Sisters Kerrie Ann and Lindsay have been separated by circumstances, distance and socioeconomics. Whereas Kerrie Ann is impulsive, trendy and uneducated, Lindsay is a bit controlling, practical and successful. As one of six children, how has your relationship with your sisters impacted your life? How did your experiences with your sisters shape this story?
My sisters and I are all very different from one another, so we’ve had to learn to be tolerant. In my early twenties, I shared an apartment for a brief time with my younger sister Patty. We were like the “Odd Couple;” she’s a total slob and I’m super-neat. She’s also a real character, like Kerrie Ann in some ways. But we love each other dearly. I guess I’m more like Lindsay. I can be inflexible at times, which is why I need my sisters in my life—to keep me honest!
“Once In A Blue Moon” conventionally refers to a situation that’s rare and unusual. Describe what is rare and unusual about this story and its characters.
Most sisters aren’t separated at a young age, as are Lindsay and Kerrie Ann, but I think we can all relate to the feelings of loss and longing that Lindsay experiences. What I tried to capture in this story are the ways in which family bonds are tested. Love doesn’t always prevail, especially when it involves two very strong women, but in this case it does, despite seemingly insurmountable differences.
Ollie creates edible masterpieces to express himself. Kerrie Ann doesn’t believe she can offer much, but she can cook. What role does cooking and baking play in this story? What role has it played in your life?
For me, so much of life is wrapped up in the food I cook and the baked treats that come out of my kitchen. In giving away most of the goodies, I delight old friends and have made many new ones. For me, it’s a form of expression, as it is for Ollie, a way of saying “I care.”
Angels weave in and out of this story. Miss Honi keeps a collection of angels that both Kerrie Ann and Bella play with. Kerrie Ann also refers to people as angels. Do you have a symbol or touchstone that has special meaning to you?
My “angels” are my recipe books. I love poring over them, especially the older ones I inherited from my mom. They have a special meaning that far exceeds the actual recipes. I remember learning to bake at my mom’s elbow, which are some of my happiest childhood memories.
This novel tackles several challenging issues—addiction, recovery, child neglect, foster care, adoption, loss, infidelity—with great compassion and understanding. What message do you hope readers will find in this story?
When I got divorced from my children’s father, he took me to court and tried to get custody. I chose to steer a “non-combative” course, difficult as it was not to throw stones. I won in the end. My message, to women in particular, is never give up. Choose the right path and stay the course, no matter what. That’s true, whatever the challenge.
Lindsay, while not necessarily unhappy, realizes she has several misgivings about Grant. Randall, however, makes her heart pound. Miss Honi and Kerrie Ann both encourage Lindsay’s involvement with Randall, that she should follow her heart. Can you describe a time when you followed your heart?
Soon after I got divorced, I met my present husband. I kept complaining to my friends that he was “too nice.” They thought I was crazy. But the only men I’d been involved with before him were not-so-nice, so I wasn’t used to being treated like a queen. Good thing I got over it. Marrying Sandy was the best decision I ever made. I followed my heart instead of my worst instincts.
Lindsay not only struggles legally to keep the Blue Moon Bay Book Café, an independent bookstore, she struggles to make ends meet. Independently owned businesses are struggling to maintain a presence in the American landscape. What did you learn as you researched independents? What significance does the concept of an independent bookshop have to the story?
As an author, I mourn the loss of the independent bookstores. I made many friends among booksellers in the days when I would go on publicity tours. One, an elderly lady who is now retired, is a dear friend whom I still visit. Of the hardy handful of independents left, those that have stayed in business have told me that the key to survival is specializing and/or becoming aggressive when it comes to promoting events.
Being loved well saves and protects each character in this story, whether love between parents and children, men and women or through chosen families. In your opinion, how does love change people?
I think one’s capacity to love is largely based on one’s ability to forgive. If you can learn to forgive another person’s faults or transgressions, it makes more room in your heart for good things to flourish. The trans-formative power of love is what I tried to capture in Once in a Blue Moon—the ability to grow as a result of opening one’s heart.
Kerrie Ann struggles with staying sober, with anger, and with being impulsive. She frequently berates herself and has difficulty knowing and doing what’s right. She’s also brave, open-minded and strong. How do you identify with Kerrie Ann?
Thankfully I’ve never had to struggle with addiction, but I have been through the ordeal with several family members. I’ve seen how it can affect a person, and know that with addicts it can be difficult to rein in one’s impulses. I have the opposite problem. It’s sometimes difficult to speak my mind, which is why I have a secret admiration for Kerrie Ann.
The story references several classic stories, including Anna Karenina. What are some of your favorite books and authors? Did you pattern Blue Moon Bay Book Café after a particular bookstore?
There is a wonderful independent bookstore in the real-life Half Moon Bay, California, on which my fictional town was based. It’s my sister Patty’s favorite store, and she always makes sure my books are prominently displayed.
I was a precocious reader as a child and read many of the classics, such as Jane Eyre (a perennial favorite), Anna Karenina, House of the Seven Gables, and The Count of Monte Cristo (my favorite book of revenge). I also love Jane Austen.
What did you learn about yourself writing Once in a Blue Moon?
I was reminded that I’m a West Coast girl at heart, though I’ve lived in New York for more than twenty years. I love the Pacific Ocean. There’s nothing like seeing the sun set over the ocean. I was also reminded of how much I love my sisters, despite the fact that we want to strangle each other at times!
What are you working on next?
Another twisted family tale is in the works. What else?
