Which character interests you the most?

[Nan]

I'm curious to know whether you like Sarah, the protagonist. She's prickly and reclusive, but she knows that and tries to resist those tendencies. What do you think? Do you like one of the other characters better?

[Marian]

I loved Cornelia. She was so brave: facing her illness with strength & pragmatism, never making excuses, & insisting on a relationship with Sarah, despite Sarah's concerted efforts to shut her out. Her father would have been proud of her. Her relationship with Sarah is key to helping Sarah come to terms with her brother's death.

[Nan]

Thanks, Marian, for stepping up. My hope is that since we've all now come to the party, we'll huddle and talk about the book. Many of you are writers, and all of you are readers, so anything about either is game. As for Cornelia, I had a blast writing her scenes. They were easy and usually made me laugh while I was typing. I've known wonderful young women just like her--irreverent and golden--who knock me off my soap box or back on my feet. God love them.

[Susan]

Dear Nan,

Interested? WEll, they all interested me. Your lyrical language, down-to-earth descriptions and the lingering questions you raised brought all the characters to life, and while I had variable reactions to most of them (yes, Sarah could be a pinin. but who isn't a pain sometimes?)
Frankly the character that interests me most is the author! The way you draw on your own experience, mix it up with the comic, marvellous, the awkward and the downright heart-breaking, is a wonder. It's no wonder that Body and Bread has received such acclaim! And I am fascinated by your descriptions of the long journey of the writing it , by your beautiful readings of several of the scenes that I've been privileged to hear.
Thank you and I can't wait for "I Ain't Killed Nobody But Mama." Thank you! -- Susan

[Nan]

Thank you, Susan. Writers work a lifetime--which I almost did--to hear a reader make such a comment. You have no idea how much your engagement with the story means to me. Yes, the inspiration was autobiographical; my brother Paul committed suicide, and he was much loved by me and everyone else in the family. For those who don't already know, the book took me twenty years to write and publish, and that journey taught me about persistence and commitment to grow as a writer. That meant making sure that every plot turn, every character, each nuance, phrase, and word was not hyped, not exaggerated, never sensationalized. I was after honesty, especially since the story was inspired by my brother. I'm proud of the results, thank goodness. But maybe someone would like me to be more specific about the process for turning autobiography into fiction. If that's true, let me know.

[Sarah]

Dear Nan,

I'm so very excited to be included in this group. I mean to get ahold of "Body and Bread" as soon as I'm all finished up with a thesis project this week, and I really look forward to talking about it with you. I could use some pointers, for one thing. Congratulations, I'm so glad this book is out!

[Nan]

Thanks, Sarah, for joining the group. And congratulations on completing your thesis! I look forward to reading your comments and questions here.

[Jodi]

Nan wrote: "I'm curious to know whether you like Sarah, the protagonist. She's prickly and reclusive, but she knows that and tries to resist those tendencies. What do you think? Do you like one of the other ..."

Nan wrote: "I'm curious to know whether you like Sarah, the protagonist. She's prickly and reclusive, but she knows that and tries to resist those tendencies. What do you think? Do you like one of the other ..."

I like Sarah. I think it's because I, too, am prickly and reclusive. I sense that she is the sort who, like me, goes to work-related "social" functions only to avoid having to deal with the fallout (of not attending) at work. I also try to resist these urges, but most of the time, I'd be happy hiking with only my camera, notebook, and pen for company.

I do feel she was the person most in tune with her brother's wishes. I don't think he would have cared that Cornelia wasn't his child. I think it's unfortunate that the other family members didn't seem to share his generosity of spirit.

[Nan]

Thanks for your comments about Sarah. I especially like your observation about Sam and his likely feelings about Cornelia. That makes perfect sense to me, too. So if Sam could meet Cornelia, can you imagine what that moment would be like?