Reading time: About 2 minutes
If Susan Sokol Blosser ever becomes frustrated with writing, she gives up and goes for a walk or works in the garden or on a puzzle to clear her mind.
Susan Sokol Blosser is an Oregon wine industry pioneer, community leader, women’s advocate, and environmental champion. She led Sokol Blosser Winery to national and international prominence at a time when women rarely held power in business or agriculture, and has been honored by the Oregon Historical Society as one of Oregon’s History Makers. Her books include The Vineyard Years: A Memoir with Recipes; Gracious & Ruthless: Surprising Strategies for Business Success, and 7 Lessons at 70: Notes From the Front Line. Violin Girl is her first novel. Learn more about Susan and her books on her website.
Q. Roughly how much time do you spend writing every day?
I admit to not writing every day. I usually try to edit everyday, though. When I am scheduled to give a speech, for example, I write it way ahead and spend the next weeks refining it. When I write, I mindmap first, then write anywhere from three to 15 minutes, using very small type so I can’t edit as I write.
Q. What’s a simple activity or habit that makes you a better writer?
Mindmapping before writing.
Q. What interferes with your writing?
The impulse to edit while I’m writing.
Q. How do you persuade yourself to sit down to write on days when you really, really DON’T feel like doing it?
I try mindmapping what I want to write. Sometimes, I give up and go for a walk or work in the garden or work on a puzzle — something to clear the mind.
Q. Is there a particular motto or saying that you’ve found helpful for writing?
Don’t wait for inspiration. Sit down and write.
Q. Which stage of the writing process do you enjoy the most: researching, writing or editing/rewriting and why?
I really like them all but I guess I’d choose editing — refining what I’ve written to say what I really want to say.
Q. What’s one of the best books you’ve read (either fiction or non) in the last five years?
The Woman’s Hour, by Elaine Weiss and The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula LeGuin.
Q. What book are you reading right now?
The Keeper, by Tana French.
Q. What do you think is the biggest misperception that new writers have about the act of writing?
Not realizing that writing is a skill that needs to be learned and practiced.
