Picture a storyteller who weaves the dreams and dilemmas of modern women into page-turning novels—meet Susie Orman Schnall! This American novelist has carved a niche in contemporary women’s fiction, crafting stories that resonate with readers navigating career, family, and self-discovery. With her sharp wit and relatable characters, Schnall’s work feels like a heart-to-heart with a wise friend, making her a beloved voice in the genre.
From her debut novel to her latest release, Schnall’s stories capture the messy, beautiful balance of ambition and heart. Her journey from a University of Pennsylvania graduate to an acclaimed author is as inspiring as her books, and her influence extends beyond the page through her thought-provoking Balance Project interview series.
The Making of Susie Orman Schnall
Born in Philadelphia and raised in Los Angeles, Susie Orman Schnall grew up with a love for storytelling that bloomed early. English was her favorite subject, where she penned poems, stories, and lengthy letters to friends—her version of texting in the pre-digital age. After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania, Schnall dove into marketing and communications roles, honing her writing skills across internet companies, ad agencies, and nonprofits. It wasn’t until she paused her career to raise her three sons that she embraced creative writing, eventually calling herself an author with confidence.
Her transition to novelist was fueled by a passion for exploring women’s lives, inspired by her own experiences and the stories of those around her. Schnall’s curiosity about work-life balance led her to found The Balance Project, an interview series that sparked her second novel and solidified her commitment to amplifying women’s voices.
Susie Orman Schnall’s Unforgettable Stories
Schnall’s novels are a celebration of ambitious women tackling life’s challenges with grit and grace. Her debut, On Grace (2014), follows Grace May, a woman approaching 40 and grappling with relationships and self-discovery. It’s a heartfelt exploration of life’s turning points, earning praise for its relatable characters and emotional depth.
The Balance Project (2015), inspired by her interview series, dives into the high-stakes world of Katherine Whitney, a COO whose seemingly perfect life unravels. The novel’s focus on loyalty, choices, and work-life balance struck a chord with readers, cementing Schnall’s reputation for crafting stories that mirror real-world struggles. The Subway Girls (2018) blends historical fiction with women’s fiction, weaving a dual-timeline tale of a 1949 Miss Subways contestant and a modern-day ad executive. Its vivid storytelling and strong female leads earned accolades from readers and critics alike.
Her latest works, We Came Here to Shine (2020) and Anna Bright Is Hiding Something (2024), showcase her versatility. The former, set at the 1939 New York World’s Fair, follows two young women chasing their dreams, while the latter, a contemporary thriller, explores the dark side of ambition in Silicon Valley. Schnall’s style—accessible yet thought-provoking—infuses each story with humor, heart, and a keen eye for women’s experiences.
Why Susie Orman Schnall Matters
Susie Orman Schnall’s impact lies in her ability to create characters that feel like friends, neighbors, or even ourselves. Her novels tackle universal themes—ambition, balance, and identity—while offering a fresh perspective on women’s lives. Through The Balance Project, she’s fostered a dialogue about the pressures women face, inspiring readers and writers alike. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, HuffPost, and Glamour, amplifying her voice in the literary world.
As a screenwriter and mother of three, Schnall continues to push boundaries, shopping her first pilot and feature-length screenplay. Her stories remind us that women can be flawed, fierce, and unforgettable, leaving a lasting mark on contemporary women’s fiction.
- Born: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Key Works: On Grace, The Balance Project, The Subway Girls, We Came Here to Shine, Anna Bright Is Hiding Something
- Education: University of Pennsylvania
- Notable Contribution: Founder of The Balance Project interview series
Snag The Subway Girls or Anna Bright Is Hiding Something and dive into Susie Orman Schnall’s vibrant world of women’s fiction! Her stories are the perfect blend of heart, humor, and inspiration.