Recently I was tagged by author Katherine Lowry Logan to join her in THE NEXT BEST THING. It is a blog chain where authors answer some questions about their current work in progress and then choose other authors to do the same. Kathy was previously tagged by Clive Eaton and I have put the links to both blogs below so you can read their answers to the same questions. You will also find the names of the authors I have invited. They will post their blogs March 1.

Here are my answers ~~

What is the working title of your next book?

Mackerel Skies

Where did the idea come from for the book?

Since this is the third book in a trilogy "Maine at Heart", the initial idea stemmed from questions I had after visiting Washburn, Maine - the pioneering Wilder family home town in the 1800's. In researching the area I found fascinating information about the 'war' between the United States and England over the border between New Brunswick and Maine that was never settled after the Revolutionary War. I wondered what would happen to an infant being raised in the wilds along the Aroostook River of northern Maine where settlers did not know what country would honor their claims. Here the child was protected and raised with help from the MicMac Indians. The second book follows the same family to the Penobscot River and the building of Fort Knox. The present WIP focuses on the third generation when they become involved within the busy ship building harbor in the town of Searsport. It's hard for me to believe I have been living with this family in my mind and on paper, their children and grandchildren for eight years. The idea coming from the curiosity of why there were Canadian settlers along the Aroostook River.

What genre does your book fall under?

Historical Fiction

What actors would you choose to play the part of your characters in a movie rendition?

That is a difficult question for someone who admits to being in the her mid-seventies. I rarely go to movies and know very few of the younger stars of Hollywood. I did make a special effort to see SkyFall as I've been a bond fan since watching the first one way back when. In the first book, 'The Spruce Gum Box', I thought Jed would have to be a tall, lanky young Clint Eastwood type - for his best friend and Indian leader, a young Jimmy Smits. Recently I saw an interview with Jennifer Lawrence and saw her as my Gert in 'Granite Hearts' and the WIP. I can see her playing a woman strong enough to handle the ups and downs of the traumas presented.

What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?

From the rivers to the sea of 1800’s Maine, generations of the Ryans are caught within a tapestry complete with the imperfections of knots and ravels found within the continuous weave of family life.

Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?

It will be self pubbed with help from my daughter who guides indie authors through the maze.

How long did it take you to write the first draft of the manuscript?

I am well into it now and based on the others, most likely 9-12 months depending on how much extra research I need. I'm always looking for that tiny bit of information on which to string my story.

What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?

I can not think of one for I tried to find stories that told the story of the Aroostook Valley. I do know that as a lifelong avid reader, I enjoy an author that could carry me into the story with descriptions and that influences my writing.

Who or what inspired you to write this book?

My daughter. I had always threatened to take the time to write a book. When I told her I had a father-son story swimming in my head, she said write it and I'll see it's published. I thought she meant for the family and friends. That is why I'm on my WIP.

What else about the book might pique the reader's interest?

I had always hoped that my stories would interest the reader in learning more about the history of the state of Maine. I was pleased when readers would tell me about their grandfather who was a lumberman or a cook in the camps or someone who relived a canoe trip on a Maine river or camped in the wilderness. Now I hear of readers that went to visit Fort Knox - one couple sent a picture. I hope my WIP will send readers to the Penobscot Maritime Museum in Searsport.

Cathy Logan Clive Eaton



Authors I have invited ~~

Christa Polkinhorn

Virginia Lee

Alle Wells

Gail Baugniet