YOUR QUESTIONS, MY ANSWERS

Three weeks until the book tour!

During my events I always enjoy the questions readers ask about my novels, my conservation work or my life. So, to answer questions for all, I’m going to periodically do a question-answer session on my blog. Those questions can spark some interesting conversation. Here are two questions submitted to me through my facebook fan page.

Debra McKay Hearne asked: Which of your books is your favorite and why?

The book I just finished writing is always my favorite! I devote so much time and effort to the creation of the book that I feel so connected to it. Thus, right now, THE BUTTERFLY’S DAUGHTER is my favorite. I’d wanted to write a novel set against butterflies for years. Who doesn’t love butterflies?

As I began researching butterflies, however, the monarch stood out among all of them. It’s the only insect that migrates like a bird or a whale! Every fall this brave, fragile creature travels thousands of miles across the country to reach their overwintering grounds in Mexico. Then in the spring, they journey north again.

Once I fully understood the majesty of the monarch’s migration and visited the monarch sanctuaries in Mexico and witnessed the magic there that I fully committed to the monarch. From that trip and the many months of research— including learning to tag butterflies, creating a butterfly habitat in my yard, and raising them from egg to butterfly for release--- I found myself transformed as a writer, and fully able to appreciate the power of transformation that lies within us all.

Patricia Miles Burris and Lynda Young Chapleau both want to know: What do you plan to write about next?

I can’t let the cat out of the bag entirely just yet. But I will say that anyone who fell in love with sea turtles after reading THE BEACH HOUSE and SWIMMING LESSONS will especially love this little tidbit of information. You’ll soon learn more about the secrets surrounding Lovie Rutledge and the Primrose Cottage. I’m writing the book now and will continue all summer.  Stay tuned for more details.