Story Behind the StoryI had just finished writing a manuscript entitled Between the Tides – my first full length manuscript, and I was waiting for some feedback from my agent. The most common advice I received during this time of waiting was, “dive into another project.” So I started LOSING THE MOON.
When I first started writing it, I understood only the dilemma (which is how I start all my books): What if your first love returned because his daughter was dating your son? I thought of the havoc that would cause in a marriage, especially if there were unresolved issues between the past loves, which of course there were.
I thought I had a completely separate idea about a couple trying to save a barrier island, and then I realized this story line was party of Nick and Amy’s story. So, this novel not only brings two ill-fated lovers together, but the land also pulls them together in a story that has caused many readers to disagree on the ending.
Fun Facts about LTM (Kind of like those MTV pop-ups we used to watch):
- I originally wrote it in first person and then changed it to third person when I realized that Nick needed to offer his point of view.
- The idea of the kids dating came from a joke out of the mouth of a college best friend when we were at an Auburn football game. “Hey,” he said, “what if our kids started dating in college?” Not funny then or now.
- Oystertip Island is vaguely based on my favorite island in the world: Daufuskie Island.
- If this book ever becomes a movie – I see Dennis Quaid as Nick. Don’t you?
- The incident with the gas tank really happened to a friend of mine. And yes, I asked her permission to use it.
- No, that lake house isn’t real. I wish it was, don’t you?