Angela May asked Mary Alice Monroe:

Your novel begins with a looming hurricane, and that element really added a level of speed and intensity to the storyline. Did you write from your own hurricane experience?

Mary Alice Monroe Living in coastal South Carolina for more than twenty years, my family and I have definitely had our fair share of weathering hurricanes. When I was in the early stages of writing THE SUMMER GUESTS in September 2017, Hurricane Irma was threatening our area. I always feel so anxious whenever a hurricane looms. So we quickly packed up and got out of town, after shuttering up the windows and doors. That year, I sat in bumper-to-bumper traffic with my dogs and canaries and luggage and evacuation kit crammed into the car. It took nearly 7 hours to get to Tryon, NC; a trip that should typically only take three hours. But, that's what evacuation traffic is like. Thankfully, my home and my island were fine. I personally know what it feels like to wonder if the big one will hit and wash away your home and belongings. Thankfully the worst has not happened yet. But we all can imagine how devastating a hurricane can be from the images and news reports we see. I channeled some of my feelings and experiences for character development in THE SUMMER GUESTS. I think the approaching hurricane propels the story line forward quickly and adds an extra level of tenseness to the troubles brewing in my characters' lives.

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