Picture a Boston-born storyteller who swapped a violin bow for a Hollywood script and a novelist’s pen—meet Susan Walter! With her directorial debut All I Wish charming audiences and her thriller Good As Dead gripping readers, Walter’s journey from Harvard grad to multifaceted creative is a tale of resilience and reinvention. Her knack for suspense and heartfelt narratives has carved her a unique spot in both film and fiction.
The Making of Susan Walter
Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Susan Walter’s early life was steeped in music, with a violin thrust into her hands at age five. Despite her parents’ dreams of a concert hall future, she admits to being a 'lazy student with little natural talent,' sidelining her musical ambitions. Instead, she headed to Harvard, earning an AB in government—a degree she humorously notes she’s yet to put to use. After a brief, self-described 'unwatchable' stint as a TV news reporter, Walter sought sunshine and opportunity in Los Angeles, diving into the film industry.
Her Hollywood journey began unconventionally. With no clear plan, she joined the DGA Assistant Directors Training Program, working on iconic shows like Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me and films like Alien: Resurrection. Seven years 'tethered to a Honeywagon' taught her the ropes of filmmaking from the ground up, sparking her shift to screenwriting and directing.
Susan Walter’s Unforgettable Stories
Walter’s creative pivot shone in her directorial debut, All I Wish (2017), a romantic comedy starring Sharon Stone. Originally written for a younger lead, the script caught Stone’s eye, leading her to take the starring role. The film, which unfolds over seven years on the protagonist’s birthday, earned Walter the WIFTS screenwriting award and showcased her flair for heartfelt, witty storytelling. Her ability to adapt the script for a seasoned actress highlighted her collaborative spirit.
In novels, Walter’s mystery-thriller prowess takes center stage. Her debut, Good As Dead (2021), a fast-paced tale of a widow entangled in a hit-and-run cover-up, became an Amazon First Reads pick and a #1 Audible bestseller. Over Her Dead Body (2022) weaves a twisted tale of inheritance and betrayal, while Lie by the Pool (2023) dives into a murder mystery in Beverly Hills. Walter’s style blends Hollywood glamour with dark, psychological depth, keeping readers guessing until the final page.
Her transition to novels during the pandemic allowed her to 'murder people without consequences,' as she playfully puts it. Drawing on her film background, her books pulse with cinematic energy, making them ripe for adaptation. Each work explores moral dilemmas—lies, secrets, and the cost of ambition—wrapped in accessible, page-turning prose.
Why Susan Walter Matters
Susan Walter’s impact lies in her versatility and fearless reinvention. From assistant director to award-winning screenwriter to bestselling novelist, she’s proof that creative paths needn’t be linear. Her stories resonate with readers and viewers who crave emotional depth and suspense, blending the glitz of Hollywood with the grit of human choices. As a woman navigating male-dominated industries, her persistence inspires aspiring creatives to forge their own paths.
In a world of predictable narratives, Walter’s ability to surprise—whether through a plot twist or her own career leaps—sets her apart. Her growing bibliography and film credits signal a storyteller just hitting her stride, with more mysteries and heartfelt tales to come.
- Born: Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Key Works: All I Wish (film, 2017), Good As Dead (2021), Over Her Dead Body (2022), Lie by the Pool (2023)
- Awards: WIFTS Screenwriting Award for All I Wish
- Fun Fact: She’s a die-hard Red Sox fan, streaming games while writing!
Snag Good As Dead or stream All I Wish to dive into Susan Walter’s thrilling, heartfelt world—trust us, you won’t put them down!