1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?
Well, it’s a little bit the story of my life. I kind of stumble into things without much of a plan. My husband died in 1999 and one of my best friends had lost her husband too. Obviously this was a seismic event for both of us and in a phone call we agreed that we should do something new and different. I had never thought of being a writer…primarily because it was my mother’s most ardent dream to become a “famous” writer and I was determined not to be like my mother. But as soon as my friend and I went to a week-long writing workshop we were both hooked. I’ve been dedicated to this endeavor ever since.
2) What inspired you to write your book?
The most obvious answer to the question of what inspired my latest book is this: I am old! I just turned 79 so I am careening toward my 9th decade. But what came earlier is where I think the seed was germinated. In 2014 I was diagnosed with breast cancer and boy oh boy does that bring death right up to the forefront of one’s mind.
3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?
I think maybe the most cogent message might be to turn toward what frightens you, rather than to turn away. I am a psychologist and this is a concept that comes up so often with my clients. My elevator pitch for this book is that it chronicles my journey from near-terror of my mortality to near-acceptance and I believe this shift was facilitated by the very deep exploration I undertook on the subject of death. I went down every conceivable rabbit hole and I believe this turning toward accounts for the shift.
4) What drew you into this particular genre?
I wrote a memoir in 2019 (This Never Happened) and it has a similar structure and form. For one thing, I have a very short attention span so writing short chapters/essays works with the way my mind does. Also, I have a sticky note on my computer that says, BE BRAVE and for me, the best way to do that is in writing memoir.
5) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?
Oh social media! I am probably like many writers in that the process of writing is has zero in common with the whole promotion thing. This part does not come naturally (or comfortably) to me. That said, I did start a Substack (Doom With a View) and have been enjoying sending our short-ish essays every week or two. I do post on Facebook and Instagram when I am having a reading or when I good review comes in. In fact, I just posted yours, thank you again!
6) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?
When I started writing I had the most fabulous teacher. There is so much advice from him that imbues my writing. Here’s one that has been soooo helpful to me. Imagine you’re on your second martini and talking to your best friend. I don’t know how this might work for fiction but wow, it set me free. And of course, when you are first writing something, forget about punctuation or grammar or anything like that and just vomit on the page. Get a terrible first draft on the page. And when you are revising, read your work out loud.
7) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?
I so envy people who have a whole queue of ideas waiting. I have never been like that. It seems to take years between projects when suddenly an idea occurs to me. The only exception to that is my Substack. Yes, I have only had it for a few months but I have not found myself at a loss for things to write about. In terms of another book? Who knows!!!??!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Liz Scott is a psychologist, writer, dog lover and blessed mama and grandma. Her newest book, You’re Going to Die But Not Me is an up-close examination of her mortality journey from near-terror to near-acceptance…out Spring, 2026.
Her memoir, This Never Happened, came out in 2019 followed by a memoir/essay hybrid called Love Life: Confessions of a Psychologist in 2024.
Originally from New York City, she lives and works in Portland, Oregon.
https://www.facebook.com/lizscottpdx
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