Amy Lorowitz
Author Interview - Amy Lorowitz
Author of Summer Husband
Tag Line: What happens at sleep away camp when the campers aren't watching.
Is thirty-nine too old to get your first sleepaway camp kiss?
Lori Kramer would go to any length to give her two daughters the summer experience of their lives - even getting a job at their camp and tagging along with them.
Aside from overseeing the chaos of four bunks filled with rambunctious kids and their counselors, Lori also manages to outwit her boss and outrun a bear - and that's just the first half of the summer! But those escapades are child's play compared to her growing friendship with and attraction to Teddy, the camp's British soccer coach. Their clandestine meetings late at night behind the laundry shack soon turn hot and steamy as a lazy August afternoon
Lori never imagined that stepping outside of her conventional underappreciated, New York City existence would turn her world upside down and change her life forever. Camp may be for kids - but lori is the one having the most fun.
Author Interview - Amy Lorowitz
Author I draw inspiration from:
One of my favorite books is "Bel Canto", by Ann Patchett. I was so impressed with her writing. I was able to hear the voice of Roxanne Cross when she sang. I have since read most of her books. "Bel Canto" remains my favorite.
On a similar note when I read "American Dirt", by Jeanine Cummins I was able to feel the vibration of the train tracks rattling through my body as Lydia and her son Lucas were riding on the top of the train fleeing for their lives. The entire book was riveting.
"The Poison Wood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver was a game changer for me. She mastered the art of telling the same story from as many as five different points of view without repeating herself. Her latest book "Demon Copperhead" was also well done. The characters of both books were so well drawn that if I met them on the street I would know who they were.
I don't think for a moment that I have achieved any where near their level of literary prowess but I do keep these three women in mind as I write.
Author Interview - Amy Lorowitz | Author I Draw Inspiration From
Favorite place to read a book:
I remember when I lived in Brooklyn right out of College I lived in a 2 fare zone - bus to the train - I would read at least 4 books a month - back in the 1980's they were mostly hard cover. If I didn't get a seat on the subway it was hard to balance and read. But I managed!
Now my preference is reading in the sun sitting on a chaise lounge by the pool or beach whenever possible. Otherwise sprawled out on the couch or in bed.
Book character I’d like to be stuck in an elevator with:
I lived in Japan for three years and have been in awe of the Japanese culture. I would love to have Sayuri's full attention from "Memoirs of a Geisha", by Arthur Golden. What does a geisha actually do behind the screens? If she could pick another life what would it be. I'm fascinated by all of it - dress, food, make up, relationships - living through a war and then living in the states.
Author Interview - Amy Lorowitz | Book Character I’d Like to be Stuck in an Elevator With
The moment I knew I wanted to become an author:
I read a book in elementary school - before there were many YA books. It was so simplistic. I remember thinking I could do that. But it wasn't until decades later when I read a very popular book in the late 90's that I thought 'you know what, I could do that.' That's when I learned writing a book is not so simple. I joined a writers workshop run by best selling author Jennifer Belle in 2013. It took ten years for me to write "Summer Husband". Fingers crossed the next book take much less time!
Hardback, paperback, ebook or audiobook:
- Hardback for biography's so I can admire the photographs. I read those in bed because they're just too heavy to carry around.
- Paperback are so easy to take with you where ever you're going. Although they do get beat up no matter how gingerly I handle them.
- Ebooks are so easy! Especially on a long flight! Making sure they're charged can be a hassle - but worth carrying an extra charger!
-I listen to Audio books with my husband when we travel six hours by car to visit our grandchildren. Sometimes when we're driving the same route I think this is where we both cried when we listened to "A Man Called Ove" or "Lesson's in Chemistry" etc.
The last book I read:
"Fagin the Thief" by Allison Epstein. I was asked to join an event where Allison Epstein will be speaking. I loved the musical Oliver. I enjoy historical fiction. I like when authors take a character in a well known story and give them a back story. I'm impressed when a writer can put me in a time and place I knew nothing about and make it real for me. "Fagin the Thief" hit all of the things that draw me to historical fiction.
Author Interview - Amy Lorowitz | The Last Book I Read
Pen & paper or computer:
Computer. My handwriting, please excuse what I'm about to say, is for shit since I started using a computer. I do use a legal pad and pencil when I'm doing survey of my work - a page by page analysis of what is missing, needed or moved. It's helpful in progressing my book along the "write" path.
Book character I think I’d be best friends with:
Jules Jacobson from Meg Wolizer's "The Interestings" - Jules and I would've totally bonded at camp and have been BFF's for the rest of our lives. We think alike, have the same snarky sense of humor. We would just get each other.
Author Interview - Amy Lorowitz | Book Character I’d be Best Friends With
If I weren’t an author, I’d be a:
Becoming an author is my second career! It's interesting that I started a new career at the same time my husband retired. There have been some minor clashes concerning me needing time to do work when he wants to take a tour, see a movie, go for a walk. But we've pretty much ironed it out - a few kinks here and there.
He is very supportive. When people asked what are you going to do during your retirement he'd respond, "Carry Amy's books." (There's a photo of him doing just that on my instagram feed @amylorowitz. author)
Favorite decade in fashion history:
I like the 1980's when people still got dressed up to go to work. I think I may be one of the few people who miss L'eggs hose, the ones you used to purchase in an egg shaped container. I liked the way your legs look shiny and blemish free. I liked buying socks to match my husband's tie.
When track suits came into style I was appalled. It made me feel like people stopped caring about how they dressed.
Place I’d most like to travel:
This past year I got to do my bucket list item - Greece!
Right now I'd like to see Alaska before all the glaciers melt.
I haven't been to South America at all - I think my first trip in 2027 will be to Patagonia.
My signature drink:
Gin & Tonic - highlighted in my book! My daughters refer to how good a friend of theirs is by whether I've made them a Gin & Tonic.
Favorite artist:
Right now I'm really into a Broadway actress singer - Julie Benko. I've been following her career and have traveled to Washington DC to see her in Guys and Dolls. I think in the next year or so she's going to set the Broadway world on fire!
Number one on my bucket list:
I am living my number one bucker list item - on May 19, 2026 I will become a published author! Gives me chills just writing those words!
Anything else you'd like to add:
I'm honored to be asked to contribute to Hasty Books List of Author Interviews. To be considered part of the writing community is a dream come true.
Find more from the author:
amylorowitz.com
@amylorowitz.author
About Amy Lorowitz:
Amy Lorowitz
Amy Lorowitz, a lifelong New Yorker, grew up in Brooklyn and graduated from SUNY Binghamton. She has spent her adult life living in Manhattan with her husband, only leaving New York for a three year stint in Tokyo, Japan. She's a proud mother of two daughters and Nana to two grandsons.
Summer Husband is Amy Lorowitz's debut novel.
