Get ready to learn more about the book Wait For Me in this discussion with sapphic author Susan X Meagher.
Join us for an exclusive peek behind the scenes as we quiz Susan X Meagher about Wait For Me, writing, reading, and more.
This book is part of the Divorced Character category in the 2025 IHS Reading Challenge.
Why did you write Wait For Me?
I heard a piece on NPR about a Navy family who treated their kids like they were small sailors. The eldest daughter was the leader, and she kept her many siblings in tow. I wanted to write about a person like that, mature before her time, and see how she might wind up. Pairing her with another woman, an only child who’d always been pretty fanciful and carefree was something I wanted to explore. That was the germ of the idea, and I added on some complications along the way to make it not so obvious that they’d wind up together.
Who is your favorite character in the book?
Alexa, I suppose, because I’d like to be bold like she is. I’m probably more attracted to Molly, since I’m drawn to women who need to break out of their shells.
What inspired the idea for Wait For Me?
I wanted to write about a more structured, dutiful woman falling for someone who could often be pretty carefree. They get to know each other quickly because of a rigorous book club that meets weekly. I can’t think of a better way to get to know someone well. You have to bare your soul to be a participant in a book club, and having the rigor of whipping through a book a week could bring people together quickly–perhaps permanently!
What was the biggest challenge writing this book?
As the characters grow closer, they both start to realize they’re sexually attracted to one another. But they’re both morally opposed to cheating. Having them wrestle with their morals while fighting the passionate feelings they have for each other was a challenge that I hope I’ve met!
How much research did you need to do for Wait For Me?
I placed one of the characters on Roosevelt Island in NYC. I’d been there a few times, but I didn’t realize that there were a few buildings that were true co-operatives, where the owners couldn’t sell for market rates. That let me play around with real estate in ways a non-millionaire could never do in New York.
Where do you usually write, and what do you need in your writing space to help you stay focused?
I don’t need much to stay focused, but there are things that break my focus pretty easily. So as long as no one rings my doorbell, or calls me away from my computer, I’m good.
What are three words that describe your personality?
Curious, connected, and playful. I’ve been lucky to retain much of my natural childlike curiosity. I can be interested in nearly anything so long as I can read a good story about it. I’m deeply connected to the important people in my life, and being there for them consistently is my biggest priority. I don’t think any part of life doesn’t have some humor in it. It can be dark, but there’s still fun if you embrace the odd twists and turns life throws at you.
What has helped or hindered you most when writing a book?
When I first started writing, I was very concerned with pleasing my beta readers, of which I had far too many. While I think it’s vital to find people who get what you’re trying to do and who have the capacity for knowing if you’re on the right track, trying to please a bunch of different folks at the same time is impossible.
Have you ever fallen in love with one of your characters?
I firmly believe love is only possible when it goes both ways, so I don’t think I could fall in love with someone who can’t love me back. But, if given the right circumstances (like their being human as well as both of us being single!), I could love every main character I’ve ever written. I try to make every character have a good heart, a strong moral code, and at least some sense of humor. What’s not to love when you have all of that?
Describe your favorite reading spot.
I love a good library. When I travel, I usually check out the local library to see if they have a good nook. I found good ones in the last few years in Richmond, VA., Savannah, GA., and Lake Forest, IL.
Have you ever thought you’d hate a book, but ended up loving it?
Moby Dick. I read it last year as part of a reading challenge on BlueSky. I assumed it would be dry as dirt, but it was amazingly funny! And gruesome, and boring in spots, and hundreds of pages too long. But the humor really caught me by surprise. I also didn’t realize how gay it seemed! Lots of surprises in Moby Dick.
