What inspired you to write THE ALASKAN CATCH?
One thing I hear over and over in Alaska is, “I came for the summer and never left.” I wanted my heroine, Dana, to feel that connection, to recognize that Alaska is a place where she can become the person she wants to be.
What do you hope readers take with them after they’ve read it?
As Sam tells Dana, “You can paddle your own boat or you can throw up your hands and let the current carry you wherever it will.” Find your river and keep on paddling.
Do you have a favorite scene that you can share with us?
(This takes place in late evening, sitting by the campfire.)
Sam pulled the stretchy band from her ponytail, releasing the silky strands, and nuzzled the top of her head. Her hair smelled like wood smoke and lavender shampoo. If only he could bottle that scent. He would remember this one perfect night always.
Dana turned slightly so that her head was against his shoulder and she could look up at his face. “Sam?”
“Mmm-hmm?”
“I’m really glad you asked me to come on this trip.”
“So am I.”
She gave a happy sigh. “Someday when I’m an old lady sitting on a rocking chair in some nursing home, and people are telling stories about exciting things they’ve done, I’ll tell them about the time I rafted down a wild river in Alaska with you.”
“I’m sure you’ll have lots of exciting stories to tell.”
She shook her head. “No. The most exciting thing that ever happened to me before was probably winning the science fair in middle school. I’m not the kind of girl that takes chances.”
“You took a chance coming out here with me.”
“Maybe,” she paused, “but it didn’t feel like taking a chance. I trust you.”
She trusted him. It was as simple, and as absolutely mind-blowingly complicated, as that. In spite of his mother’s hatred of Raynotts, of his possible claim on her father’s estate, of Chris’s misgivings, Dana trusted him. It was a lot to live up to.
If you could sum the book up in one sentence, what would you say?
Dana went looking for her brother, but what she finds is her own inner strength and the love of a good man, if only she can find a way to accept it.
Share something about you that is unique - maybe about how/where you write... or favorite snack foods?
I do a lot of my writing in the tub. Not literally, but something about relaxing in warm water lets my creative juices flow, and makes it easier to map out a scene in my mind before I sit down at the computer and type the words.
