Elizabeth Berg is the author of many bestselling novels, including The Story of Arthur Truluv, Open House (an Oprah’s Book Club selection), Talk Before Sleep, and The Year of Pleasures. Berg’s work has been published in thirty countries, and three of her novels have been turned into television movies. She is the founder of Writing Matters, a quality reading series dedicated to serving author, audience, and community. Elizabeth was recently featured in the November issue of Welcome Home. She generously answered a few questions about becoming a writer and what’s next for her!

1. Why did you become a writer?

I always loved writing, but I never thought I’d get to BE a writer. I was a registered nurse for ten years before I decided to take a chance at sending things out for publication. I’m so glad I took that chance! I think I have the absolute best job in the world and not a day goes by that I’m not grateful that I get paid for what feels like playing.

2. What inspired your current book?

Sometimes I know exactly what inspires a book; other times, I’m not so sure. I saw the play THE BELLE OF AMHERST and was so surprised when the actress started spouting out the recipe for Black Cake. I wondered if it was a real recipe–and it is!  When I next started writing, I began with a character making that cake for Confession Club, whatever THAT turned out to be. I don’t plot my books, I like to let the book tell me what to do, rather than the other way around. The idea of a Confession Club held a lot of appeal for me, though.

3. What’s next for you?

I’m working on a fourth book that takes place in Mason, Missouri. It seems I’m still not ready to leave there. I also have a memoir coming out next year called I’ll Be Seeing You. It’s about my parents’ transition out of their beloved home to an independent living facility, and my father’s experience with Alzheimer’s.  It was a powerful experience for everyone in the family, and a real mix of emotions was involved. I hope the book will help others going through the same thing.

The Confession Club – Available November 19, 2019!