Q&A with Susan Sizer Bogue

 

Photo by Palo Alto Headshots

 

 

Susan Sizer Bogue is the author of the new novel Deep Time. Also a lawyer, she lives near Denver, Colorado.

 

Q: What inspired you to write Deep Time, and how did you create your character Lauren Brown?

 

A: A few years ago, while I was working out on an elliptical machine at the gym, the woman next to me, a geologist, said she was looking for a writer to tell the story of her escape down the mountain when Mount St. Helens erupted. Her account was fascinating.

 

I had just finished writing the script for a musical and needed a new project. We agreed to meet for Happy Hour the next day at a nearby restaurant. Over the course of many months, we became good friends. The character, Lauren Brown, is inspired by my friend, but the details of her life are very much fictionalized.

 

Q: How was the novel’s title chosen, and what does it signify for you?

 

A: "Deep time" refers to millions or billions of years ago--the time frame in which geologists work. The history or ''story" of Earth plays out slowly, imperceptibly: mountains uplifting, continents shifting, oceans forming. When a volcano awakens, geologists are excited to see something that happens in human time instead of millions of years ago.

Q: Did you need to do any research to write the book, and if so, did you learn anything that especially surprised you?

 

A: I did a lot of research about geology, particularly volcanoes and the different ways in which they can cause harm. As the fictional professor in Deep Time says to his students, "Volcanoes can kill you in a hundred ways." My geologist friend is a wonderful teacher, and I learned so much from her.  

 

Q: What do you hope readers take away from the story?

 

A: There are several ideas I hope readers take from the story. Our Earth is a fascinating place to live; women can succeed in traditionally male careers; and men and women can be just friends.

 

Q: What are you working on now?

 

A: Every Wednesday I send out a humorous personal essay on Substack. People can sign up for free (and it will always be free). It's my way of connecting with readers, friends, and family.

 

Q: Anything else we should know?

 

A: As soon as I find another exciting story, I'll write another novel!

 

--Interview with Deborah Kalb