Clare O'Beara
Clare O'Beara asked Paddy Eger:

I greatly enjoyed the immersive experience of 84 Ribbons. Why did you set it in 1957?

Paddy Eger Claire, I'm glad you enjoyed 84 Ribbons!

My decision to set it in 1957 was selfish. I made Marta slightly older than myself so I could use some of my life experiences and remembrances as details in the story. I also saw the decades of distance from 2014 as a way to share the things that have changed (boarding houses, phones in alcoves, fashion) as well as the things that remain constant across generations (teen insecurity, dealing with body image, and first loves).

Initially I expected Marta would spend more of her storytime in Bremerton, but she tricked me! Since I grew up in Bremerton during that time period, I'm using those years to jumpstart book two: When the Music Stops. She'll spend the next year, the entire book, in Bremerton.

Paddy

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