Susan Holmes McKagan shared insights about her life with her husband, Duff McKagan, the bassist of Guns N’ Roses, and discussed her literary work in a recent interview. In her conversation, she reflected on Duff’s struggles with alcoholism, describing his battle as extreme—he once consumed a gallon-and-a-half of vodka daily. While Susan didn’t know him during his active addiction, she has been a significant support throughout their 25-year marriage.

She noted that Duff had only relapsed once in the early 2000s during his time with Velvet Revolver. That relapse was a critical moment when Duff recognized he needed help and began the journey back to sobriety. Susan expressed her fear during that time but also her confidence in Duff’s ability to overcome his challenges. She revealed that many people have reached out to Duff since he published his memoir, sharing how his story inspired them.

Transitioning to her own achievements, Susan’s novel, "The Velvet Rose," published in 2019, is said to carry autobiographical elements, rooted in her experiences navigating a challenging, male-dominated music industry in the ’90s. Instead of opting for non-fiction, she chose fiction for its creative freedom, allowing her to explore themes beyond strict autobiographical boundaries. The protagonist, Scarlett, mirrors aspects of Susan’s life, with aspirations for the novel to be adapted into a film or series.

In addition to discussing her literary journey, Susan elaborated on her writing process, emphasizing the importance of reading widely and having a structured routine. She noted that writing can be an arduous path filled with rejection and subjective critique from editors. Her dedication to storytelling, perseverance, and embracing a hopeful outlook were central to her narrative as both a supportive partner and a budding writer.

For more insights from Susan Holmes McKagan, you can explore related articles on her experiences with Duff McKagan and her writing journey.