Judith
asked
Catherine Ryan Hyde:
Just finished Just After Midnight and found the character Faith fascinating. I would like to know how you came to write about her strength and courage after leaving a marriage what seemed in a very short time span? I still struggle with decisions I made years ago and working on being more like the character Faith was as she has inspiration me.
Catherine Ryan Hyde
Hi Judith. Well, a couple of things to consider. She is of course a fictional character. I don't mean she doesn't need to feel realistic. Rather I mean we are only seeing the broad strokes of her actions as they relate to the arc of this story. I'm sure in real life she would have plenty of peaks and valleys, but I am only capturing the ones that matter within this limited space of time.
Years ago I left a relationship that contained just that level of abuse (I even used some real examples) and I'm not sure I did as well as Faith. Still, I think if I'd had an opportunity to be strong on behalf of someone vulnerable like Sarah, I would have. I hope I would have--even if plenty more self doubt followed. I hope you can be inspired to be more like Faith while at the same time cutting yourself plenty of slack. You're a real-life human being and she's not, so you have the harder job.
Years ago I left a relationship that contained just that level of abuse (I even used some real examples) and I'm not sure I did as well as Faith. Still, I think if I'd had an opportunity to be strong on behalf of someone vulnerable like Sarah, I would have. I hope I would have--even if plenty more self doubt followed. I hope you can be inspired to be more like Faith while at the same time cutting yourself plenty of slack. You're a real-life human being and she's not, so you have the harder job.
More Answered Questions
Ginger Robinson
asked
Catherine Ryan Hyde:
This may be the best one yet. But of course, I've said that before. I do not know how you churn out such emotional fiction and do it twice a year. This one, like so many others, touched me deeply. Thank you. Is it too early to start looking forward to the next one?
MARILYN A
asked
Catherine Ryan Hyde:
This is not a question. This is a heartfelt Thank You. I don't even remember the first book of yours I read but it involved a dog. Since then every book of yours I read I look for a dog character. You have given me such great pleasure. Your characters are alive, the stories real. Thank you for writing so many as I still have more to read. They demand I ask a question. Will you continue to write about dogs?
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