Susannah B. Lewis is a humorist, blogger for Whoa! Susannah, and freelance writer whose work has appeared in numerous publications. The author of Can’t Make This Stuff Up! and Bless Your Heart, Rae Sutton, Lewis studied creative writing at Jackson State Community College and earned her bachelor’s degree in business management from Bethel College.
In this interview, Susannah shares some of her insights into her latest novel, Della and Darby.
FF: What inspired the story in your book?
I wanted to explore how we oftentimes allow our past to impact our present. We’re told in Scripture to forget the past and strive toward what lies ahead, but many times we so foolishly ignore that wisdom. The main characters in this book do hang onto the troubling parts of their childhood, and it prohibits them from knowing their true worth and living in joy.
FF: What can you tell us about the main characters in your book?
Twins Della and Darby Redd may be identical in appearance, but they couldn’t be more different. Della is outspoken, obsessed with purple, and desperate to be accepted by her peers. Darby is introverted, creative, and sees no need to speak to anyone besides her sister and grandmother, Birdie. Due to a tragedy from years ago, all three women’s lives have been blanketed in judgment, scandal, and rumor, preventing them from experiencing true peace and contentment in their small town of Clay Station, Mississippi.
FF: Which character surprised you the most?
Dr. Faulkner actually surprised me the most. In the original draft, his character was much different than what was sent to print. When I started this book, I had no intention of him being so sinister.
FF: Why do you think storytelling is such a powerful way to share truth?
There is power in the story. I think we have a yearning to be transported to some other place with vivid imagery that is all our own. We can see, so clearly, the setting, the characters. I find it wild that while reading a work of fiction, we all envision the main character in a different way—in our own way.
FF: What can you tell us about your next book?
I have several stories swimming in my head at the moment and am in the process of picking which one I will pursue next.
FF: How do you get into the right frame of mind to write for your genre/audience?
I have always preferred writing late at night when my family is asleep and the house is quiet. My music playlists clear my mind and give me inspiration, as well.
FF: What do you want readers to take away after reading your book?
God has a beautiful way of healing our insecurities and changing our hearts and actions. What people said about me in high-school—and what I said about them—doesn’t mean squat in the grand scheme of things. Our worth is found in Him alone.
FF: What are the biggest challenges for you as an author writing in your specific genre?
My biggest challenge in writing Christian Fiction is to not dabble too much on the secular side of things. I want my books to be relatable to those who aren’t followers of Christ, but I also want it to be evident Who I serve.
FF: What authors or books have inspired you as an author?
I have always been a fan of the classics—Steinbeck, Hemingway, Faulkner. Hemingway said, “All you have to do is write one true sentence. Write the truest sentence you know.” It’s proven to be the best advice I’ve heard when working on a book.
FF: How has your faith or world view impacted the way you tell stories?
The moral, lesson, point of my work always goes back to my faith and what the Lord has shown me. His truth is the main takeaway in my life. And in my books.
Della and Darby
A Novel of Sisters
Susannah B. Lewis
Thomas Nelson
Genres: Southern Fiction
Release Date: February 7, 2023
ISBN-10: 0785248285
ISBN-13: 978-0785248286
Book Summary:
Della and Darby Redd are twins, but they couldn’t be more different. Della is outspoken and eccentric, and Darby is introverted and avoids conversation when possible. As they approach their 30th birthday, they’re single and living with their grandmother, Birdie. Della wants nothing more than to find love and be accepted by her former schoolmates in Clay Station, Mississippi, but Darby couldn’t care less. She is content coming home from her factory job each day to curl up on the couch and watch Murder, She Wrote with Birdie and write poems in her journal.
Della falls in love with her boss, Dr. Brian Faulkner, and Darby finds unexpected friendship in her goofy coworker, Cliff Waters. Because of her friendship with Cliff, Darby uncovers terrible truths about Della’s crush. Will Dr. Brian Faulkner’s secrets push the different sisters even further apart or bring them closer together? The sisters will both need to face difficult questions about who they are…and who they want to be.
CLICK TO BUY
Buy Della and Darby from the FF Store HERE!
CLICK TO BUY
Buy Della and Darby from Amazon HERE!