a minor character or can't decide what song should be playing in the background of a scene, I put the word out on Facebook and Twitter - and presto! - I have enough suggestions for the next seven novels. I also get lots of email about my books, and hearing what resonates for my readers has helped me grow as a writer. To show my gratitude, I have reinvention and writing pages at ClaireCook.com where I share everything I've learned.  

What is your favorite saying?

Karma is a boomerang - probably the truest thing one of my characters has ever said.

When you're not writing, what do you most like to do?

Walk the beach. And read. I don't think you can be a writer unless you're an avid, joyful reader.

Do you have a recurring nightmare?
 
That I'm still in college and I slept through my final exam. That I'm still a bartender and I can't remember where this drink goes. That I'm still a teacher and I just did a headcount and came up one student short. Oh, wait, you only wanted one.

If you could be anything, what would it be?
 
A novelist. It's the career I almost didn't have, and seven books in, it still feels like a fantasy. For me, the gift of midlife is that I'm finally being exactly who I really am. There's great power in that.
 
Which one of your books is your favorite?
 
The one I haven't written yet.

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Claire Cook is the best-selling author of the novels The Wildwater Walking Club, Summer Blowout, Life's a Beach, Must Love Dogs, Ready to Fall, and Multiple Choice. Formerly a teacher of physical fitness and creative writing, she has also had stints as a copywriter, radio continuity director, garden designer, dance and aerobics choreographer. She lives in Scituate, Massachusetts, often called the Irish Riviera, with her family.