The more books of Louisa May Alcott I read, the more I wonder about the woman who wrote them. So did Kelly O’Connor McNees, only she took her curiosity much further. And, I’m so glad she did. Otherwise I wouldn’t have had all the fun I did last year.

I also wondered how Ms. McNees came up with the idea of writing The Lost Summer of Louisa May Alcott. How did she get her book to have the same feel as Ms. Alcott’s books? Well, I now have the answers to those questions and I’m going to share them with you. It’s my pleasure to welcome Kelly O’Connor McNees.

Like many readers, I have always loved Little Women and read it many times. But I didn’t know very much about Louisa May Alcott until I picked up a biography of her at the library. What I learned was surprising and intriguing. Louisa wrote many more novels and stories than just Little Women and its sequels. Some of what she wrote was considered so sensational, it was published under a pseudonym or not published at all and later found among her papers.

Speaking of her papers, she burned a lot of them, journals and letters, before she died. That piece of information, along with questions that had lingered for me about why Louisa wrote Little Women the way she did, prompted me to consider writing a novel about the young author.

That was when the real research began. I read every biography of her and her family that I could find. Interestingly, they varied in tone and slant, which is how I learned the truth about biographies: They say more about the biographer than the subject of the book. From there, I went on to read the journals and letters that remain, collected by a family friend after Louisa’s death.

I also had a whole lot to learn about 1855, the year in which I decided to set the story. We know very little about what Louisa did that summer. In July she moved with her family to Walpole, NH; in November she moved alone to Boston and began making enough money as a writer to support herself. Little Women wouldn’t be published for another thirteen years. In order to imagine a fictional version of this summer, I needed to learn about the clothes they wore, the home they lived in, how they performed the day to day domestic tasks that kept the household running. If they took a picnic to the riverbank, I had to know what food they would pack.

All of this reading and investigation was a true labor of love. I wanted to know all the details so that I could try to create the most realistic image possible of Louisa at this time in her life. I’m certain I got a few things wrong, but I hope I got the important things right: Louisa’s spirit and her determination to live her life on her own terms, no matter what the cost.

Thanks Kelly for visiting here today and answering my questions. Thanks also for writing The Lost Summer of Louisa May Alcott. I’m sure it will remain one of my favorites.

I’ve recommended this great novel to so many people that I feel like an evangelist for it!  It just came out in paperback, so there’s no reason not to get this one. Plus, I have Two Copies to GIVEAWAY to two lucky readers. To have a chance to win, leave a comment telling me of your interest. (I’m sorry, US only.) I’ll leave it open for a week.

If you’d like more information on Kelly O’Connor McNees, visit her blog HERE.

If you’d like to buy a copy of this book right now, it’s available at Amazon.(I am an Amazon Associate.)

Joyfully Retired: I love how you developed and described the people in this book. The characters feel real. I can see their flaws and still love them – just like real people. Where did you learn to develop characters and describe them so well? Here’s an example of what I mean:

He looks like one of those junior high boys who roam in packs pretending to be seniors; the ones with bad complexions and voices belonging to freshman girls. Today, he’s a sheriff. A blue cap hides his eyes, but from the way the gun shakes in his hand, I know they are filled with fear.

Toni Teepell: Writing has been a passion of mine since elementary school, when my fifth grade teacher filled our days with great literature and allowed time to write everything from plays to short stories. It was then that I fell in love with the written word and began to dream of being a writer. For the next seven years, I filled notebook after notebook with short stories and poems, but lacked confidence as a writer, and after high school didn’t write again for many years.

While teaching, I became involved in the L.S.U. Writing Project which took teachers through the writing process so they could better teach writing to students.  After the Writing Project, whenever possible, I enrolled in writing courses and joined a writing group. For my fiftieth birthday, my son gave me a book on writing fiction which included a section on character development that I read and reread many times. Also, I have always loved listening to people’s stories. All of those experiences, along with reading great literature, helped develop my writing.

Joyfully Retired: My heart went out to both girls in your story. Their childhoods were distinctive because of the conditions of both mothers, yet the girls had good internal value systems. Where did that come from? Did you see children similar to these two during your experience as a elementary school teacher? Did that influence your story?

Toni Teepell:  Many of the characters are amalgams based on family, friends, students, and acquaintances. Students, along with a child I knew growing up, greatly influenced the development of Samantha’s character. Although, Sam’s personality is not similar to anyone I know her situation is common to many.   Unfortunately, many children grow up in poverty or live with a parent who struggles with addiction.

As for Maggie, in many ways, she was created from my life experiences. My mother was diagnosed with schizophrenia in her twenties and spent eighteen years in and out of mental hospitals.  The girls’ value systems came from the values I learned as a child.  I was blessed with a mother whose faith in God was not shaken by the struggles of life. When well, she chose gratefulness over bitterness, and never lost her optimism or love of life.  She was the kindest woman I have ever known and had an amazing ability to see the good in all people.

My father demonstrated unconditional love and to this day puts those he loves before himself.  My parents’ responses to life’s challenges taught me so much about faith, love, and determination. The values illustrated in the story came from those lived out before me each day of my childhood.

Joyfully Retired: By the time I got to the end of the story, I thought maybe this was really the story of motherhood. At one point Maggie’s mother says to Samantha’s mother: “You know, we’re alike, you and I.We both hurt the ones we love.” I don’t know an honest mother alive who doesn’t feel she’s hurt her children in some way. Was it your intention to write a story about motherhood?

Toni Tepell:  My main intent of writing the story was to honor my father and mother. I also wanted to put a face to mental illness and show that a person is much more than a sickness.   Another intentional theme was motherhood.

There are three mothers in the story whose responses to life’s disappointments and struggles shape their relationships.  Mrs. Clark was only a mother for a few days, but the loss of a child profoundly impacts her relationships and the way she views life.

Even though Colleen and Elizabeth’s differences outweigh their similarities, they still share certain characteristics common to many mothers. Then there is Bea who has no children of her own, but in many ways becomes a mother to both Maggie and Samantha.

Joyfully Retired:  I couldn’t help but think about the difference between today’s environment for children and the setting of your book – the 1960s. The two girls had long hours of no adult supervision. They were free to ride their bikes all over town and Sam stayed at Maggie’s house for days without her mother’s interference. On the other hand, in today’s world of 24/7 supervision, if Sam had shown her bruised and swollen face anywhere, her mother would have been in jail. Did you pick this time period to allow more freedom in which to tell the story?

Toni Teepell:  For reasons you mentioned, I did not feel ATWT would work as a contemporary piece and chose the 60’s to allow more freedom for my characters.  This story belonged in a small Southern town with oak trees, box fans, and tree houses.  A different setting and you would have a different story. Besides, I’m a Southern girl who spent summers riding bikes, climbing trees, and drinking sweet tea.

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Thanks so much to Toni for the time she so graciously gave us. I hope all of you will now click over to The Bumbles and see the other half of this conversation.

In my opinion, this is a book that should be more widely read and talked about. Buy or borrow a copy and let’s spread the word.  A Truth Worth Tellin’is available at Amazon.

If the Church Were Christian by Phillip Gulley

Best Food Writing 2009 edited by Holly Hughes

What made March so great was some very impressive writing.

I started off with Nora Roberts (Vision In White). She has given so many hours of pleasure over the years and it was enjoyable to spend time with her new characters.

And then I met Joseph Monniger with Eternal on the Water. If you haven’t read any of his work, I’d recommend starting with this one. His writing touched all of my senses.

Phillip Gulley (If the Church Were Christian) was a new writer to me as well. This man touched both my brain and my spirit. I have more of his books on order. He made me think and then think some more. I like that. I’m still talking about what he said.

I know I read that really great spiritual book – but – I have to confess my favorite writer this month was Michael Connelly. I loved the character of Mickey Haller, the defense attorney who seems like a shyster but deep down he has an ethical heart. I’m looking forward to spending more time with him. (Lincoln Lawyer)

What’s up for April? Oh, there are so many books I’m looking forward to. Here’s three:

First is a TLC book tour for The Lost Summer of Louisa May Alcott by Kelly O’Connor McNees. It’s a fictional account of a time in Alcott’s life as imagined by McNees. I’ve only treated myself to a few pages but I’m raring to get going.

My book group is reading City of Thieves by David Benioff. It’s a story set in Leningrad during World War II. Looks very good.

I’m also going to join an online book club, the Classic Reads Book Club, and read A Tree Grows In Brooklyn by Betty Smith. The club members will be reading and discussing it over the next three months. I read this book over fifty years ago but I still remember Francie and those Brooklyn streets. Visit the website if you feel like joining in on this read-a-long. I think it’s going to be great fun chatting about this one.

The big event in April is the Read-A-Thon. It’s next weekend. I’m working on my strategy for that day. I hope you’re planning to join in.

I trust you’ve also had a good reading month and that you have a nice big stack for next month.

1. I found Summer House a joy to read. I loved all three of the lead female characters. I felt a special affinity for Nona/Anne. My mother is 89 and I saw so many similarities between Nona and my mom. What was your inspiration for her character or was she strictly imaginary?

Thank you! I love Nona so much and she was such a pleasure to write. My own mother is 90, and she is an inspiration for Nona. Also, I know several women in their 90’s who are loving, humorous, and insightful—great role models. And I remember my own grandmothers and how much I loved them and learned from them. Perhaps as we get older we really do get wiser!

2. Charlotte’s organic garden was so real to me, right down to the Brandywine tomatoes. Was all this garden information the result of research or personal knowledge and experience?

I have several friends on the island who have large organic gardens. One friend has a daughter much like Charlotte, who supplies fresh Brandywine tomatoes to local restaurants. We also have two wonderful farms on the island and some of the restaurants offer an appetizer of one sliced tomato, sliced and lightly sprinkled with sea salt. So sweet and juicy on a hot summer day!

3. I thought Summer House was a great celebration of Family (with a capital F). You captured the pluses and the minuses of my large family. I felt like you were trying to make a statement about the value of family life. Am I right?

Yes, you’re right. I’m now a grandmother, and it’s as wonderful as everyone says. Nothing is more delicious than having everyone here for a summer week or Christmas. I love watching my son play with his nephew and niece. I love seeing my own sister holding my daughter’s children. Of course it’s not all sweetness and light! I also remember when I was growing up, how my uncle and aunt’s children seemed to be perfect while my brother and sister and I were always getting into trouble!

4. I think that all good writers are good readers. What good books are you reading this summer? Anything you can recommend?

Absolutely! My daughter, Samantha Wilde, has her first novel out now with Bantam/Dell. This Little Mommy Stayed Home is about a mother with a new baby and a clueless husband. I love it that she’s writing about families!
Plus, I love mysteries. I just finished Charles Finch’s A Beautiful Blue Death and Hakan Nessar’s Woman with Birthmark. I love the mysteries of Deborah Crombie, M.C. Beaton, Elizabeth George, Peter Robinson, Julia Spencer-Fleming. . .yes, I am a mystery addict.

5. Can you tell us what’s next for you and when we might expect to see whatever that might be?

I’m finishing a novel to come out with Ballantine next summer. It’s called Mermaid Summer, and it’s about three grown sisters whose widowed father has fallen in love. There we go, families again!

It’s okay with me. I love your family stories. I for one am glad to know we are going to meet a new family next summer. Thanks so much Nancy, for taking the time to let us know more about you and your new book.

For more about Nancy, her family and her books visit her at Nancy Thayer.com. I’m also going to get my order in for This Little Mommy Stayed Home by Nancy’s daughter, Samantha Wilde.

You can buy Summer House or  This Little Mommy Stayed Home at Amazon.

I read this book as part of Barnes and Nobles’ First Look Book Club. Barnes and Noble also has a popular online video series called Tagged (www.BN.com/Tagged). The show’s hostess, Molly Pesce, sat down with Katherine Howe to talk about her book. If you haven’t read the book yet, don’t worry, there are no spoilers.

Here is that interview. Molly also adds some of her top picks for Father’s Day. [Sorry I'm a day late but you might pick up some ideas for good books, a movie and a new cd.]

Katherine Howe’s personality comes across in the book. It made for such a good read.