Mary Alice Monroe's Blog, page 23

Thoughts on Writing: The Soul of Your Story

The theme of a novel is the writer’s vision. It is what the author wants to say and is reflected in plot, dialogue, setting, and metaphors. I believe a writer must possess the courage to express his or her convictions and passions in their novels. American writer and mythologist Joseph Campbell once said that commitment of expression makes artists the shamans of today’s world. We must put our ear to the ground and listen for what’s coming. Through our novels, we bring back the fire, or the knowledge, to our readers.

When John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath was published in 1939 it caused uproar of controversy and was one of the most commonly banned books of its time because of Steinbeck's obvious socialist sympathies. Nonetheless, the novel remains one of the most admired and studied works of social protest fiction of the twentieth century. Steinbeck was furious at the critics and replied if he couldn’t speak his mind in his own novels, then where could he?

I feel fortunate to make my living as a writer. I don’t take my career for granted. With each book I get to learn something new. Part of that learning process includes my time spent serving on various conservation groups, boards and volunteer groups. My participation in these organizations augments my work and inspires me personally and professionally.

While going through the research, the interviews, the volunteering, my theme and story develop. However, like the character in the novel, I change through my involvement. Digging deep to find the soul of the story is hard work. It involves contemplation, meditation, prayer. It makes the writing of your novel and experience of growth and renewal. Once I've understood my theme, it is my job to share that knowledge with my readers. To ask myself: Why are you writing this book? I believe what we have to say is not just worth the time it takes to create a novel, but I believe I have to say it.

Theme is not simply part of the story. It is intrinsic to the story. Our talent is to create that compelling novel peopled with memorable characters. Our craft should prevent our message from being preachy. My hope is for my work to not only be thought of as compelling, even memorable stories people want to share with others, but also to be a reflection of my commitment to preserve our natural world.

Next year I will jump into the ocean to help rehabilitate dolphins as research for my novel. I will keep my eyes and ears—and intuition—open and let the animals inform me of the theme of the novel. They have a message to share, I’m sure.

A Story Behind the Story

It’s been almost a decade in the making, and so it feels fantastic to say I have finished writing the rest of the story of one of my most beloved characters. I’ve wanted to elaborate and reveal more about Olivia “Lovie” Rutledge for such a long time.

Well, ok, I’m not entirely done. But I finished the first draft of Beach House Memories. That is a feat within itself and most writers would agree the first draft is the hardest part. While I’m not popping the champagne bottle just yet, I admit that when I clicked on the “send” button, I popped the top off a yogurt container, and went out on the back porch to bask in the warm afternoon sun while savoring every spoonful in that tiny little cup.

That peaceful moment of accomplishment is a stark contrast to two recent experiences I had during the writing that made my heart nearly give out and my mind swirl with momentary panic.

I make it a habit of frequently hitting CTRL+S on the keyboard while writing. One afternoon though, near the end of an all-day writing session, on a rainy, windswept day I might add, the doorbell chimed. I stepped away from my desk knowing I’d be back in just a few minutes. Little did I know that an island-wide power outage would strike and last hours! When everything did finally power back up, I’m sure you can guess my reaction. Lesson learned… or not.

A few weeks later, my daughter and her family flew in for a quick visit. The sweet sounds of my young grandchildren frequently lured me away from my writing. They are ages three and almost two. Can you blame me? As the computer sat unguarded with the book document on the screen, my youngest slipped into the office and went right to bright colors of the screen and began playing on the keyboard. My unsaved work erased again.

While spending two full days re-writing the work I had lost wasn’t exactly what I had in mind, maybe it was for the better. Some of the scenes seemed more compelling the second time around and I like to believe that things happen for a good reason, if I’m willingly to open myself up to those positive possibilities. And it’s hard to write a book with your head looking over your shoulder at the past with regret.

The revision stage is next and much more remains to be written. So a champagne toast is still a way’s off, but it feels so good to know I’ll soon be sharing more of Lovie Rutledge’s story with all of you- my readers- the heart and life of my career. Cheers to that!

Beach House Memories nationwide release May 2012

Where Have the Monarch Butterflies Gone


[image error] Monarch in alfafa field
Many have been reading in local newspapers reports on the sightings of monarch butterflies as they fly south by the millions to their overwintering grounds in Mexico. What I’m not seeing, however, is mention of the sad reality of the crisis monarchs are facing.

The trend of decreasing numbers of monarchs has been going on for decades. The reasons for this are largely the disappearing milkweed across the great American prairies due to loss of open prairies, the heavy use of herbicides, and genetically altered crops. “We’re talking about hundreds of thousands of acres of land that are virtually sterilized except for human food crops,” said Lincoln Brower, professor of biology at Sweet Brier College who has been studying monarchs for decades.

To compound this problem, in 2009 fierce storms ravaged the sanctuaries and, coupled with the problem of illegal logging, devastated the monarch population from 50-70 %. Now the smallest population on record is on the wing, flying south to the sanctuaries--and they must pass through Texas.

Unfortunately severe drought and wildfires there have torched much of the vegetation and flowers. According to Chip Taylor, Univ. of Kansas and director of Monarch Watch, “They’re going to be encountering a thousand miles of hell as they go through a nearly waterless, flowerless, nectarless landscape.”

Whether the butterflies will arrive in the sanctuaries with enough weight to survive the winter is a serious concern.

[image error] What can we do to help save the monarch butterfly? Plant nectar flowers and do not spray them with insecticide. Plant milkweed (Asclepius) in the early spring. Milkweed is the monarch’s host plant, the only plant on which a monarch lays her eggs and the sole food of the caterpillar. By dedicating a small sunny area in our yards and parks for butterfly-friendly plants and flowers we can support the monarch during it migrations.
Milkweed is available at many local nurseries. This past year I’ve given away 10,000 free milkweed seeds. I’ll offer them again for spring planting. If anyone wants a free packet of milkweed seeds, contact me on my website or Facebook. Together, we can help the marvelous phenomenon of the monarch migration continue for future generations.

[image error]

With Greater Appreciation

It’s National Hispanic Heritage Month, going on now through October 15, and I’ve been reflecting on my novel THE BUTTERFLY’S DAUGHTER. If you’ve read it then you know that the culture, landscape and mythology of Mexico were essential elements to the story. My main character Luz knew so little about her ancestors’ traditions. As she travels south across the Great Plaines States to her family seat high in the mountains of Mexico, Luz is following the same route as the millions of migrating monarch butterflies to their overwintering sanctuaries. The parallels of the human and wildlife’s sacred journeys were an inspiration to me as I wrote.
The writing of this book was a journey for me, as well. I learned to raise monarchs, I took a trip to Michoacán, Mexico to the butterfly sanctuaries, I studied Aztec myths. Everywhere I turned I discovered a rich source to plumb for my novel. When I finished, I had not only gained a greater appreciation for monarch butterflies, but also for the Mexican culture. Let me share with you some of the aspects that I found fascinating.
• The Day of the Dead is a major holiday in Mexico. In the United States, it is often mistakenly perceived as a ghoulish, Halloween type of holiday like we celebrate here. El Dia de los Muertos is a deeply spiritual holiday that coincides both with a phenomenal event in nature and the Catholic All Souls Day, a day of solemn prayer for all dead people. Imagine the powerful significance of a celebration that blends culture, nature, and religion! This year my sisters and I are building our own altar, or ofrenda, for our parents, sharing our personal stories with our offerings.

The Mexican holiday known as the Day of the Dead on November 1 and 2 corresponds with the arrival of the bulk of the monarchs to the overwintering sites in Michoacán. Locals consider the monarch butterflies to be the souls or spirits of departed relatives that have returned for an annual visit.

The white store-fronts were topped with tile roofs and window trims as bright as the peppers and tomatoes sold in the open market. The town was decorated with festive streamers looped between the buildings, their plastic colored flags flapping in the breeze. Locals thronged the sidewalks, carrying baskets overflowing with orange flowers, bread, sweets and traditional foods for the Day of the Dead. ~Chapter 22, The Butterfly’s Daughter

• Mexico is blessed with an incredibly rich and diverse landscape. There is a cornucopia of nature—migrating birds, whales, turtles, insects. The list is long. It’s no wonder that the Aztecs have always revered nature. The state of Michoacán where the monarch butterfly sanctuaries are located is mountainous and remote. Many of the villages and towns maintain their traditions.

• I have a new appreciation for the Mexican arts. Mexico is well known for its silver, but did you know that many of the great silver mines have closed? I visited Santa Clara del Cobre a town known for copper artisans. The art of making copper sinks is an ancient tradition. I had to have a gorgeous, small hand hammered copper sink which my darling husband carried home. I truly fell in love with the pottery, from the famous Televara to the intricate, vibrant green pineapple pots. There is so much art! Wood, clay, paper mache, contemporary, religious…. Seeing the artisans in Michoacán left a lasting impression, as did the genuine friendliness of the Mexican people there.
• The food! We all think of Mexican food as burritos, tacos, etc. that we buy at a restaurant or get from a can. I promise you, eating fresh, homemade tortillas with homemade refried beans and fresh salsa and guacamole…. There is no comparison! Some of the best meals I had were at tiny tiendas eating fresh off the grill. When I wrote about Abuela’s cooking and her baskets full of avocados, lemons, and lime I am reporting what I saw in the villages. Below I am sharing with you my recipe for refried pinto beans. It’s not hard and you will taste for yourself the difference.
From these experiences and so much more, I have developed a greater appreciation of Mexico and her people. I hope when you read THE BUTTERFLY’S DAUGHTER that you will enjoy the peek of an American girl’s journey to this beautiful country.

Refritos

2 c. raw pinto beans
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 c. chopped onion
3 cloves crushed garlic
1/2 c. minced green pepper
2 tsp. ground cumin
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1/4 tsp. coriander (optional)
3 Tbsp. olive oil for sautéing peppers and onions.

Cook beans (over-cooking is desirable). Reduce liquid. Mash beans with potato masher.  Heat oil in skillet. Add onions, garlic and peppers and cook till translucent. Add cumin, salt and pepper at beginning of cooking.  Add mashed beans to veggies and seasoning and mix well. If too soupy, may be reduced over low heat at this point. Serve hot. Feeds 4-6 people.