Song of the Pearl and Oyster is a multigenerational story that intertwines the lives of several characters from different times and backgrounds. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

Surprisingly, a friend from yoga class told me the story of her aunt’s birthday party. It was her 100th birthday, not her 75th, as it is in my book. When she got to the part about the aunt’s half-Japanese daughter showing up for her birthday party when her mother hadn’t seen her since she was six years old, it took my breath away. I asked her if I could write a novel about her family story, and she agreed. I loved the research from the various periods, from Japanese pearl diving to Michigan farms to New York Native American history.

What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?

Oh my, what a great question! I’d have to say vulnerability and uncovering truths. When an author draws a character at her most vulnerable, combining multiple real-life scenarios for that fictional reality, anything can result – a life lesson, a new understanding, or a perception of beauty that comes only through loss or tragedy. Sometimes, when characters are in the midst of conflict, neither they nor the reader recognize how their journey will take shape. My characters teach me as I discover what they can do; otherwise, why write? Their aha moments make for a satisfying denouement and conclusion!

What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?

Unusual mother-daughter relationships were important explorations throughout the book. I like the idea that a sense of family can grow from commonalities that don’t include the family we are born into! And music, so important in my life as a flutist, became important to Nora as an escape, her life’s work, and a means of expression when words weren’t enough.

What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?

My next book, The Compass Point, will be released in December. It is also historical fiction, with a male main character, a reluctant Jewish billionaire. It takes place in 1980s Eastern Europe when Russian propaganda threatened fledgling democracies. It’s filled with political intrigue and a hint of romance.

Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Amazon