Ask Barbara Delinsky - Tuesday, June 25th! discussion

Welcome to the group! Barbara will be answering questions throughout the day on Tuesday, June 25th in this thread only. In the meantime if you have a question for Barbara or just want to introduce yourself feel free to do so in this thread.

Thank you for welcoming the group, Cynthia. I'm looking forward to chatting with you all on Tuesday, the 25th, so please bring your questions right here!

What made you decide to include MS in your storyline? I myself have MS and I feel that it doesn't always get the spotlight attention so that other people understand what MS is. Thank you so much for putting a spotlight on MS, It meant so much to me to see one of my favorite authors talk about something that affects me so much.

I'm an aspiring writer and I was wondering what your tips would be to get started and how do you cure writers block? Also where does your inspiration for characters come from-imagination or real people? I'm interested in your answers! I love your books!

Which of your books was the hardest emotionally wise to write?
Love your books :)

Crystal, I so admire you for what you've dealt with. Why did I include MS? My initial focus was the use of stem cells derived from umbilical cord blood (UCB). I was fortunate enough to connect with one of the leading researchers in this, and when I asked him what illness he believed would be helped in the future by treatment with UCB stem cells, he said MS. It's still in the experimental stages, but will be coming one day. Let's both pray that it's soon!

Loads of questions there, Nicole. First, how to start? Decide on a subject, make a rough outline, craft a blockbuster first sentence, and begin typing! Second, how to cure writer's block? Force yourself to think ahead in your plot. Becoming engaged with a future scene may make it easier to conceive of how to get there. Sometimes I set a kitchen timer for 30 minutes and force myself to type. Third, inspiration? It's a combination of imagination and real. I like my books to be grounded in reality (hence the MS angle I was telling Crystal about), but imagination is the mantle overlying it all. For more detailed answers, check out the Q&A at my website, Nicole. In the meanwhile, good luck with your work!

TOUGH question, Lilbookworm. Which of my books was hardest emotionally to write? Probably this one (SWEET SALT AIR) because of the MS angle, which is such a very serious one. And because I'm truly a lousy cook, and there's so much cooking in this book. I was totally out of my element. Two others were emotionally tough - THREE WISHES and WHILE MY SISTER SLEEPS. If you're familiar with either of them, you'll know why! :-)

I loved Peyton Place, too, Joann! It's so quintessentially New England, and New England is my specialty. I wanted to reread the book and explore Grace Metalious a little. My own book (Looking for Peyton Place) evolved from there. BTW, the original Peyton Place was scandalous when I was a child. Do you realize how ... TAME it is compared to so many books now?????

This was the first of your books I've read, and I've been told that some of the scenes were "steamier" then what your previous books were. Is this part of the reason you are with a new publisher? (I must admit, this was not a typical read for me due to that fact)

But, steamy scenes aside, I thouroughly enjoyed the storyline and was sad to see it end! So many in my book club would love to read "Salt" by Leo! We had a great discussion over this book, including wonderful food inspired from the Quinne Cafe!

I love your comment, Shondra. Actually, my very early books were even more steamy than this one! As I shifted my focus to issues, the steaminess was toned down, but I wanted to just let loose with SWEET SALT AIR. It was probably more a stage in my personal writing than the fact of moving to a new publisher. Please remember, though, that I won't ever write gratuitous sex. It's always within the context of love or love-in-the-works. This book has a combo of issues and sex, yes? And I, too, want to read SALT. I'm just not writin' it myself.

What was your inspiration for Quinnipeague and all the yummy sounding food? I loved reading about the different herbs and the description of Leo's garden. What kind of research goes into these kind of descriptions?

Lots of research, Michelle. I did tons of online research, tons of in-the-flesh research, and I have huge herb dictionaries on my shelves now. I'm neither a gardener nor a cook, but I do admire both. I also love to eat, hence all that yummy food. We've always spent time on the coast of Maine, and I do adore the food there. The food alone gave me a warm feeling throughout the writing of this book.

Barbara I have read just about everyone of your books and have passed them along to friends to read. My question for you is in regard to Not my Daughter. How did you come up with the storyline and did you talk to young girls and their moms. I thought the way you wrote the book made me think that the women were so real to me.. I could relate both as a mom and if I was the daughter..

Kathleen, NOT MY DAUGHTER was inspired by the alleged pregnancy pack that occurred in Gloucester, MA, in 2008. I read about it in the newspaper and heard reports on the national news. At the same time, celebrities like Jamie Lynn Spears were 16, unmarried, and pregnant. And Sarah Palin's daughter? Similar thing. It struck me that this was an issue begging to be explored. I actually did not talk with mothers and daughters, but I did read a lot. I also have a good feel for people, and I think it was that, more than anything else, that made the characters and their situation come alive. I'm glad it worked for you!

Barbara,
I noticed you have also written a non-fiction about breast cancer. Since I am survivor myself (Third year coming up in November), I am wondering how/why you did this? Also, is there information in it for survivors. I am considering getting it because I love your fiction and believe your non-fiction will just as good. Thanks.

Third year in November? That's great, Ev! I'm a survivor, too - eighteen years in November for me. I wrote UPLIFT because when I was diagnosed, I would have given most anything to have a book that was non-medical (and hence not scary) but filled with all the practical stuff that doctors don't know but other women who've had breast cancer do. UPLIFT is comprised of practical tips and upbeat anecdotes from more than 400 breast cancer survivors. Yes, I tell my own story, but it really is a handbook of suggestions from all these other survivors. I highly recommend it!

Thanks, Joann. Let me know what you think. Its full name is UPLIFT: Secrets From the Sisterhood of Breast Cancer Survivors, and my author proceeds from the book fund a breast cancer fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital. Paying it forward, so to speak.

Thank you for your answer, Barbara. I understand what you mean about a book to let other women know what's going to happen, etc. It has been suggested to me by one of my blog followers that I write a book about my journeys. 6 weeks after finishing bc treatment, I was diagnosed with tonsil cancer. All this while I was already on a journey to health living where I was able to lose 150 lbs. But it was the bc that changed my outlook on so many levels. I feel blessed to have gone through this. Do you find yourself to have a change, too, what with the cancer and with writing the book? Was writing about it a therapy of sorts for you?

Writing it was definitely therapeutic, Ev. I had been too busy going through bc to deal with it until I actually put the book together! But wow, 150 lbs? GOOD for you! That's a life changer if ever there was one. And a life extender. You're an inspiration for that alone.

Barbara, I love your books!! My 2 favorites are Escape and Family Tree. I cried at Family Tree because the story is so unique and different. What inspired you to write the plot for Family Tree? Also in Escape, I admire the character, Emily, for just leaving everything. Is Escape meant to be a comment on technology and it's influence on our world? I have also read The Secret between Us and love the family relationships in that book, as well as your other books. I recently got a copy of Not My Daughter and am looking forward to reading it.

How do you decide on the characters names and where to set the book.

Obsidian Blue wrote: "I really loved Sweet Salt Air have you thought about doing a companion book to this one that showcases the recipes?

Also have you thought about following up on any of your previous characters from..."

If you read LAKE NEWS, you'll know that I wrote AN ACCIDENTAL WOMEN as a spin-off. Honestly? It wasn't as much fun to do as I'd hoped. I kind of like the challenge of doing different things. That said, I never say never. I do love my characters and want to know what happens to them after I end a book!

As for recipes, I really am a bad cook. Three ingredients is my limit, which is probably why I loved writing SWEET SALT AIR. The cooking was incredible. This is pure dream material for me.

Kathrin wrote: "Barbara, I love your books!! My 2 favorites are Escape and Family Tree. I cried at Family Tree because the story is so unique and different. What inspired you to write the plot for Family Tree? Al..."

Katherin, I have NO IDEA what inspired me to write FAMILY TREE. The plot idea just came to me and then, once it had, of course, I was inspired to see it through!

ESCAPE is different. That was straight from me, written at a time when I was feeling overwhelmed by demands in my life and wanting nothing more than to escape. Yes, I worry that technology is taking over our lives. Email is always with me; I'm always ON. This isn't necessarily good.

Elaine wrote: "How do you decide on the characters names and where to set the book."

Setting usually comes first, Elaine. I try to rotate among different parts of New England, so when I decide on a setting, I take into consideration where my recent books have been and where I want to be myself.

Characters names are very subjective. I start with the government lists of popular baby names for the birth year of a given character, then I pick a name that feels right for the personality of that character. If it doesn't work, I change it. Computers are wonderful in aiding that.

I have read several of your books Barbara, but the one that touched me most was 'Shades of Grace'. Although Grace has Alzheimer's disease, my Mother has dementia and I really miss the way she was and the things we used to do together. She lives in a nursing home. It was hard the first few times I went to see her it was so sad to see the way she has become. Recently my Father passed away and she does not even realize that he is no longer in the nursing home with her.

This is heart-breaking, Lu-Anne. I wrote "Shades of Grace" when a very dear aunt was suffering from Alzheimer's, but whether it's that or dementia or any of the other illnesses that steal the mind, we suffer the loss double-fold. My thoughts are with you.

Reading must have been an escape for you, Tammy, just like writing is an escape for me. I hope your son is well!

My favourite book is Coast Road but I have enjoyed all your books.

I was born and brought up in Maine and have a long standing love and need for the sweet smell of salt air. I love that this book is based in Maine :) I am looking forward to the read.

My question is: "What drew you to write this story using the coast of Maine as the setting"?

Thanks,
Cathy

Cathy, Maine has always held a special place in my heart. My mother grew up there, and I remember visiting my grandfather in his cooperage (he made barrels) on the waterfront in Portland. My childhood summers were spent on Maine lakes, but visits to the coast got me hooked. My husband and I grew up in very different places, he, too, had fallen for the Maine coast. We continue to visit it regularly.

Thanks Barbara for the kind reply. I grew up in Auburn so I am very familiar with that area of Maine. I look forward to reading your book!

Just wanted to say I have read all your books(an accomplishment all by itself) and not one has disappointed me. I am so delighted to be able to write to you!!! Thank you for giving all of your readers so much pleasure, comfort and pure delight!!!
Hugs to you,
Candi

Thanks for your note, Candi, and for reading all my books. I'm humbled to think that none has disappointed you. Hugs right back at you!

Hello Barbara,

I LOVE to read and have since a very early age. Words are amazing! I never imagined there would be a day when I, as a reader, could look at a screen with a keyboard and simply "talk" to the artist that created wonderful stories. (I am really not that old - 40's, but the digital age has progressed so quickly that my childhood seems ancient in comparison.) I truly appreciate our modern day of being able to connect with other readers and the authors that keep us reading. Thank you very much for taking the time to chat with us.

To continue to imagine so many stories as you write isn't easy. Your ability to put your ideas on paper is a gift. Readers consume written words as fast as possible because of writers like you that use your gift to take us to other places and times.

My question is: After you have decided your basic idea and start to write, where is your favorite place to work? Do you quarantine yourself, need quiet, go outside, play music?

I also know that writers are usually very attached to their characters and books as a whole. How hard is it to read tough criticism of your works?

I can't wait to read Sweet Salt Air. Thanks again for connecting with us on Goodreads!

Hi, Barbara!

I've bought Sweet Salt Air in June 18th, to read in Kindle, and finished reading it three days later. The book is great! Sincerely! I love your books, but for me this is the better since Three Wishes (one of my favorites)! The characters are poignant (especially Charlotte and Leo), your research work was fantastic (about MS and about food)... So, congratulations from Brazil!

Good morning Barbara I have been a huge fan of yours since I first read the woman next door the was the very first book of yours that I picked up and the start of my collection. What gave you the inspiration for that book?

I just finished reading Sweet Salt Air. It is the first of your books I've read. I loved it. I can't wait to start on another. Which of your books do you recommend I pick up next?

Barbara, what is your favorite book that you have written? My favorite was Together Alone, at the time I read it my son was 2 years old. I think this book made me a better mom. I live in a small town where you do not think of things like this happening, but they can. I thought twice before "running in just for a moment". I have read them all except Sweet Salt Air but purchased it on kindle and plan to real soon. Thanks!

Julie wrote: "Hello Barbara,

I LOVE to read and have since a very early age. Words are amazing! I never imagined there would be a day when I, as a reader, could look at a screen with a keyboard and simply "ta..."

Those are great questions, Julie. My favorite place to work? To actually write, it's here in my office, where I have my computer and a modicum of discipline. I don't quarantine myself, because I have a family and friends and a life, all of which (I think) make my books richer. I generally like quiet, though the occasional instrumental CD with, say, bird sounds, is soothing and doesn't interrupt the flow.

As for criticism, it's tough. I do so many drafts and rewrites, that when I finish a book, I think it's perfect. I never mind constructive criticism, but the kind that is angry or impulsive or ugly is hard to take. The things is, everyone wants different things. Hard to please them all.

Ana wrote: "Hi, Barbara!

I've bought Sweet Salt Air in June 18th, to read in Kindle, and finished reading it three days later. The book is great! Sincerely! I love your books, but for me this is the better si..."

Thank you, Ana!

Carol wrote: "Good morning Barbara I have been a huge fan of yours since I first read the woman next door the was the very first book of yours that I picked up and the start of my collection. What gave you the i..."

Inspiration for THE WOMAN NEXT DOOR? Two things. First, I live on a dead-end street, and neighborhood drama is really interesting. Second, though, and even more than that, the issue of ART (Assisted Reproductive Techniques) was just coming into its own at that time, and I wanted to address it. Personally, I think it's a miracle when women who wouldn't otherwise conceive are able to do so and become amazing parents! But the roller coaster ride along the way is gut-wrenching.

Shawn wrote: "I just finished reading Sweet Salt Air. It is the first of your books I've read. I loved it. I can't wait to start on another. Which of your books do you recommend I pick up next?"

Hey, Shawn. Since I feel that each book I write is better than the last, I'd work backwards. Before SWEET SALT AIR came ESCAPE. Why not try that one?

Lovviner wrote: "Barbara, what is your favorite book that you have written? My favorite was Together Alone, at the time I read it my son was 2 years old. I think this book made me a better mom. I live in a small..."

My favorite book of mine? That's kind of like asking me which of my children is my favorite. I love each for its own reasons -- SWEET SALT AIR for its setting and for Leo, ESCAPE for its anti-technology angle, FOR MY DAUGHTERS for its gutsy emotion, FLIRTING WITH PETE for its story-within-a-story. My stock answer when asked this question is, "The next one."

I believe it was "Ardent Protector" or perhaps "The Passionate Touch" it was one of those that was my first read by you. But I honestly believe the one I love the very most is "Fingerprints". For the times, it was great! Did you know people like that? Also, am I mistaken or didn't you have a trilogy in the Temptation line, I believe it was? It just occurred to me that I've been reading your books for 3 decades!!

Oh my, Ev. 3 decades? Wow. Thanks for being such a loyal reader!

My husband is a criminal lawyer and at the time I wrote FINGERPRINTS was working with people in the Witness Protection Program, hence the inspiration for this book. As for the Temptation line, I actually had two trilogies. There was the dream trilogy - THE DREAM, THE DREAM UNFOLDS, THE DREAM COMES TRUE - and the matchmaker trilogy - THE REAL THING, TWELVE ACROSS, A SINGLE ROSE. I do believe that these six books will be available as e-books for the very first time later this year.

Barbara wrote: "Shawn wrote: "I just finished reading Sweet Salt Air. It is the first of your books I've read. I loved it. I can't wait to start on another. Which of your books do you recommend I pick up next?"

H..."

Thanks. I will be picking up Escape ASAP:)

Shawn wrote: "Barbara wrote: "Shawn wrote: "I just finished reading Sweet Salt Air. It is the first of your books I've read. I loved it. I can't wait to start on another. Which of your books do you recommend I p..."

I hope you like it. Let me know!

Sweet Salt Air was one of those rare books that I read every chance I had. It was that good. To me, it was Charlotte's story. While I didn't dislike Nicole, she didn't touch me the way Charlotte did. Did you intend for it to be that way, or did the story take its own path?

Barbara wrote: "Lovviner wrote: "Barbara, what is your favorite book that you have written? My favorite was Together Alone, at the time I read it my son was 2 years old. I think this book made me a better mom. ..."

Good answer, that will keep me waiting for more. Do you have a favorite author?