Ask Barbara Delinsky! discussion

I'm so looking forward to being with you on Goodreads next week. I'll be here all week, from Monday, July 25, through Friday, July 29. Please join me. We'll be talking about my new book, ESCAPE, but feel free to ask questions about any of my earlier books as well. One thing you might might want to know about ESCAPE is that it was inspired by you readers. Specifically, I asked my Facebook friends where they would go if they were to just dump all their worries and disappear. They really got into it. How about you? What's your idea of the perfect escape?

Hi Barbara. Thank you for taking the time to interact with us, and answer questions from your fans. I remember I responded to that status post of your on facebook, but had forgotten, (or was unaware) that it was for your book!
Unfortunately, even though I could probably think of a million questions for you, I can't think of a great question at this moment!
Anyway, I just wanted to take a minute to thank you for interacting with us.

Hi Barbara, Thank you for taking the time to interact with you fans. I want to say that I enjoy your books very much even if some are not on goodreads because I read them before joining. I am also new at this with being able to interact with an author; and it is very exciting and is a great privilege!
The place I would most go to dump all my worries and disappear to would be a fairly remote warm island. It of course would be on the beach! That is where I most relax the best!!
My one question I have for you, is that your stories vary so much with different topics, and how does one aquire such broadness without having books intertwine, become repetitive, or even a series? Does a lot of it come from true life experiences as well?

Hey, Marnie, the beach would do it! There's something calming about sounds of the ocean and sand on the toes.

As for your question, it's a good one. I work very, very hard to make my books different, one to the next. When I finish a book, I blot it out of my mind, pick a different setting and opening scenario, create characters whom I feel are different, and start writing afresh.

How do I acquire the broadness? I research new topics all the time. Some of it comes from life experiences -- certainly the fantasy behind ESCAPE of just dumping all worries -- but more it's the underlying values that come from my life. For instance, Emily in ESCAPE couldn't possibly have left NYC if she'd had children. I could never have done that. Likewise her love of animals. I lost a cherished cat not long before starting to write this book. I sobbed writing those scenes with the kitten, reliving my own experience with Chelsea. She was 18, but I'd had her since she was 10 weeks.

I did try a series once. LAKE NEWS and AN ACCIDENTAL WOMAN were set in the same town. As a writer, I found myself bored by the repetition of setting.

And that's really the bottom line. To keep my mind fresh and my writing new, I need different subjects, settings, and themes. Make sense?

Hello Barbara. I have read a couple of your books. One was an audio book and the other was for my bookclub. I found myself with the last book Not My Daughter to be totally engrossed in the book. I am a writer and was wondering what you would suggest for the writing process. Or how does your writing process work? I also wrote a review of Not My Daughter on my blog Writer's Corner.

Hello Barbara!!! I am on the last pages of Escape. I loved Emmie and James. Will we ever see them again.

Maura wrote: "Hello Barbara!!! I am on the last pages of Escape. I loved Emmie and James. Will we ever see them again."

So many people have asked that, Maura. I don't have a follow-up in the works (for many of the same reasons I detailed above in an earlier response), but I never say never.

Jencey wrote: "Hello Barbara. I have read a couple of your books. One was an audio book and the other was for my bookclub. I found myself with the last book Not My Daughter to be totally engross..."

Jencey, the writing process is a whole other story. Let's start a new thread, OK?

hi, you describe a place called 'jakes waterfall. are there specific directions to this place? love all your books, thanks for writing for us.

No, Julie. Local-wise, everything about Bell Valley is fictitious. That waterfall was simply one to which Jude took her. I would love to be there -- especially in the heat we've had of late!

Hi Barbara! I love your books, I'm always excited to see when a new book of yours is coming out. I am an Air Force wife and mother to two boys, my oldest (9 yrs) has been diagnosed with Autism. My question to you is: have you ever thought of doing a story line based on the life of a military wife, her challenges and demands? Or a story line based on a child with Autism and the challenges the child, parents and other family members face every moment of everyday? Or a combination of both scenarios?

Hello Barbara,Thanks a lot for giving us time and answering our questions

Absolutely adore the way you write and the way you bring out character's emotions,it actually feels that we are also with them in the story,always keep writing great books

Wanted to ask in book More Than Friends,why did Annie forgive Sam-Teke?Teke for her own selfish reasons gave into that moment of lust(even confessed she had initiated it) and Sam he said he was using her body it means he knew she is not his wife Annie

Will we get an intense emotional book based on two individuals who love each other deeply but that love is lost somewhere and how these two work on getting that love back?

Barbara wrote: "I'm so looking forward to being with you on Goodreads next week. I'll be here all week, from Monday, July 25, through Friday, July 29. Please join me. We'll be talking about my new book, ESCAPE,..."

Hi Barbara,
Have read ALL your books! Just finished Escape. The story touched me personally.Sometimes when life makes you want to bury your head who doesn't think about escaping? Super great premise! My idea of a perfect escape would be anywhere along the Oregon coast. Fabulous uncrowded beaches,driftwood,and lots of tidepools.
Do you ever make appearences in southern California? Would love to say hi to you in person!
Candi

Lisa wrote: "Hi Barbara! I love your books, I'm always excited to see when a new book of yours is coming out. I am an Air Force wife and mother to two boys, my oldest (9 yrs) has been diagnosed with Autism. ..."

Thanks for the questions, Lisa. I've considered doing each, but the right story has never yet hit me at the right time, which means that it may hit next year or the year after that. Both are important subjects.

Booklover wrote: "Hello Barbara,Thanks a lot for giving us time and answering our questions

Absolutely adore the way you write and the way you bring out character's emotions,it actually feels that we are also with ..."

Annie loved Sam. She also loved Teke. Knowing that Sam and Teke would never, ever be together again, she came to believe that forgiveness was a better thing to live with than anger.

As for other highly emotional and challenged marital relationships, there's one between Emily and James in ESCAPE. And I'm writing one in my next book!

Hi Barbara! I am so excited that you are here to chat with us. I love the Good Reads site and visit it almost daily. I read 3 chapters of Escape last night in the grocery store while waiting for my husband; I love it! I am definitely going to purchase it soon, just trying to decide whether to buy it on my new Kindle or buy the book. I can definitely relate to Escape; especially when I was in my forties. Now that my son is grown up; my husband and I are having more fun than ever and I am glad I didn't. Keep writing these amazing novels, we love them!

Jody wrote: "Hi Barbara! I am so excited that you are here to chat with us. I love the Good Reads site and visit it almost daily. I read 3 chapters of Escape last night in the grocery store while waiting for my..."

Hi Jody,

Your post made me think a little hope is up ahead! :) I'm 39, with 3 very little kids and things just seem to be getting crazier instead of easier! Maybe I'm not alone!!! I love my kids so much but I also look forward to a time when I might be able to make fun plans with my husband without first having to orchestrate a child-care plan that makes a military maneuver look like a cake-walk!!!

--Jen

Barbara wrote: "Booklover wrote: "Hello Barbara,Thanks a lot for giving us time and answering our questions

Absolutely adore the way you write and the way you bring out character's emotions,it actually feels that..."

hhmmm never thought from this angle,i was only thinking the trust was broken so how could she again trust them and forgive them but as saying goes Love and Time are great healer

Today i read excerpt and also reviews,added to my wishlist but i guess here at my place it will take a lot of time before i get this book

Will be eagerly waiting for the next book

Thanks for answering my questions

Hello Barbara,
I just wanted to let you know that since our phone chat with you in June, I cannot keep your books on the shelf at out library! Although there were just 10 people at the discussion, they have told all of their friends and family and are now reading everything that you have written. It has been fantastic and you are our new hero!!!
Fondly, Judy from the White Pigeon Twp Library

Judy wrote: "Hello Barbara,
I just wanted to let you know that since our phone chat with you in June, I cannot keep your books on the shelf at out library! Although there were just 10 people at the discussion,..."

Judy, that makes me feel so good! Thanks for telling me. It was a fabulous meeting with you all. Please send my 'hello' and thanks to the women who were there! BD

Hi Barbara,
Yup, this guy loves your work. Lake News was the first first book of yours that I read,I loved it. The setting, the layers of story, & how could I not love John and Lily? I'm looking forward to your new book & spending time interacting here with you & the rest of your fans.
My place to get away? A place much like Lake News. I grew up in NH. So a quiet cove on a peaceful lake is where my mind goes when I need to get away.

Barbara,

I read Not My Daughter last year and was really delighted that you included a childfree counselor in the book and portrayed her in a positive way. I loved how you handled the very current situation portrayed in this book. I look forward to reading Escape.

Hi Barbara,
I'm so glad I was informed about the chat time with you!
The first book of yours that I read was The Carpenter's Lady and it hooked me. Something sincere and real about it made it still my favorite romance.
Is Escape more family or adult oriented? Such as with or without children. You have a mix of these and it seems to work wonderful for your writing talent.
My escape would be no cell phones, no computers, and totally unconnected without having it cause a problem!

Thanks for joining us, Dawn. I actually think ESCAPE is both family and adult oriented. There are family elements with the marriage of Emily and James, Emily's trials with her parents, Amelia's relationship with Vicki and Jude. But then there's the friend angle, as in Emily and Vicki. Yes, definitely a mix. And I think your idea of escape is heavenly!

Hi, Barbara!
It's been such a long time since we've touched base, 'though I've thought of you often and missed our talks and time at The Bookgroup. I'm anxious to read "Escape." I read "Not My Daughter" recently and really liked it. As always, you write such timely books that really matter.
I would love to escape to Stowe, VT. It was always a wonderful summer place for the kids and me. The little springs of water, mountains, horseback riding, the Bear Pond Bookstore, and Quilt Shop were all perfect for me. The kids loved playing tennis--watching national tournaments and riding on trails. It's a place to relax and think...to remember special times at the Trapp Family Lodge.
I hope you and the boys are well. Please give my love to all the "girls." And, check out my review blog to see what I'm reading lately! http://abookishlibraria.blogspot.com I've been reviewing for some major publishing houses and loving the reading and writing.
I'm going to enjoy this time with you and your many fans, Barbara.
Love,
Deborah Sellman Previte
The Bookish Dame

Hello Barbara,

I am so excited to have this opportunity to say hello to you. The first book of yours that I ever read was The Summer I Dared - and I have read it several times since. I have gone on to amass quite a collection of your books but it still remains my favorite.

As a native "Maine-iac", I love that your books are set in New England and are loyal to the region. I look forward to reading Escape.

My perfect escape is any foreign location - I am partial to Europe - where I have the perfect excuse leave the known behind.

Deborah wrote: "Hi, Barbara!
It's been such a long time since we've touched base, 'though I've thought of you often and missed our talks and time at The Bookgroup. I'm anxious to read "Escape." I read "Not My Da..."

Debbie, wow, it's been too long! I'm thrilled you've dropped by here. Sounds like you're doing really well.

For those of you wondering, Debbie and I were in book group together a while back. She always brought such feeling to the discussions!

Debbie, we do miss you. I'll tell everyone you say 'hi.' BTW, we're reading "The Paris Wife" for September. As a writer, I was riveted. BD

Hi again Barbara!
Just curious if you ever attend writing conferences. I'm at the beginning of my career and consider them important and a lot of fun:) Does an author with such a developed career as yourself have a different view on conferences?
BTW-It's exciting that I can view many of your books on my shelves and think "I chatted with her!"

Conferences are important, Dawn. My very first was in Houston, and it was there that I met another published author for the very first time. I also got my first agent there.

Now I have to prioritize, and when I'm weighing and balancing publicity and learning, conferences take a hit, I'm afraid. I wish there were more hours in the day -- and that I had energy to keep going through them all. But I do love to sleep. That's when some of my best ideas come. And I don't sleep well when I'm on the road.

You definitely did chat with me, and the pleasure is mine! Thanks for being here and for asking such good questions.