From Bestselling Debut to Timeless Tales, Unveiling the Heart of a Writer
Barbara Conrey, a USA Today Bestselling author, writes emotional, character-driven novels and believes it’s never too late to start writing. At 73, she’s completing her third book.
PHOTO: Barbara Conrey, USA Today Bestselling author, shares her journey and insights into the world of writing and storytelling.
Barbara Conrey is a remarkable force in the literary world, captivating readers with her deeply emotional storytelling and thought-provoking themes. Her debut novel, Nowhere Near Goodbye, became an instant success, earning its place as a USA Today Bestseller and setting the stage for a writing career filled with passion and purpose. This was followed by her celebrated sophomore novel, My Secret to Keep, further cementing her reputation as a masterful storyteller who excels in exploring the complexities of human relationships and inner struggles.
As both an accomplished author and an inspiring figure, Barbara embodies the belief that it is never too late to chase one’s dreams. At 69, she released her first novel, and now at 73, she continues to write with the same dedication, earning the admiration of readers and peers alike. A lover of historical, literary, and suspense fiction, as well as an advocate for the emotional power of books, Barbara’s works consistently resonate with readers on a profound level.
In this interview, Barbara shares her journey as a writer, her inspirations, and her approach to crafting stories that deeply move her audience. Her wisdom and passion offer not only a glimpse into her creative process but also encouragement to aspiring writers of all ages. It is our honour at Reader’s House to bring you this engaging conversation with the extraordinary Barbara Conrey.
What are your favorite genres?
Historical fiction, Literary fiction, Suspense
What is the next you’ll read?
The Good Left Undone by Adriana Trigiani
What kind of reader were you as a child?
Voracious. If it was on a bookshelf or my mother’s bedside table, I read it. Which meant I was reading James Michener while my peers read Beverly Cleary.
What moves me most in a book?
The emotions it triggers. I love books that make me cry. If I cannot bear to stop reading. If I read it over and over
What are your favorite authors?
Picking a favorite author is like picking a favorite child. But here are some.
John Boyne – The Hearts Invisible Furies, The Boy in the Striped Pajamas
Robert Dugoni – The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell, The World Played Chess
William Kent Krueger – Ordinary Grace
What have you learned after writing two books?
It doesn’t get any easier. Although the process is a little smoother, the more you know, the more you question.
What are you working on now?
A contemporary novel about a man who questions his ability to be a good human being.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Hopefully still writing books that people want to read,
What was it like to write a debut best-seller?
Surreal. It was the worst—and the best—week of my life.
What would you tell someone just starting as a writer?
Never give up.
What would you tell someone who worries they are too old to write?
It is never too late. I published my debut at 69. It became a USA Today Best Seller when I was seventy.
I am finishing my third book at age 73.
