Do you lay out your plots beforehand, or are there surprises in the writing process? Did you know from the beginning what had happened to Alexandra?
I have a brief story outline, but because I know my characters inside and out, I know what they are capable of and the decisions they’ll make; it makes sense to me to write that way. As a result my stories are character and not plot driven. I had no idea what happened to Alexandra until one day I was midway through the book and Jack’s “Rooftop Lullaby” began to play. It’s such a sad song. I shed a little tear or two because in that moment, I knew she would be found dead.
The novel shifts viewpoints from character to character, revolving around Jane, Tom, Elle, and Leslie. Which character was the hardest to write? Which was the easiest? Which is your favorite?
Elle was the greatest challenge because I had a lot of research to do before writing her. Her mental struggle needed to feel real so I worked really hard to ensure she didn’t become a silly cliché. She’s also my favorite character because I worked so hard on her and I feel closest to her.
Who are your influences as a writer?
My single biggest influence is Roddy Doyle. When I read “The Snapper,” I fell in love with all his characters and their warmth, and I knew I wanted to write stories just like he does.
Are you working on anything new that you can tell us about?
I’m working on a movie about five kids who break into banks during the Irish matches during the 1990 World Cup. Its working title is The Football Five.
ENHANCE YOUR BOOK CLUB
1. Incorporate Jack Lukeman’s music into your discussion. Compile a mixed CD using the songs that appear at the beginning of each chapter. Or select a moment in the book when a specific song is playing (e.g., “Taste of Fall” during their entrapment in the elevator, or “Metropolis Blue” at Elle’s “missing persons” exhibition) and play the song while rereading the segment. Discuss how listening to the music changes the reading experience.
2. Incorporate artwork into your discussion: visit a local modern art gallery; attend a lecture on modern art; ask group members to bring in works by their favorite artist, modern or otherwise; ask group members to check out a few modern artists and pick the one they feel is most like what they envision for Elle’s work.
3. Have each member draft a “resolutions” letter. Share the resolutions, and discuss ways the group can help members achieve their goals.
Table of Contents
Cover Page
Title Page
Copyright Page
Dedication
Note on the Author
Acknowledgments
1 “Universe”
2 “Fear Is the Key”
3 “Can’t Get Bitter”
4 “So Far Gone”
5 “Authentic Fake”
6 “Little Man”
7 “Chocolate Eyes”
8 “Bedsprings”
9 “No Goodbyes”
10 “Lost in Limbo”
11 “Simple and True”
12 “Open Your Borders”
13 “Everybody’s Drunk”
14 “I’ve Been Raining”
15 “Happy Death”
16 “Crazy”
17 “Apes & Angels”
READING GROUP GUIDE
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
A CONVERSATION WITH ANNA MCPARTLIN
ENHANCE YOUR BOOK CLUB
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