On a Road Trip of my own!

As many of you know, I have been traveling.  I decided to drive to Mom's in Gahanna, OH after a family vacation in Georgia, then headed down to Raleigh, NC to spend time with my son, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter.  I drove the whole way with my tunes and my Road Atlas (what my daughter calls my old person GPS.)

Yesterday, my daughter Lauren suggested that I might need to write a blog. “After all Mom, it has been a couple weeks.” I hate her sometimes. 

In this blog, I thought I might answer some questions and give some insights into my novel. These were questions a few people asked at the book signing in Gahanna, OH, so I thought I would address them here.

What is your favorite line from the book? “It was as if their mother had punished the rooms for lacking the children’s presence.” It describes how I feel when I pass the rooms that are now empty of the kid's clutter.

What is your favorite section? I loved writing the bar scene with the whole family getting into the fight. Also, standing on the riverbank in Yellowstone. I actually sighed picturing the peace of the place. Kirk and I visited Yellowstone and it was breathtaking.

How did you get the dialogue for each character to work? I had my kids, Daniel, Lauren, and Brooke, read the book and comment on the dialogue to lend authenticity to the ages of the character. Some changes stayed. Most authors will tell you that input from others is essential to making the book work.

Who is your favorite secondary character? Mr. and Mrs. Arlen in St. Louis. The characters were based on my parents. The stories they told and the hard work ethic were a large part of growing up in our family. A little-known fact… For ten years the family in the book had the last name Callahan. Two months before publishing my son called and said, “You know Mom, McGrath means-Son of Grace.” It seemed as if it was meant to be.

As more questions are asked, I will answer in the Gift of Grace blog.