The Author's Process: Susanna Lancaster Jackson

So far we've been talking about the elements of narrative: setting, characterization, plot, theme, and so on. We've looked at authors and their lives, and observed how there are those whose personal experiences have informed much of their fiction, while others create stories that depart totally from the life they have known. In either case, we have seen the ways in which authors explore their seemingly infinite creativity. Each author has her process, her quirks, her stumbling blocks--as most creative people do. She might, like playwright and poet Ntozake Shange, approach the writing task as something quite grand that is made even more special by the addition of ritual. Each time Shange has set upon a new writing project, she bathes, powders, perfumes, dresses in a sweeping negligee before even sitting down in front of the next play, novel, or poem. Others get roaring drunk, as did Faulkner; others must have a specific time and place set aside for the creative moment.

Since we have talked at length so far about the short story--and now the novel--I thought I would arrange a treat for you: the opportunity to meet a real live author and hear about her process, her passion for writing, and what goes into creating a character, a narrative, a book.

Photo: Southwest Tennessee Community College

Susanna Lancaster Jackson is a full-time instructor of English here at Southwest. In fact, she is a graduate of Southwest Tennessee Community College and of Lesley College, where she received her M.F.A in Creative Writing for Young People. She is also the author of The Growing Rock, an historical fiction novel for young readers that features a young southern girl named Caroline. It is available for sale here.

Photo: Amazon.com