Like Lori, the protagonist of “Summer Husband,” I followed my children to sleep away camp and worked there. The bubble of sleep away camp is rife with interesting stories.
Amy Lorowitz – 19 May 2026
The Back Flap
Lori Kramer, a stay-at-home mom, would go to any length to give her two daughters the summer experience of their lives – even getting a job at their camp and tagging along with them.
Aside from overseeing the chaos of four bunks filled with rambunctious kids and their counselors, Lori also manages to outwit her boss and out run a bear – and that’s just during the first half of the summer!
But those escapades are child’s play compared to her growing friendship and attraction to Teddy, the British soccer coach. Their clandestine meetings late at night behind the laundry shack turn hot and steamy like a lazy August afternoon.
Camp may be for kids, but Lori’s the one having the most fun. She never imagined that stepping outside of her conventional, underappreciated, New York City existence would turn her world upside down and change her life forever.
About the book
When did you start writing the book?
I started a writing workshop in September of 2013 having no idea how to write a book.
How long did it take you to write it?
Through guidance and perseverance, I was able to figure out the storyline. In total, it took ten years to write.
Where did you get the idea from?
Like Lori, the protagonist of Summer Husband, I followed my children to sleep away camp and worked there. The bubble of sleep away camp is rife with interesting stories.
Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?
Yes. Making the husband character unlikable. I am fortunate to be married to a wonderful and supportive man and I didn’t want people to think that the husband in the book was based on mine. It wasn’t until my actual husband said, ‘go for it’ that I was able to move past the issue.
What came easily?
Dialogue.
Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?
Doesn’t everyone borrow from real world people?
We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?
I read The Nanny Diaries when it came out in the early 2000’s. My two takeaways were that I enjoyed it and it made me think that I could write a book.
Do you have a target reader?
Anyone who likes romance novels. I believe that people who have attended sleep away camp will especially enjoy the book, but one didn’t need to attend sleep away camp to still enjoy it.
About Writing
Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?
I like to get up and write in the mornings. But if an idea pops into my head I’ll stop whatever I’m doing to write. Having said that I get a lot of inspiration while I’m showering so I’ve started to bring my phone with me into the bathroom so I can jot down the idea.
Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?
I have never outlined.
Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?
I edit as I go – then edit lots more when I’m finished.
Did you hire a professional editor?
Yes, I have had Summer Husband edited professionally.
Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?
No live music as I write although there is always music in my head. I love Broadway musicals.
About Publishing
Did you submit your work to Agents?
Yes. 110 agents. 14 of them read the manuscript.
What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?
I was ready to self-publish when a friend suggested She Writes Press. Within two months of sending them pages, we were in contract.
Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?
She Writes Press made my beautiful cover. I love it!
Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?
I have a marketing plan. I am working with Book Sparks.
Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?
Yes. Beware – it’s time consuming and expensive, but if you feel the passion, go for it.
About You
Where did you grow up?
Brooklyn, NY
Where do you live now?
Manhattan
What would you like readers to know about you?
I was not an English Major. I took this up because I always felt like I had a book in me.
What are you working on now?
A sequel to Summer Husband.
End of Interview:
Get your copy of Summer Husband from Amazon US.
