An Interview with Lindsay Bennett

Lindsay Bennett is a writer based in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. Just Enough To Play The Part is her debut novel. She resides with her husband and Australian shepherd mix.

---

What inspired you to start writing this book?

I was inspired to start writing this book as I listened to podcasts on a two-hour-a-day commute. Being alone so long in the car gave me a lot of time to reflect on the podcasts and as I drove, I began to think about the world we live in and how interconnected we all are, but how surveys are demonstrating that we are lonelier than ever. It made me wonder how we can truly connect to each other, share in joy and sadness, and be who we really, truly are is possible in a digital age where social media tends to force people into two camps: stir up as much chaos for engagement or project a perfect life at all times.

Tell us the story of your book’s current title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?

It was incredibly difficult for me to find a title! How can you encapsulate a whole idea into one phrase? I ended up reaching out to a songwriter that I admire (Zac Clark). We had dinner in a wonderful cafe in Andersonville as we discussed my book and the importance of human connection. Our conversation was long and winding, but we kept coming back to the themes of enough: What makes you good enough? When do you know that you have enough? If you make more money or are more successful than you thought will that be enough or will you always be reaching for more? Why are we worried about being enough for other people and what does it mean when we feel that we’ve fallen short? Initially, when I walked away from the conversation, I still wasn’t sure what the title would be, but talking with my editor in depth, we realized that being enough—or at least playacting that you are enough—was a prominent theme flowing through my book.

Describe your dream book cover.

My dream book cover was a view of Chicago’s downtown from Oak Street Beach, where two girls are huddled together. I reached out to a talented artist (Arielle Smith) who tackled this project and created exactly what I was looking for: love between the two girls, the beauty of Lake Michigan and Chicago, and just a little bit of moodiness/tension in the coloring.

If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?

Luckily, my book DOES have a full Spotify playlist. It can be found here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0R6GIcTGtHejqEeHCg8ZTw?si=XEsJwR2NS4aGL-ZmI5DnuA

In all, very indie artist, emotional lyrics, nostalgic vibes run deeply through the pages of this book. After all, the Chicago music scene is thriving!

What books are you reading (for research or comfort) as you continue the writing process?

I am currently reading Midnight Library. I have also been reading Marcel Proust’s Swann’s Way, as one of the settings within my book has a wall that contains quotes from Marcel Proust. I wanted to immerse myself in his world for better understanding. Finally, I just finished Yesteryear. I love a book that can drive a good conversation!

What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?

I’ve worked some form of medicine since 2008, holding various roles.

Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?

Ever since I was a little kid, I would write stories (usually by hand and put in three-ring binders I kept under my bed). As I got older, I spent less and less time doing that but would often ask my husband “what if” and come up with a story idea. As I had so much time during my commute to think through this story, I began imagining dialogue in my head and would then write down the ideas I had when I got home. Hazel Jacks, a dear friend of mine and absolutely stellar romance author, was influential in taking a look at the first few chapters I wrote. She encouraged me forward and contacted me to a wonderful editor.

Where is your favorite place to write?

My favorite place to write is my office. It is calm, has wonderful-smelling candles, and my dog’s favorite couch to curl up on so he can oversee my work.

What advice would you give your past self at the start of your writing journey?

I thrive with deadlines, but I often would become overly critical of myself if I didn’t exceed the goal I set for myself. I think I would advise myself that this process is more than writing and re-writing. There are many times where reflecting on what you write or what you’ve edited is so helpful in moving forward. It feels like unproductive time, but it isn’t. The other thing is to start social media way before you think you need to. I very much wanted to have my manuscript done, title figured out, everything squared away, but really, I should have started the process much sooner.

What’s one thing you hope sticks with readers after they finish your book?

I hope that whoever reads this book is left thinking about what truly makes someone family. I hope that it opens the door to conversations about the complexity of relationships, how hard it is to truly know someone’s motivations as well as their struggles, and that soulmates can be more than romantic relationships.

---

Are you a writer, too? Submit your manuscript to Atmosphere Press.