We recently granted our first joint interview regarding IT HAD TO BE US to Lea Schizas of Muse Book Reviews.

In this revealing interview, Lea asked us questions about such important areas as: the purpose of and inspiration for writing our romantic memoir; the impact of our work on family and friends; authors we admire; the highs and lows we have experienced in connection with our writing; and our advice for new writers.

Below are some excerpts from the Muse Book Reviews interview.

QUESTION: Did you start off with writing goals? If so, which ones have been achieved and what are your future goals?

HARRY: My goal was to write as honestly as possible about the events that brought Elizabeth and I back together. I hope that comes through in IT HAD TO BE US. Although I put in a lot of humor, writing everything down was quite an emotional experience for me.

ELIZABETH: Like my husband, writing as honestly as I could was my main goal while working on our romantic memoir. And that remains important to me now in my work under my real name (Betty Jo Tucker) as the lead film critic for ReelTalk Movie Reviews. But I also try to write entertaining, insightful reviews that give readers a different way of looking at a movie.

QUESTION: Many writers have an 'idol' who has helped them along in their writing career, by studying their genre, their style. Do you have a favorite writer? If so, how have they inspired you?

HARRY: Charles Dickens wins my vote as the best author of all time -– so, of course, he’s my favorite. But there’s no way I would even dream of coming up to his standards. No worries, though, because the only book I’ll ever write is IT HAD TO BE US. I’m happy playing golf and letting my wife do the rest of the writing.

ELIZABETH: Although my husband doesn’t want to do any more writing, he’s much better at it than I am -– as can be seen in his sections of our little romantic memoir. I agree with Harry about Charles Dickens. No author captures the emotions and quirks of their characters with such artistry and authenticity! But, in terms of writing a memoir, I think reading Frank McCourt’s ANGELA’S ASHES helped me understand the importance of including humor in your book –- even when dealing with serious matters.

QUESTION: Do you have any words of wisdom to pass on to new writers?

ELIZABETH: Write something every day.

HARRY: Shoot from the heart, but remember to aim at the funny bone.

To read this entire interview, click on the Muse Book Reviews website below.