"Groundswell," by Katie Lee
Jeff Glor talks to Katie Lee about "Groundswell," a story of life in the spotlight and finding love through surfing.
Jeff Glor: What inspired you to write the book?
Katie Lee: I have wanted to write a novel for years, and I have tried and failed a few times. I kept thinking I needed to write a book that had something to do with food, and I just couldn't get the story right. I started surfing a few summers ago, and about a week into it, I had the idea for "Groundswell." I left the beach, went home, and started writing.
JG: What surprised you the most during the writing process?
KL: I was surprised how the story and the characters took on a life of their own. They became real people to me, and did things I didn't necessarily expect them to do when I started out writing. I got so interested in them, that I was excited to sit down at my computer each day and write because I wanted to see what would happen next. I felt like a kid playing make-believe, and when I finished the book, I actually found myself missing them.
JG:What would you be doing if you weren't a writer?
KL: My day job -- cooking. But I guess that's writing too, in a sense, as I am constantly writing new recipes.
JG: What else are you reading right now?
KL: I just finished reading "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett and I absolutely loved it, I was sad when it was over. On my nightstand, I have "Maine" by J. Courtney Sullivan that I'm just getting ready to start. I've heard it's great. And in my reading queue at the library, I've ordered "The Paris Wife" by Paula Mclain.
JG: What's next for you?
KL: Good question. I'm trying to figure that out. I really want to write another novel, and I am trying to come up with what the story will be. As I learned with "Groundswell," I can't force it, I just have to wait for it to come to me.
For more on "Groundswell," visit the Simon & Schuster website.
