Interview with Grace Coopersmith

Q: Did you always know you wanted to be a writer?
I always wrote, but I didn’t really think of writing books until I was in high school. I wrote compulsively, and I still do. It’s a way to express and entertain myself. When I went to college, I thought I wanted to be a poet. Then I learned that I don’t have a good sense of meter. I now limit myself to writing silly poems for fun.
Q: What is your favorite aspect of the writing process?
Sometimes I write a sentence that I know is absolutely right and I get a wonderful feeling of satisfaction. I can read the sentence ten times in a row and I don’t doubt it or want to change it. I’m also delighted when I get an email from a fan. It’s amazing to me that I can entertain people all over the country and it’s a kick when I get an email from another country.
Q: Where did you find the inspiration for your latest book, Nancy’s Theory of Style?
I’m also the author of the Casa Dracula series of paranormal romantic comedies under my own name, Marta Acosta. Nancy first appears in my series as the main character’s best friend from a fancy university. I loved writing Nancy’s absurd and amusing dialogue. She was a character I could imagine perfectly, a rich girl you’re prepared to hate, but can’t because she’s so much fun and actually good-hearted. When my editor suggested a book based on Nancy, I jumped at the chance.
I’d had girlfriends who lived in chic, very girly Pacific Heights apartments, and I could easily imagine Nancy living there and popping into local boutiques and bistros.
Q: How do you respond if someone tells you “chick lit is dead?”
I say that it’s trendy to say chick lit is dead, but readers still love stories about young women venturing out into the world looking for a place and love. I think the backlash against chick lit is based on the bad chick lit that flooded the market – and we can blame publishers who were trying to cash in on the popularity – and sexism. You never hear “vacuous military thrillers are dead” or “voyeuristic books about serial murderers who kill strippers and convent girls are dead.” The people who are so appalled at humorous romantic women’s fiction give a pass to any sort of trash written for a male audience. So the idea that they’re maintaining literary standards is patently false.
Q: If you look back at your style throughout the years, what is one of the biggest blunders you made?
I don’t look at my eccentric choices as blunders, but as individualism. A ‘50s sequined cocktail dress, a man’s sharkskin suit, black leather miniskirts, cowboy boots, rhinestone jewelry, my extensive collection of vintage hats…all of those things were fabulous. I probably shouldn’t have hiked around San Francisco in stilettos, though. My feet have never recovered.
Q: If you could choose one celebrity and raid their closet, who would it be and why?
I’ve been noticing Sharon Osborne’s clothes lately. I only see her wearing black and white, exquisitely crafted clothes. They’re subtle, but gorgeous, austere, yet extravagant. Prada, Chanel, Marc Jacobs, Dolce & Gabbana… She looks like the severe headmistress of the world’s most exclusive academy. It’s a wardrobe for a woman who knows exactly who she is.
Q: What are three items you cannot leave the house without?
My purse always gets too heavy since I constantly throw in lipsticks, pens, and notepads. That’s not very glamorous, I’m afraid. I also take L’Occitane lemon verbena handwipes because I hate germs and I like the scent.
Q: You are from the San Francisco Bay Area, someplace I would love to visit. What sites would you definitely recommend checking out?
There are so many places! I always take visitors up the glass elevator at the St. Francis Hotel. It’s the best free ride in the city and there are spectacular views. If you wanted to do the “Nancy” tour, you’d have to visit lively Ferry Plaza, shop along the Fillmore Street boutiques, have dinner at one of the hip South of Market restaurants, and go to Union Square. Nancy also meets her parents at the Top of the Mark on Nob Hill, and she goes to an old time North Beach bar, like the Tosca. She spends afternoons at Alta Plaza Park in Pacific Heights, which has wonderful views to the city and the bay.
San Francisco is urban, but geographically small so it’s easy to navigate.
Q: What is your advice for aspiring writers?
Realize that you can be a better writer and try to be better. Be willing to rewrite. Be willing to listen to advice. You don’t have to take it, but you should set your feelings aside and consider it. Support other writers and they will remember and support you. If you admire a writer, go to her website and you may find good suggestions and advice there. Don’t give up even when you’re discouraged.
Q: Where would be your dream vacation?
London is my favorite city and I always want to go there. It’s such a beautiful, exciting city, and I love going to the theatre, the opera, the museums. I’ve always wanted to have the time to take a train across the United States and stop whenever I saw something interesting. I have a strong desire to go with my best friend to the World’s Longest Yard Sale, which stretches from Michigan to Alabama, because I love vintage finds.
Thanks, Samantha, for having me at Chick Lit Plus! I’m glad you’re carrying the flag for romantic, funny stories by women.