Ask the Author: Mary Alice Monroe
Answered Questions (37)
Mary Alice Monroe
I'm so happy whenever a reader of any age tells me they enjoyed one of my books. How wonderful to hear that you really enjoyed The Islanders series!
Right now, The Islanders is three books, but we do hear from a lot of readers who want Angela and me to write a fourth book. And we do have one great idea for the story! 😁
What would you hope to see happen next on Dewees Island for our Jake, and his best friends Macon and Lovie?
Right now, The Islanders is three books, but we do hear from a lot of readers who want Angela and me to write a fourth book. And we do have one great idea for the story! 😁
What would you hope to see happen next on Dewees Island for our Jake, and his best friends Macon and Lovie?
Mary Alice Monroe
I'm thrilled you loved our book series! It was a dream of our hearts to write a story for young readers, and it it fulfilling to know that readers of all ages are enjoying The Islanders!
Right now, Shipwrecked, is our latest book in the series. But we hear from a lot of readers who hope we might write a fourth book. Do you think we should? What would you hope to see happen for our Jake, Macon, and Lovie on Dewees Island?
Thank you for submitting your question!
Right now, Shipwrecked, is our latest book in the series. But we hear from a lot of readers who hope we might write a fourth book. Do you think we should? What would you hope to see happen for our Jake, Macon, and Lovie on Dewees Island?
Thank you for submitting your question!
Mary Alice Monroe
I'm writing book two of the duology right now, titled "The Rivers End". A duology means the book is one long story. Thus, this is not a sequel but a continuation of my historical southern coming-of-age story.
I will finish the book soon, but it will be up to my publisher William Morrow to decide when to release it. Part of that decision hinges on when I hand in the novel! So I'm pushing hard to finish quickly so you don't have to wait too long! 🙂
I will finish the book soon, but it will be up to my publisher William Morrow to decide when to release it. Part of that decision hinges on when I hand in the novel! So I'm pushing hard to finish quickly so you don't have to wait too long! 🙂
Mary Alice Monroe
There are currently seven books in The Beach House series, and it's been such a satisfying experience watching the Rutledge family change, grow, and evolve over the years. Right now, I'm taking a break from this series to focus on my new epic novel, set for release in 2025.
Mary Alice Monroe
I'm delighted to say that SHIPWRECKED, the third installment of The Islanders series will be released June 18th! I'm glad you've enjoyed the series.
Mary Alice Monroe
Hi Kelly,
I am currently working on a new novel, separate from any of my series. It is expected to be released in 2024. And I look forward to sharing some details about it later this year. For now, all I can say is the setting is somewhere in the Lowcountry that I haven't yet written about.
I am currently working on a new novel, separate from any of my series. It is expected to be released in 2024. And I look forward to sharing some details about it later this year. For now, all I can say is the setting is somewhere in the Lowcountry that I haven't yet written about.
Mary Alice Monroe
We are thrilled that you've enjoyed THE ISLANDERS and SEARCH FOR TREASURE in our middle grade series. We love that readers of all ages can and are enjoying the wild adventures of The Islanders series.
I'm happy to tell you that yes, there will be another book in the series! SHIPWRECKED is the title and we'll let you know know soon about the release date.
I'm happy to tell you that yes, there will be another book in the series! SHIPWRECKED is the title and we'll let you know know soon about the release date.
Mary Alice Monroe
Dear Alyssa,
First, congratulations on all of your writing. You've been working hard on your craft. I cannot read your book, but I am flattered you thought of me and enjoy my novels.
If you are not yet a part of a writers group, I highly recommend it. If the writers in the group are supportive, honest but kind, and give constructive feedback to their members. You'll grow your writing skills and likely develop cherished friendship along the way too.
Way to go!
First, congratulations on all of your writing. You've been working hard on your craft. I cannot read your book, but I am flattered you thought of me and enjoy my novels.
If you are not yet a part of a writers group, I highly recommend it. If the writers in the group are supportive, honest but kind, and give constructive feedback to their members. You'll grow your writing skills and likely develop cherished friendship along the way too.
Way to go!
Mary Alice Monroe
It warms my heart that you bring up the novel Sweetgrass. It’s a complex book that I really loved writing. I too loved the setting, characters and it haunts me. It was published years ago and I haven’t heard many people comment about it in recent years. There is no planned sequel to Sweetgrass, however I do hope the book sees the light of a reprint soon.
Mary Alice Monroe
Professionally, the author has to be skillful in knowing what information to bring forward in the sequential novels so that readers will either remember, or new readers be introduced to important information.
Personally, It is hard to say goodbye to the characters after finishing a book, because they’ve become old friends.
Personally, It is hard to say goodbye to the characters after finishing a book, because they’ve become old friends.
Mary Alice Monroe
I was one of those children who sang to trees, hunted for fairies in the woods, and generally found magic in the wild. Growing up, I didn’t become seriously involved until the 1980s when I brought my children to the farm in Vermont and we worked to preserve and protect wildlife. When I moved to Isle of Palms in the 1990s, I joined the volunteer sea turtle team and my interest in sea turtles grew from that. I am licensed now, I’ve rehabilitated sea turtles and serve on boards to protect them. I didn’t realize my interest would become a life long passion!
Mary Alice Monroe
I have worked for years with the leatherback sea turtles. I’m on the board of the Leatherback Trust and we monitor the Pacific leatherbacks that nest on Playa Grande, Cosa Rica. Sadly the Pacific leatherbacks are 95% extinct. Thus our great concern. The Atlantic leatherbacks we get in Florida seem to be on an upward trend!
I have worked for years with the leatherback sea turtles. I’m on the board of the Leatherback Trust and we monitor the Pacific leatherbacks that nest on Playa Grande, Cosa Rica. Sadly the Pacific leatherbacks are 95% extinct. Thus our great concern. The Atlantic leatherbacks we get in Florida seem to be on an upward trend!
Mary Alice Monroe
So many readers have encouraged me to write another book in the Lowcountry Summer series, and that is such a compliment! I'm currently working on a new book, but not in this series. Perhaps one day I might continue the stories of Mamaw and her granddaughters Carson, Dora, and Harper.
A little insider information: some of the characters from the Lowcountry Summer series do make a cameo in the Beach House book series-- book #6 On Ocean Boulevard.
A little insider information: some of the characters from the Lowcountry Summer series do make a cameo in the Beach House book series-- book #6 On Ocean Boulevard.
Mary Alice Monroe
The Beach House series is set in the island town I call home-- the Isle of Palms, South Carolina. The setting is real, the places mentioned on island and in the Charleston area are also real. The main characters are pure fiction, but some of the characters are inspired by the incredible real people I have the pleasure of working with and calling my friends.
The series started with THE BEACH HOUSE, and the idea for the book came to me shortly after moving to the island and getting involved with the Island Turtle Team. I was so intrigued by the team of volunteers who work so hard to protect loggerhead sea turtles during their nesting season, through their daily beach patrols documenting and protecting nests until the turtles hatched. They also worked hard to educate the community and beach visitors about the importance of staying off the dunes, turning out your lights at night, keeping the beach clear of trash, abandoned sand castles and holes dug by beach-goers. Something sparked inside of me and I I knew I needed to tell that story.
I am happy to also say, I fell in love with the loggerheads all those years ago. And to this day, I remain a dedicated volunteer of the Island Turtle Team, and I'm a big supporter of the South Carolina Aquarium's Sea Turtle Care Center (which is featured in the other books in the series). I am so glad to see readers still falling in love with that first book and ultimately the entire series!
The series started with THE BEACH HOUSE, and the idea for the book came to me shortly after moving to the island and getting involved with the Island Turtle Team. I was so intrigued by the team of volunteers who work so hard to protect loggerhead sea turtles during their nesting season, through their daily beach patrols documenting and protecting nests until the turtles hatched. They also worked hard to educate the community and beach visitors about the importance of staying off the dunes, turning out your lights at night, keeping the beach clear of trash, abandoned sand castles and holes dug by beach-goers. Something sparked inside of me and I I knew I needed to tell that story.
I am happy to also say, I fell in love with the loggerheads all those years ago. And to this day, I remain a dedicated volunteer of the Island Turtle Team, and I'm a big supporter of the South Carolina Aquarium's Sea Turtle Care Center (which is featured in the other books in the series). I am so glad to see readers still falling in love with that first book and ultimately the entire series!
Mary Alice Monroe
I originally thought ON OCEAN BOULEVARD would be the final book in The Beach House Series. But, when I finished writing it, I realized there is so much more to write about their lives. So, YES... I am happy to say that there will be another book in the series soon.
Mary Alice Monroe
Great question!
It is the sixth book in The Beach House Series, but if you're new to it, you can absolutely start right now with ON OCEAN BOULEVARD.
When I wrote this book, I went to great lengths to ensure that anyone who opens up this book would be able to fully experience the story world without feeling like she/he is missing out on something. Then, after enjoying the story, you can dive right into the other titles in the series.
If you want to start from the very beginning, then here is the order of the book series:
THE BEACH HOUSE (Book 1)
SWIMMING LESSONS (Book 2)
BEACH HOUSE MEMORIES (Book 3)
BEACH HOUSE FOR RENT (Book 4)
BEACH HOUSE REUNION (Book 5)
ON OCEAN BOULEVARD (Book 6)
It is the sixth book in The Beach House Series, but if you're new to it, you can absolutely start right now with ON OCEAN BOULEVARD.
When I wrote this book, I went to great lengths to ensure that anyone who opens up this book would be able to fully experience the story world without feeling like she/he is missing out on something. Then, after enjoying the story, you can dive right into the other titles in the series.
If you want to start from the very beginning, then here is the order of the book series:
THE BEACH HOUSE (Book 1)
SWIMMING LESSONS (Book 2)
BEACH HOUSE MEMORIES (Book 3)
BEACH HOUSE FOR RENT (Book 4)
BEACH HOUSE REUNION (Book 5)
ON OCEAN BOULEVARD (Book 6)
Mary Alice Monroe
That's a great question! When I wrote the first book in the series, THE BEACH HOUSE, it was a stand alone novel with no intention or discussion of it being a book series. When this book was released, it became a big hit with readers who told their friends about it, and then that group told more friends, and so on. The book soared with popularity thanks to word-of-mouth among readers, surprising us all in the very best way. Later, the idea took shape to write a follow-up, which was titled SWIMMING LESSONS. Then I moved on to writing other stories. But a few years later, the idea emerged to expand THE BEACH HOUSE story with a prequel, and well, the ball of ideas just kept growing. So now, nearly twenty years later, The Beach House series will continue with its sixth book, ON OCEAN BOULEVARD.
I'm so excited to share the story of the Rutledge family and how the summer ahead brings in a season of unexpected change for the women against the backdrop of another loggerhead turtle nesting season on the Isle of Palms and Sullivan's Island in South Carolina. You'll get to escape to the beach with these women and see how they weather the storms of life with grit and grace.
I'm so excited to share the story of the Rutledge family and how the summer ahead brings in a season of unexpected change for the women against the backdrop of another loggerhead turtle nesting season on the Isle of Palms and Sullivan's Island in South Carolina. You'll get to escape to the beach with these women and see how they weather the storms of life with grit and grace.
Mary Alice Monroe
You can absolutely jump right into enjoying ON OCEAN BOULEVARD! Yes, it is the sixth book in a series, however, I go to great lengths when I write to make sure a reader can fully enjoy the story just as you would a stand-alone book. While it is ideal to enjoy a book series in order to get the full effect, it's not always feasible for readers. So, don't hesitate to start with ON OCEAN BOULEVARD in The Beach House Series. And then you can go back to catch up on the other titles when you can.
Mary Alice Monroe
"On a dark and stormy night, a writer sat alone at her computer, rapidly typing out the final paragraph of Chapter 20 of her book, when the power flickered and the house when black. The writer, screamed in terror realizing ... she forgot to save her work."
Now, your turn, readers! I want to her a two-sentence horror story from you.
Now, your turn, readers! I want to her a two-sentence horror story from you.
Mary Alice Monroe
Ever since I was a young child I fell in love with the story of Peter and Wendy by J.M. Barrie. I would fantasize about what it would be like if I, like Wendy, could follow "the second star to the right and straight on till morning" with Peter Pan to his faraway place of Neverland. I dreamed of flying to Neverland, a place you can soar, and play with mermaids—even if they play rough. If I could go, I’d tidy up the treehouse, make friends with Tink and Tiger Lily (because a girl needs her girlfriends) and yes—I would give Peter his first kiss!
I loved Barrie’s fictional world so much, as an adult, I wrote and published a contemporary novel inspired by Barrie's work titled Second Star to the Right. It's the story of a 90 year old woman, living on the top floor of a brownstone in London who believes she is Peter Pan’s Wendy.
I loved Barrie’s fictional world so much, as an adult, I wrote and published a contemporary novel inspired by Barrie's work titled Second Star to the Right. It's the story of a 90 year old woman, living on the top floor of a brownstone in London who believes she is Peter Pan’s Wendy.
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