BRUNSWICK, Ohio — If you’re new to reading Viola Shipman novels, you might be surprised to learn that the author behind the popular women’s literature books is actually a man.
His real name is Wade Rouse, and he visited the Brunswick Library last week to speak about his books and his career.
Rouse chose his pen name to honor his grandmother, who had a big impact on his life growing up.
He has written a number of memoirs written under his real name and several novels under his pen name. Before becoming an author, he earned his bachelor’s degree from Drury University and a master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University.
Wade Rouse, aka Viola Shipman, signs books for fans after speaking at the Brunswick Library. (Alyssa Alfano, special to cleveland.com)
Rouse discussed how writing his memoirs differs from writing fiction.
“A memoir is writing the most universal story from the most personal point of view,” he said.
He explained that it’s taking a segment of your life or a memory or something you’re wrestling with and writing about it.
Rouse said his journalism background helps him in his fiction writing as well as his memoirs, as he bases many of his characters on real people and his settings and story lines on real places.
Despite this, he explained that he doesn’t always have every story all mapped out when he starts a project.
“I don’t know if I would rush out of bed in the morning if I knew ‘chapter 8 is x,’” he said.
He told aspiring writers at the event to read the textbooks and take advice, but to also follow their gut.
Rouse spoke about his upcoming Viola Shipman book, “The Wishing Bridge,” which comes out in November. The story takes place in Frankenmuth, Mich., and the plot unfolds in many of the town’s iconic landmarks and pays homage to its charms.
For more information on Rouse, visit https://waderouse.com/. For more information on Viola Shipman, visit https://violashipman.com/violas-books/the-wishing-bridge/.
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