Mary Higgins Clark talks writing, family and life in Bergen County

Mary Higgins Clark, No. 1 International and New York Times bestselling author who has written 52 books, sat down with senior style editor Heather Zwain at her Saddle River home to discuss writing, family and living in Bergen.

FROM THE ARCHIVES:Dishing with Saddle River author Mary Higgins Clark

What events, TV shows and resources spark your creativity? 

In the old days when I went to trials, I was always able to pick up information for inspiration, but now I’m too well known to sit in on trials. I’m interested in true stories and like to watch 48 Hours, NCIS and Law & Order, and read The Record and other newspapers to get an account of current trials. Watching shows and reading the paper usually suggests something to me that gives me inspiration, but I never copy. I have taken parts of true cases from New Jersey and turned them into fiction. 

What has been your biggest thrill – work or leisure related?

I love to write, I am a writer. I will write and publish until the day I say I’m not that good anymore, but even then, I would still be writing in some shape or form. My family ties are vital, as well as my friendships. I have five children and 17 grandchildren (Mary’s six, and her husband John’s 11), so my home is always very full, which I love. 

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Do you have a favorite book that you’ve written? Do you read all of your books after they’ve published? 

That’s like asking who your favorite child is, however, of course, the first one, Where are the Children, was a big success. That’s what made me as a writer, so that holds a special place, just like the first child.  

Describe a typical day.

I get up around 7:30 and have a very light breakfast that includes orange juice, coffee, half an English muffin with melted butter, and some fruit. I’ve never cared for a big breakfast. Then, I head into my family room where I write. The rest of the day depends on if I have any outside appointments usually. For the most part, I read someone else’s book afterward.

Who are your favorite authors? 

Me! David McCullough, and my own editor Michael Korda, who are both brilliant writers of nonfiction.

How many hours a day do you write? On what medium? And where?

I feel very satisfied if I get five hours in of uninterrupted time but, of course, there are always phone calls I have to take. I used to type on the computer, but since I have arthritis, I miss the keys and it’s more frustrating than anything, so I write with a Montblanc, or another pen, in a spiral notebook where I edit and re-edit. Then, I dictate the stories to my son, David. For about 25 years, I always brought my second cup of coffee upstairs in my office after breakfast and 
got busy writing. Now, I write in my family room.

Do you ever find yourself uninspired? 

There are times when it’s just not working that well. But there’s no writer that doesn’t happen to. Sometimes I will just keep writing, and other times I will say, just give it a rest for 24 hours. 

Do your family members ever ask to be featured in your books? 

Oh, no. To actually put them in a book changes the whole complex part of it because I’d be so self-conscious writing about them that I would say no.

Are any of your grandchildren following in your footsteps at storytellers? Do they ask you for advice?

My granddaughter Elizabeth Higgins Clark, 32, wrote the play Fractured. She also wrote a pilot for a series. She is really talented. I am delighted about that. She’ll send a version to me and ask what I think. What she has done, she has done on her own. It wasn’t because I was guiding her as she wrote, it’s because she has her own voice, and a very good one.

Do fans write you letters or emails? 

I constantly receive emails and I get very, very nice ones. I dictate to my assistant and always return an email. I think if people are nice enough to write and be complimentary, the least I owe them is a quick thank you. 

How do you feel when you see your name on the shelf at a book store or in a library?

Seeing my name is, of course, so satisfying. And the fact that with each new book I’ve had wonderful sales, is something I always appreciate because there are people who are very fine writers and nobody buys the book. And I would think that’s very discouraging and it’s such a letdown if you can’t find an audience because you put your heart, soul and guts into it. And to be ignored, even though the critics write a nice review, I would think is very disheartening. 

How do you feel about your books being available on modern technology?

I prefer a book in my hand. I like the feel of it, the scent of it, and the whole sense of it. If people find it easier reading on a Kindle, then be my guest.  

Do you feel accomplished?

Let’s put it this way, I am very happy I’ve been so successful doing what I love to do, but I can give you the bucket list of things I wish I had done better, like really studying French. I learned it in school but I never paid that much attention, unfortunately, because I was so anxious to be writing. It certainly would’ve helped me, especially in France, where I still am extremely popular. 

Do you have a celebratory tradition, that you enjoy doing when you’ve completed a book? 

I do start planning what Broadway shows I want to go to. I just recently saw The Front Page, which I enjoyed, and we have tickets to see Sunset Boulevard and Hello, Dolly! As shows come up, that’s when I select which ones I want to see. 

Is there one piece of advice that you would give an aspiring writer?

Write. I mean literally. There are so many aspiring writers who say I will write as soon as. And I always say, forget it, you’re not going to write. There will always be an excuse why not to write, but if you’re really sincere, you’ll find the time. If you’re a morning person, write in the morning before you go to work; if you’re a night person, write after the house is quiet. I always suggest to older people that they write the stories of their life. Write a memoir. My grandchildren prefer my memoir to anything else I write. They really enjoy just knowing what happened all those years ago. The most important piece of advice I can give to a would-be writer is be a writer. A college degree won’t make you a writer. I came from secretarial school and went back and got a college degree much later in life. Of course, the more education you have, the more ability you have to pick a subject that you otherwise wouldn’t know. If you want to do it, do it. 

Your 90th birthday is on Christmas Eve. What are your traditions?

We always have an open house full of my children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. I love it.

What are your favorite restaurants in Bergen?

Ridgewood Country Club, Aldo & Gianni’s in Montvale, Saddle River Inn, and Etsy Street in Park Ridge. 

Do you like fashion because you look very put together?

I love fashion. And the crazy part of it is when I couldn’t afford it, I’d be up and down Fifth Avenue looking for a bargain, whereas now that I can afford it, I find it boring. There are a couple stores I go to a lot like Escada, Saks and Neiman Marcus. I really love Escada’s clothes. I think it’s important to try something on to be sure what looked great on the rack doesn’t look bad on you.