Reader TTS

Susanna Hoffs, 64, is best known for her voice as lead singer of the ’80s band The Bangles, with chart-topping hits like _Eternal Flame_ and _Walk Like an Egyptian_. In her latest creative

endeavor, she expresses her voice in written form. Her debut novel, _This Bird Has Flown_ — part comedy, part romance and written with an insider’s view of the music industry — follows a

one-hit wonder who finds herself broke, single and in search of a fresh start. WHAT WAS THE WRITING PROCESS LIKE FOR YOU? It is hard, but [for me] it’s like escapist fun, because suddenly

you’re hanging out with these fictional characters. I found so much joy in it. My characters would just start chattering to me while I was on a walk. I would use my phone to type in what I

was hearing in my head. AND HOW LONG DID IT TAKE? It took several years. I got the idea in the spring of 2015, but I was still quite active doing a lot of music things — still putting out

records and doing some Bangles touring. I started to feel the need to step away as the novel became more real, not just an exercise. I was committed from the instant I decided to do it. The

further into the process, the more obsessed with the novel I became. THE BOOK HAS BEEN DESCRIBED AS SOMEWHAT OF A ROMANTIC COMEDY. WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE ROM-COMS? My friend Helen

Fielding wrote _Bridget Jones’s _[_Diary_], so I love the_ Bridget Jones_ movies. I love the Richard Curtis films … _Four Weddings and a Funeral_, _Notting Hill _and _Love Actually_. They

are all fantastic. YOU’VE DONE SOME ACTING, INCLUDING IN THE 1987 FILM _THE ALLNIGHTER_, WHICH YOUR MOTHER DIRECTED. WHAT WAS IT LIKE TO WORK WITH YOUR MOM? Working with my mom was so much

fun. It was a very low-budget movie. I got to work with Pam Grier, a wonderful actress, and Joan Cusack. It was so fun working with my mom because she is an artist through and through. DO

YOU HOPE TO DO MORE ACTING IN THE FUTURE? I have nothing to lose. Everything is just a gift. You know, I wouldn’t mind. You’re the first person who's asked me about that. I would be

interested in doing it. Why not? Hoffs, far left, is a founding member and the lead singer of The Bangles, which also features Michael Steele, Debbi Peterson and Vicki Peterson. Everett

Collection ANY EXERCISE AND SKIN-CARE TIPS?  I’m religious about walking. I do it as much for mental health as physical health. I’m always moving. I studied ballet and jazz when I was young.

In terms of skin care, I’m so do-it-yourself. I haven’t done anything beyond being extremely diligent about moisturizing. I keep a bottle of olive oil in my bathroom. You don’t want to use

too much, but literally [take] a drop of olive oil, rub your hands together and pat your face and neck with it and it will do wonders. DO YOU KEEP IN TOUCH WITH YOUR BANGLES BANDMATES?