The Dancer and the Swan follows a woman navigating grief, memory, faith, and forgiveness after her father dies, who volunteers with hospice, where she meets a proud and enigmatic retired dancer. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

Pauline Swanson is actually a recurring character from two other novels I’ve written. I every case, I’ve never intended to continue her story, but she simply would not let me be. This is the first time she is the main protagonist, and even as the author, I learned so much more about her that I never expected as the story progressed. Meanwhile, since she has always been a guide for others, I wanted to put her in a situation where she could once again fulfill that role, but also have the person she’s helping be strong enough to be even more of a guide for Pauline. That’s how Deborah Deneaux gradually came to be. Whereas Pauline carries heavy amounts of (largely undeserved) shame and regret in her life, I wanted someone she would grow close to who one also made some uncomfortable decisions, but who does not carry shame or guilt and instead has owned those decisions and were empowered by them. That’s how Deborah Deneaux was born. 

One thing that stands out in your book is the depth of emotion that you bring to your characters. What were some of the emotional and moral guidelines you followed when developing your characters?

Raw honesty. Nothing contrived. I wanted to make sure I wasn’t forcing my characters to feel or do anything simply to advance some plot point. I also didn’t want to minimize or over-sensationalize Pauline’s traumas, nor the complex situations DeeDee went through. I try to avoid extremes and easy resolutions. Most important—and most challenging—was to ensure I was representing the characters, their genders and their cultures—respectfully, appropriately, and genuinely. Too many times, I feel that characters in a novel become victim to the plot—puppets to the rising action and climax. As an author, I let my characters steer the boat through the storms they are facing. 

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

First and foremost, the power and indomitable force for good women have had on society. Second to that, this is a heavy exploration of guilt, shame and forgiveness—especially the very real difference between shame and regret, and how much not distinguishing the difference between those two things can lead to a life of self-punishment. In that same vain, how much trauma can wrongly redirect guilt and shame. But also, importantly, I wanted to try and honestly convey healing, growth, and acceptance.

What story are you currently in the middle of writing?

I will be revisiting an in-progress work that was put aside due to Pauline Swanson’s insistence that her story be told. It is about a veteran who owns a pawn shop in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin, who’s older brother left home at 17 and was never heard from again. When an item very personal to his brother shows up at the pawn shop, this character goes on a journey to retrace steps that will, hopefully lead to finding his long-lost sibling. 

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Pauline Swanson is a recovering alcoholic who has dedicated the last ten years of her life caring for her estranged father who has just died. Now she’s ready to start living again herself.

Volunteering for a hospice program, she’s assigned to Deborah “DeeDee” Deneaux, a 76-year-old Creole woman in the final stages of pulmonary sarcoidosis. As Pauline learns about DeeDee’s sprawling life story—growing up in 1960’s New Orleans, her provocative adventures in 1970’s San Francisco, and her success in 1980’s Chicago—a bond develops between the two women. But Pauline’s past won’t stay buried, and she will need to confront the traumas of her own childhood and the mistakes of her youth.

Meanwhile, when Pauline meets DeeDee’s son, Raymond, and learns of his strained relationship with his dying mother, Pauline feels compelled to mend their fractured relationship before it’s too late.

The Dancer and the Swan is at once a historical drama against the backdrop of urban renewal and social change, while also being an exploration of determination and faith against the traumas of life as experienced by two strong, unique women.