Picture a New England storyteller who weaves heartwarming tales of humans and their loyal dogs—meet Susan Wilson! Born in Providence, Rhode Island, and raised in Middlefield, Connecticut, this bestselling author has captured readers’ hearts with novels like One Good Dog, which spent six weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. With a knack for exploring the deep bonds between people and their pets, Wilson’s stories are as comforting as a wagging tail.
Now living on Martha’s Vineyard with her husband and their spirited Cavalier King Charles spaniel, Cora, Wilson has penned over a dozen novels. Her work, often centered on themes of love, loss, and redemption, resonates with dog lovers and fiction fans alike. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this remarkable author!
The Making of Susan Wilson
Susan Wilson’s love for storytelling bloomed early. As a twelve-year-old, she hammered out stories on a clunky Olivetti typewriter, dreaming up adventures inspired by TV shows like Bonanza and Star Trek. Though she majored in English, writing remained a secret passion until her first marriage, when she dusted off that old typewriter and began crafting her debut novel, Beauty. Published in 1996, it reimagined Beauty and the Beast and was later adapted into a CBS Sunday Night Movie. This marked the start of her journey as a novelist, fueled by persistence and a love for human connection.
Susan Wilson’s Unforgettable Stories
Wilson’s novels are a heartfelt blend of emotional depth and canine companionship. Her breakout hit, One Good Dog (2010), follows Adam March, a disgraced executive, and Chance, a pit bull escaping a brutal past. Their unlikely bond delivers a moving tale of redemption. The book’s six-week run on the New York Times bestseller list showcased Wilson’s ability to craft stories that resonate widely.
Another gem, The Dog Who Danced (2012), earned the Maxwell Medal for Fiction from the Dog Writers Association of America. This novel explores a woman’s journey to reclaim her life, guided by a Sheltie with a knack for dance. Wilson’s 2019 release, The Dog I Loved, tackles darker themes, weaving a story of two women finding solace through their dogs. Her latest, What a Dog Knows (2021), continues her signature style, blending hope and heart with a stray dog’s wisdom. Wilson’s prose is clear and unflinching, often drawing from real-life inspirations—like the unsung work of animal control officers or wartime K-9 units—to create authentic, relatable characters.
Her stories stand out for their emotional honesty and focus on second chances. Whether it’s a pit bull defying stereotypes or a woman rebuilding her life, Wilson’s characters find healing through love—often with a furry friend by their side. Her ability to shift perspectives and weave historical elements, as seen in Hawke’s Cove, adds depth to her storytelling.
Why Susan Wilson Matters
Susan Wilson’s impact lies in her ability to elevate the human-animal bond into universal stories of resilience. Her novels have struck a chord with dog lovers, offering comfort and insight into the ways pets shape our lives. By tackling complex themes like trauma, redemption, and family dysfunction, she’s carved a niche in contemporary fiction, earning praise from outlets like Entertainment Weekly and Library Journal. Her work also sheds light on lesser-known issues, like the challenges faced by animal control officers, amplifying their stories through her empathetic lens.
Beyond her books, Wilson’s legacy is personal. A horse lover with a Quarter horse mare, Maggie Rose, and a devoted pet parent, she lives the values she writes about. Her stories remind us that love—whether human or canine—can mend even the deepest wounds, making her a beloved voice in fiction.
- Born: Providence, Rhode Island
- Key Works: One Good Dog, The Dog Who Danced, The Dog I Loved, What a Dog Knows
- Awards: Maxwell Medal for Fiction (2012) for The Dog Who Danced
- Fun Fact: Lives on Martha’s Vineyard with her spaniel, Cora
Snag One Good Dog or What a Dog Knows and dive into Susan Wilson’s heartwarming world of loyalty and love!