Guest Blogger: Susan Schneider & Giveaway

I am so glad to welcome Susan Schneider, author of THE WEDDING WRITER, to Booking Mama. I recently read and reviewed her new novel THE WEDDING WRITER, and I have to say that I think it is an ideal book for the summer. It's got some extremely interesting characters, juicy scandals, some major backstabbing, and even some love!

Ms. Schneider is a bridal magazine editor and writer and it's evident that she knows a thing or two about how things work at a bridal magazine. I guess that's the reason she was inspired to write THE WEDDING WRITER. You can learn more about her background and writing inspiration in this fantastic guest post.

WRITE WHAT YOU KNOW (or maybe WHITE WHAT YOU KNOW)

The world of white wedding dresses is a fairy-tale land built on happily- ever-after fantasies of eternal love and happiness. And in this day and age, too! But just look at the brou-ha-ha surrounding the royal wedding. As a bridal magazine editor I spent more than 10 years writing about fashion, flowers, food and favors for big, glossy bridal magazines. What was it like? Well, let me tell you the story…!

The estrogen-fueled bridal industry is a lot tougher than it looks—just ask the women who ceaselessly toil in tulle, lace and organza to create visions of loveliness. In this, my first novel, I seized the chance to give readers an insider’s peek—to raise the veil, so to speak. Don’t get me wrong: I loved working in bridal—I only became a bit cynical after seeing too many women splurging on their dresses: Does anyone really need a $20,000 wedding gown? Or a $100,000 wedding reception? (You can spend all you want, but it won’t make a happy marriage—believe me, we heard the stories.)

At the same time bridal is so happy and the dresses are so pretty and the flowers so beautiful. But it isn’t all Cinderella’s castle. I felt compelled to show that this happy world is populated with ambitious, competitive, talented women who have their own agendas. My fashion editor character, Sara, has dressed thousands of brides in their white dresses, and yet has a painful secret that has kept her single all her life. Another editor’s marriage is on the rocks while she designs other women’s dreams. And the main character, Lucky, is just plain unlucky when it comes to love…

There is something irresistible about seeing the grit behind the glamour. Yes, bridal is beautiful, but there’s pain there too. (Look at what the dance does to a ballerina’s feet!) The pressure to be perfect can turn a normal girl into a bridezilla. I wanted to show that a very well- marketed fantasy can make just about anyone crazy. So am I a cynic after my years in the bridal trenches? Maybe just a little—but you have to be or at least have a sense of humor. I know there’s no such thing as a “perfect” day. I know that not every princess lives happily ever after with her prince. Full disclosure: I happen to be divorced and a feminist, to boot! But I also know that the fantasy is irresistible. Another full disclosure: Who do you think was up at four a.m. watching Kate and Will tie the knot in London? 

Moi. 

*****

Susan Schneider has over 10 years of experience as a bridal magazine editor; formerly she was executive editor at Bridal Guide Magazine, a national consumer magazine for engaged women, and she was also executive editor at Conde Nast's Modern Bride and at Elegant Bride. She covers everything wedding, from fashion to flowers to food to stationery, etiquette, registry and honeymoons. She especially enjoys writing true-life wedding stories. Her first novel, The Wedding Writer, draws on her expertise as a wedding writer and from her day-to-day contribution to the business of bridal.

A big thanks to Ms. Schneider for writing this terrific guest post!

Giveaway alert: I have one copy of THE WEDDING WRITER to share with one lucky reader. To enter, just fill out the form below before June 21st at 11:59 p.m. ET. I will randomly select and notify the winner the following day. This contest is open to those of you with U.S. and Canada mailing addresses only. Good luck!