What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write this book?
I have insomnia, and I use meditation to help me fall asleep. One meditation suggested taking a walk in my mind. I used my street and thought about how it might feel to walk through my neighborhood late at night when no one else was around. Wow. It was surprisingly realistic, comforting, and safe. Whereas, if I actually took that walk, I’d be nervous about being out by myself in the dark in the early hours. Then, as writers do, I flew off on a “what if” journey, and Cynthia Peabody showed up.
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of your book, what would they be?
Cynthia is a boomer, and music was a huge part of her youth. She insists her generation’s music was the best. She listens to the Beach Boys and Motown, and everything in between. “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” by the Beach Boys plays a role in one of her scenes. Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” is used to introduce Ronnie Long, the character who becomes a good friend. They bond over dancing to the famous “Thriller” video. Juniper, the 16-year-old, is all into K-pop. I had to do a tutorial on that and admit I enjoyed it. The Stray Teens are Juniper’s go-to boy band.
What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
Because I’ve written so many romances, I don’t tend to read romance anymore. I enjoy Women’s Fiction, Suspense, Murder Mysteries, and some literary books that my book club recommends. I thoroughly enjoyed writing the combo genre of Women’s Fiction + Magical Realism. One reviewer wrote something about this book that nails what I write: “What I loved most about this story is how it refuses to sit neatly in one genre. It’s a little magical, a little funny, a little thoughtful, and very human.” Yeah, I like that.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
Book Club: Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler Personal TBR: The Summer Guests by Tess Gerritsen I’m curious about The Astral Library by Kate Quinn Reread Literary: Peace Like a River by Leif Enger
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
The final road trip scene, where Cynthia, Ronnie, and Juniper (with Muddy the dog, of course) finally hit the road to Big Sur to tend to the unfinished business Cynthia has been worrying about since the first chapter. There’s a fun surprise when she finally completes her task.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
Sorry to disappoint you here. I am a firm believer in BICHOK—Butt in Chair, Hands on Keyboard. That is my "lucky mug" for writing a book.
Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?
Philosophy: I try my best to see the human before me, not the label of who or what they might be, and I strive to treat everyone in a respectful way—“strive to” being the key words. Motto for website: Embracing the mysteries of life. I also believe that laughter is the best medicine.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
May I quote from my all-time favorite review about this book? Because I couldn’t say it better. I was stunned by the first posted review, which had many wonderful things to say, and this is how the reviewer (C. Shields) finished: “This book isn’t really about dreams or strange abilities at all. It’s about that unsettling but oddly beautiful truth that none of us get unlimited time here. We’re all just moving through the world doing the best we can, hoping we show up for the moments that matter. Cynthia just happens to get a few extra nudges from the universe. And if this story leaves you with anything, it’s the gentle reminder that being a little kinder, a little braver, or a little more present in someone else’s life might be the closest thing any of us get to being extraordinary.” Yeah, that!
Lynne Marshall is the author of the new book The Extraordinary Dreams of Cynthia Peabody (Cynthia Peabody Book 1)
Connect with Lynne Marshall
