Susan Weissbach Friedman
Susan Weissbach Friedman is a psychotherapist with a specialty in women’s issues, family therapy, and trauma-focused therapy. A graduate of Hamilton College, Boston University’s MSW/MPH program, and the Ackerman Institute for Couples and Families, she has also completed EMDR and Somatic Experiencing (SE) training in trauma therapy techniques and has been a practicing clinician for more than twenty-five years. Originally from Long Island, she now lives in Westchester County, New York, where she enjoys practicing yoga and mindfulness, going for walks in nature, listening to music, and spending time near the ocean. Susan has been married to her husband for thirty years and has two daughters in their twenties. Klara’s Truth is her first novel.
Facebook: @SusanWeissbachFriedman
Instagram: @SusanWeissbachFriedman
Threads: @SusanWeissbachFriedman
What period of history do you wish you knew more about?
I wish I knew more about the history of WWII. I am fairly knowledgeable about Nazi Germany during that period, but I’d like to study more about the joint attack on the Republic of Poland by Nazi Germany, the Slovak Republic, and the Soviet Union on October 6, 1939. I’m also very interested in learning more about the series of events which resulted in the division between Nazi Germany and the Soviets, leading them to be on opposite sides in the War— whereby the Soviets ultimately sided with the Allies rather than with Nazi Germany and the other Axis Powers with whom they were formerly allied.
What’s your favorite comic strip or graphic novel?
My favorite comic strip was “Ziggy” by Tom Wilson, when I was growing up, so I associate it with the 1970s, but I think it was actually launched in 1968. Ziggy was always having misfortunes, but I found him to be a very sympathetic and lovable character.
My favorite graphic novel is The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Seiznick. My younger daughter introduced me to it when she was a preteen, and I loved how part of the story was told only through drawings, while the other part was told through words.
Favorite non-reading activity?
I would have to say my favorite non-reading activity would be walking our new dog, Chet, as in Chet Baker. We just adopted him from the S.P.C.A. in early July, when he was four years old. He is pure Australian Shepard, and is extremely exuberant and strong, so it’s not always easy to walk him. Having said that, I love taking him on walks alone or with my family and cuddling with him at home.
Have you experienced Imposter Syndrome?
Yes, I’ve definitely experienced Imposter Syndrome as a writer. I’ve spent my adult professional career until now as a psychotherapist, in which I’ve been very invested, regularly going to new trainings and greatly enjoying working with my clients. Making the shift to writing fiction has been a whole new area for me. I wrote stories as a kid, but did not pursue writing in any type of serious way until I was almost fifty-years old, nine years ago. There, you now know my age. While I love writing, and getting to explore my thoughts, feelings, and ideas on a page, being public with it can feel scary, just as anything new can.
Is there a work of art that you love. Why? Have you ever visited it in person?
Yes, I love a lot of Impressionist art in general, but my favorite piece is The Starry Night by Vincent Van Gogh, which I understand is considered post-impressionistic. I love the colors he uses, the swirls of the paint, and the lighting. Most of all, I love the movement in this painting that makes it come alive. I have visited this painting in person in New York. I was also lucky enough to visit the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam the summer before the pandemic. It was really special!
I have to say here that I recently saw a wonderful film called Loving Vincent: The Impossible Dream, in which multiple painters create a full-length oil painted film that tells Van Gogh’s story through his paintings. It was fabulous!
