Judy Kessler
asked
Susan Wilson:
Dear Susan,first of all thanks so much for writing about my favorite animal-- the dog ! I loved One Good Dog and The Dancing Dog. How involved did you get with learning about pit bulls and shetland sheep dogs ? Also, how did you learn so much about family dysfunction ( in both books)?
Susan Wilson
Hi Judy,
I learned a great deal about pit bulls from research and having the benefit of connecting with a pit bull advocate and an animal behaviorist who both helped me avoid perpetuating stereotypes about the breed type. As for Shelties, I've always loved the breed and have known several. As for writing well about family dysfunction, that's a harder question, with no easy answer. Every story I write comes from my imagination. Having said that, as a writer, I am also a keen observer of human nature. What goes into my head, comes out as a reconstituted experience, entirely fictional. The old adage is to write what you know; well, my philosophy is to write what sounds plausible, is compelling, i.e. draws the reader in, and creates a genuine emotional response from that reader. I don't know if this answers your question, but I do thank you for posing it. Yours is probably the best question I've gotten.
I learned a great deal about pit bulls from research and having the benefit of connecting with a pit bull advocate and an animal behaviorist who both helped me avoid perpetuating stereotypes about the breed type. As for Shelties, I've always loved the breed and have known several. As for writing well about family dysfunction, that's a harder question, with no easy answer. Every story I write comes from my imagination. Having said that, as a writer, I am also a keen observer of human nature. What goes into my head, comes out as a reconstituted experience, entirely fictional. The old adage is to write what you know; well, my philosophy is to write what sounds plausible, is compelling, i.e. draws the reader in, and creates a genuine emotional response from that reader. I don't know if this answers your question, but I do thank you for posing it. Yours is probably the best question I've gotten.
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