Hard choices
Mystic author Susan Kietzman discusses ‘It Started in June’ today at Bank Square Books
Over the course of five novels, Mystic author Susan Kietzman has been described by fans, publicists, bookstore owners and her publisher, Kensington Books, as a writer who excels at romance, family stories, beach books and various amalgams thereof. Indeed, Kietzman acknowledges there are elements of all those genres in her books, but prefers to describe what she does in more general terms within the realms of women’s fiction.
“I write about everyday life,” says Kietzman, a cheerful conversationalist who nonetheless chooses her words thoughtfully when discussing her work. “This means there’s an endless supply of material. Ideas surface in commonplace ways like overheard conversations, casual observances, musings, thoughts about something I’ve read or heard on the radio ... The trick is to choose something that not only interests me but can also sustain 300 pages.”
Her latest, called “It Started in June,” came out Tuesday and Kietzman celebrates with a discussion and signing this evening at Bank Square Books in Mystic. Her previous titles are “The Good Life,” “A Changing Marriage,” “The Summer Cottage” and “Every Other Wednesday.”
“It Started in June” focuses on Grace Trumbull, a single, highly successful career woman in her early 40s. A casual few Happy Hour drinks with younger colleague Bradley Hanover ends in a spontaneous tryst that triggers genuine attraction in and for each, though it’s complicated by the age difference, Grace’s higher position at work, and the company’s no-fraternization policy.
Grace and Scott are content to cautiously enjoy and explore the possibilities of a burgeoning relationship, but the situation and implications suddenly intensify when Grace ends up pregnant. Huge decisions abound, and legitimate and well-meaning confidantes — Bradley’s parents; respective and trusted friends — as well as less helpful developments — brazen attempts to seduce Bradley by another co-worker, Rachel; Grace’s compulsion to reach out to her estranged and narcissistic mother — add depth and complexity to the narrative.
Interestingly, Kietzman acknowledges “It Started in June” is unique in her catalog because of what it doesn’t have. “Unlike any of my previous books, it bears no resemblance to my life,” she says. “While (the earlier books) are not autobiographical, one can certainly trace themes, setting and characters to people I know, places I’ve lived, and my personal experience.”
The idea for the new novel, she says, actually came out of a “weeklong brainstorming session, and the central question that popped into my mind was, ‘How do couples that appear to have very little in common stay together?’ And should they even try?”
The premise indeed bears no resemblance to Kietzman’s bio: she and husband Ted Kietzman got married just out of college — she graduated from Connecticut College — and have three grown sons. In fact, it’s only been recently that a book like “It Started in June” would even have occurred to Kietzman.
“There’s something about my kids being out of the house that makes me think differently,” she says, “like a woman and a writer rather than a mother. I don’t know anyone like Grace, but I’ve always been fascinated by career women — with women who’ve opted out of motherhood or put it off. I was always on the other side of that fence and, while I wouldn’t trade any of it, the grass sometimes did look greener.”
The new novel did fall in line with her others in that Kietzman had no idea, when she started, how the story would end. As is typical in the publishing business, she submitted an original outline, but those are more to indicate the author has some idea of characters, point of view and where the narrative is headed. As she worked on the manuscript, plot lines dissolved or meandered; new or minor characters shape-shifted and gained or lost prominence (Bradley’s mother, Dorrie, for example, went from a bit part to becoming one of the stars of the novel; and in general the process, as always, involved equal rations of hard work and joyful inspiration.)
“Characters dictate the story, and what I work hardest on in my books are the characters, trying to make them as real as possible,” Kietzman says.
Bradley is particularly interesting because he’s genuinely in love with an older woman who might be the mother of his child but, at the same time and despite those feelings, he’s very aware of what his own youth represents in terms of possible and anticipated experiences and adventures. And Kietzman, whose track record of writing well and with empathy towards women is well established — a trait exemplified in “June” with Grace, Rachel and Dorrie — also does a fine job of capturing Bradley’s confusion and aspirations.
“For a lot of reasons, I think I have a good understanding of the male psyche — well, some of the time anyway,” she laughs. In addition to her three sons, Kietzman explains she was the sole daughter in a family with two brothers, and was as a self-described tomboy who went through life with plenty of platonic male friends.
As for how the book ends, Kietzman admits she considered a few different scenarios — no spoiler, here! — and she was satisfied and relieved by how Grace and Bradley resolved the situation. But, working within the realities of contemporary publishing, she also acknowledges a lot of things factor into how a story might turn out beyond just her own muse.
“I think there are expectations by both the publisher and the reader in every genre,” Kietzman says. “Women’s fiction readers are looking for a strong female lead, varying amounts of romance, resolution of a central issue, and a happy ending.
“My editor often suggests modifications to improve the story — yes — but also because he is tuned into what readers want. Authors may say they write for themselves, but a business-minded author absolutely writes for her target audience, as well.”
Susan Kietzman, 6 p.m. today, Bank Square Books, 53 West Main St., Mystic; free, books available for purchase; (860) 536-3795.