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Ask the Author: Frances O'Roark Dowell

“Ask me a question.” Frances O'Roark Dowell

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Hello! I loved Ten Miles Past Normal, which I recently re-read and enjoyed just as much (if not more so) than the first reading. Much like Janie, I too am a female bass player who follows her own quirky path on this road of life. Would you ever consider a follow up to this book? It would be interesting to see where Janie's story goes from here (?)
Frances O'Roark Dowell Hi, Alissa--Sorry to take so long to reply! First, I'm really glad you loved TEN Miles--thank you! I haven't given much thought to writing a follow-up, but it's a fun idea, and like you, I'd be interested to find out what Janie's up to these days. No promises, but I'll give it some thought.

Here's to everyone who follows their own quirky paths! xo
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Thanks for your reply, I have Anybody Shining and Trouble the Water. (I'm adding the obligatory question mark ? )
Frances O'Roark Dowell Hmmm ... I'm not sure which I would advise you to start with--they're pretty different books. It kind of depends on what you're in the mood for. If you like reading letters, Anybody Shining would be a good pick. If you like ghosts, Trouble the Water has two of them!
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I've not yet started any of your books, but just picked up a couple at the library. Is there a particular order they should be read? If so, which should be first?
Frances O'Roark Dowell It sort of depends! I have some series books, but I don't know if those are the ones you picked up. If you give me the titles, I'll let you know where I think you should start. Thanks!
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Just want to complement you on "Shooting The Moon." I grew up during the Vietnam War era, was fascinated by the war and earlier this year spent a month in Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. Your book is brilliant in my mind. One of the best I've ever read in terms of building and building with every chapter and then finally delivering pay dirt on the last page. Just felt compelled to share with you how much this one meant?
Frances O'Roark Dowell Hi, Jim--Thanks so much for your comment on Shooting the Moon (and sorry for taking so long to reply to it). It's a book very close to my heart for many reasons and it means a lot to me that you liked it!
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Who is your favorite fictional couple, and why?
Frances O'Roark Dowell Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy! Or else Charlotte and Wilbur (of Charlotte's Web fame). The first because I love a man who loves a smart woman, and the second because ... well, a I love a man who loves a smart woman.
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I just read LITTLE WOMEN, and I'm just wondering, do you find it really sad that Beth dies? (I do-she was my favorite March sister)?
Frances O'Roark Dowell I've read LITTLE WOMEN about a hundred times and I cry every time when Beth dies! She's such a wonderful character. I also feel so sad for Jo, because Beth was so special to her.
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How do you get inspiration to write your books?
Frances O'Roark Dowell I get inspiration from all sorts of things. Sometimes a story idea comes from something that's happened to me or one of my friends, sometimes it comes from a newspaper article I've read. I eavesdrop as much as possible, because people are always saying interesting things that could be turned into stories!
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Frances O'Roark Dowell
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