Interview with Madeleine Jaimes, Author of The Me I Left Behind

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Me I Left Behind: Maggie’s Story?

The Me I Left Behind was inspired by the book Beach Therapy, the first book in my Tuckaway Bay series. Maggie Oliver came to me in that story, and I knew there was more to her than what we saw in Beach Therapy. (In fact, that was the case with all the women in that book.) Maggie is a flawed, perfectly imperfect character with lots of room for growth. I was inspired to explore her story deeper and tell it in her words. In Maggie, I believe I found a bit of all women—things we all tell ourselves, games with play with our own heads and hearts—and I hope by telling her story, we all can benefit and grow.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

I’m currently reading Lucinda Race’s After All These Years. Some of the newer books stacked up in my Kindle are: Ghosts & Gowns, also by Lucinda Race; When We Believed in Mermaids: A Novel, by Barbara O’Neal; Blood Moon by Sandra Brown; The Beach House by Rachel Hanna; Natural Selection: A Short Story by Elin Hilderbrand; and more…

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

In Maggie’s Story—The Me I Left Behind—there is a particularly satisfying scene set in a cemetery where she ties everything together. It’s a pivotal scene for both her (her growth and internal gratification) and also for the reader (to finally get answers to some questions). It was a favorite to write because frankly, before I wrote it, I hadn’t a clue how it would all go down!

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

First, I must have coffee. But maybe that’s not so quirky. It helps, though, if I’m drinking from my favorite beach mug. Secondly, I need silence. I cannot write to music, especially if there are lyrics. Maybe instrumental if I find the piece inspiration for what I am writing—but most of the time, silence. Third, it must be morning, before peopling. Enough said.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

Coffee first. People later. (continuing the above theme…) Seriously, I don’t have a motto or quote—but do I believe in living my best life, however I see it at the time.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

I want readers to remember the emotion, how they felt while reading the story, whatever that emotion might be. I would also hope, after reading The Me I Left Behind, that readers would celebrate Maggie’s growth and root for her in the future.

Madeleine Jaimes is the author of the new book The Me I Left Behind: Maggie’s Story

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