Hello, hello, fellow bookish citizens of the realm! *pops in with yet another million ARCs and books overflowing from my arms* How’ve you all been doing? I myself have found myself very much just buried in more books and emails this week… I have found some absolutely wonderful middle-grade reads this month, which is absolutely delightful!
A little while ago, however, I came across a most beautiful contemporary book on NetGalley — The Invisible Thread. I don’t read much contemporary. And I must admit, I had a hard time getting into it. But by the end…. wow. It is such a beautiful middle-grade with such wonderful characters!!! Anna and Marvin’s friendship (and the twist at the end!!!!!!!!!!!!). And not to mention the gorgeous cover!!
And while I haven’t gotten around to reviewing it on my blog yet due to my ridiculously long TBR, today, I am most excited to have Sue Lamoree, the author of The Invisible Thread here with us today for a blog interview!! :))
Sue, welcome!! I am so glad to have you here for this interview! To start us off, could you tell us a bit about yourself, your book, The Invisible Thread, and how you got the idea for it?
Thanks for inviting me to share Marvin’s (my) story with you, Isabelle. Growing up, I spent most of my free time writing short stories and poetry. I tried to take that love of writing onto my college studies and a career but ended up in the finance industry instead. After developing a rare health condition called Transverse Myelitis (TM) I took early retirement. Through a series of events surrounding therapeutic horseback riding I was given the opportunity to publish a few short stories about my transition from an able-bodied individual to an incomplete quadriplegic. When I saw the need for children’s books that address the issues of facing dramatic life changes The Invisible Thread slowly came to life.
How did Marvin’s character first come to you? How do you typically go about developing your characters and learning more about them? Was there any particular character in The Invisible Thread that was hard to write?
After I developed TM, a number of friends suggested I write about my experiences while living in a wheelchair. I had no desire to write an autobiography, so when somebody recommended writing from a child’s perspective, it just struck me. I wanted the protagonist to be dealing with mobility issues and learning how to overcome their challenges. Marvin became that character.
It’s really hard for me to define how I develop my characters because I kind of let them come to life on their own. I basically decide what message I want to portray and just start writing. As I address certain issues of the book I find characters lurking in the shadows waiting to jump into the story to demonstrate those points.
I guess the hardest character to write about was Frankie. Fortunately, I didn’t have to confront too many bullies as a kid, so it was hard to make him believable and determine why he’d turn on Marvin the way he did.
I think you did a fantastic job with Frankie’s character! I loved Marvin’s relationship with his dad and how the book really explores a theme of forgiveness through that. Could you tell us a bit about that and how you managed to really write that? (Because I do know that it’s quite a struggle to learn to forgive someone that has hurt you.)
Unfortunately, family breakups and strains on other relationships are very common occurrences when a loved one’s circumstances dramatically change. In order to heal a relationship forgiveness is critical. Based on my experiences there needs to be a transition period to mourn and eventually accept the situation. Each person affected has to come to their own conclusion in their own time. I’ve seen the kindest people choose to leave because they can’t handle the emotional impact of seeing a loved one “suffer”. I didn’t experience that myself, but I did feel excluded at times because of my physical limitations. It can be very painful. I had to allow myself, and others, a grace period in which to adapt to my situation. In retrospect, I can see now that it took a great deal of forgiveness. Marvin and dad’s relationship is just a reflection of the process that needs to occur between loved ones in any hurtful situation. Otherwise, we end up “stewing” in our own pain and lose valuable friendships. I learned a lot from Marvin and his dad.
Yes, I think that is something really important to do. Do you have a favorite scene in The Invisible Thread? Why would that be your favorite scene?
I think my favorite scene would be when Marvin’s dad takes him kayaking. He’s never spent time alone with Marvin since the accident and has no idea how to work with his disability. It becomes a pivotal moment in their relationship but it’s also kind of funny especially when they’re trying to lift him into the kayak. Anna is beside herself watching them “nearly drown” and Marvin just thinks it’s all a fun adventure. The entire chapter brought up memories and feelings from my own experiences. As a child my Summers were spent on the beach while staying at our cabin on Vashon Island. After TM, I wasn’t able to experience the beach the same way as I had in the past. But when I discovered that ferries are equipped with elevators, I was beyond thrilled. At least I can still watch for Sea Lions sprawled out on buoy’s basking in the sun.
Ohhh, I loved that scene!! It made me crack up! And I adore the title of this book! Can you tell us a bit about that and how you came up with the title?
The title was originally Marvin and the Fallen Angel, but I decided I wanted it to be less revealing and more intriguing. The story is about healing and forgiveness through the love of our Heavenly Father which binds all of creation together like an invisible thread.
Indeed — I think it’s a fantastic title! What does your revision process look like?
It used to be write, rewrite and rewrite again. Eventually, I realized I could use some additional education about the writing process. After consulting with a writing coach and reading a number of very valuable books on crafting a novel, I designed a few templates and outlines for developing my story and any future projects. However, I’m sure there will still be a lot of rewrites ahead of me.
Oh yes, write, rewrite and rewrite again is basically my revision process lol! The Invisible Thread has a lot of Christian themes (which I loved!!) and you have mentioned being a Christian on your blog/website. Does your faith inspire your writing and if so how?
Actually, my faith is why I write. Heavenly Father has given me a talent/gift that I want to share with anyone that’s interested in coming closer to Him and our Savior. I like to think of God as my coauthor. His messages of love, kindness and forgiveness are woven throughout every story I write.
Did you always want to be a writer? Why or why not? Who or what are some of your biggest inspirations as a writer?
I love books I always have. Diving into different lands and lives can be fascinating and educating. Even in this day of digital books, my favorite place is in a bookstore. The smell, feel and visual appeal of books for a bookworm just feels like home. Growing up, I spent a lot of time escaping reality by reading books or retreating into my imagination while writing short stories and poetry. After reading C.S. Lewis’ The Chronicles of Narnia and The Space Trilogy in my teen years I aspired to write like him. I admire his seamless ability to weave Christian themes throughout his fiction.
Do you have a secret pen name that no one knows anything about?
No, but a few of my short stories were written before I married my husband, so they were published under my maiden name, Sue Hutchinson.
What is your advice to young writers who want to start writing and get their books out there?
If you love to write, write! That’s what I was always told. Don ‘t worry about what others think about your stories—write for yourself. When your imagination comes alive, take those ideas and put them on paper (or on your device now days). Whether you become a famous author or not it doesn’t matter, a writer needs to create. It fills your soul. And someday maybe one of those stories will come to life in other people’s minds through your published book. Don’t ever give up! Publishing is a very fickle business, and we don’t have to win everyone over, just those who share your vision.
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That is some wonderful publishing advice and something that is so so true. (Something I myself need to keep in mind as well!) A huge thank you to Sue for doing this interview!! I had a wonderful time “talking” to her and learning more about her writing and The Invisible Thread! (Which, by the by, is a wonderful book, so if you haven’t already, go read it!!!! *shoos you off to the nearest bookstore*)
A thank you to you as well, dear reader, for reading this interview! :)) I do hope you enjoyed learning more about Sue’s writing process and her advice for young writers! Her middle-grade novel, The Invisible Thread, is such a beautiful read, perfect for any middle-grader looking for a moving contemporary with Christian themes!!
You can visit Sue at her author website at https://www.suelamoree.com/
And now it is high time I headed back to my writing cave… Off to write books!! Till next time, and wishing y’all a wonderful week,
-Isabelle
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