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We caught up with new author Carla Buckley fresh off a leg of her book tour for her smash debut “THE THINGS THAT KEEP US HERE”. She was kind enough to chat with Paperback Dolls and answer some questions for her fans. Here is what she had to say…

You have just finished your Texas book tour with fellow Author Julie Compton (Rescuing Olivia), judging by the fabulous pictures you posted on your FaceBook it looks like you both had a blast. Did you know each other prior to the tour?

Julie and I met at ThrillerFest two years ago. We bumped into one another at a debut author gathering, and kept in touch afterward by email and phone. When the opportunity arose for us to tour Texas together, I jumped at the chance. Julie’s a fabulous writer and a terrific friend, and we laughed (and ate) our way across Texas. I’d never been to Texas before, and let me tell you: I loved it there.

“The Things That Keep Us Here” is such a gripping story. With all the hysteria that we have seen of late with H1N1 virus and other global catastrophies, your story has that “could really happen” factor. What was the general reaction to your debut novel?

I wrote The Things That Keep Us Here in 2007, several years before H1N1 emerged as a threat. Even so, several editors were reluctant to take on the topic of bird flu, saying it was too frightening a topic. I was lucky that my editor at Bantam Dell felt differently.

When I wrote this novel, I didn’t intend to write an apocalyptic story. In fact, I was surprised when upon publication, I learned that was how people have been categorizing it. I really considered it an intimate exploration of what happens to people during a crisis, and I find that’s what readers have been relating to the most. But I’ve also heard from thriller readers who’ve simply enjoyed the ride.

What was your inspiration behind “The Things That Keep Us Here”?

We had just moved from Maryland to Ohio, and the news was rife with warnings about bird flu developing into a pandemic. We knew no one in Ohio and I began to worry about how I would be able to protect my children and keep them safe if the worst did occur and a pandemic developed. One night I had a terrible nightmare and the next day, sat down to begin the book that would turn into The Things That Keep Us Here.

Did Hurricane Katrina and the resultant chaos and effective isolation of New Orleans play any part in the development of the setting/plot for your book?

Not consciously, no. My agent lives there, however, and was temporarily displaced by Katrina. At some level, thinking and worrying about her must have filtered into my story.

What kind of research did you have to do in order to write her story?

I’m not a scientist, so I had a lot of work to do! I began by reading everything on influenza that I could find. Once I’d built a basic understanding of the virus, I turned to Armando Hoet and Richard Slemons, both scientists at the Ohio State University, to help me with the hands-on research. These were men actually doing the work in the field and having them talk to me about avian influenza, walk me through their labs, demonstrate the various procedures they follow to test and identify flu strains was invaluable. I also interviewed preparedness planning officials across a range of industries to understand how the world was preparing for a pandemic.

With a novel so fraught with meaning and interesting characters, which scene & character was the easiest for you to write? Which was the most difficult?

The easiest scenes were two of Peter’s: chapter one and a chapter later on in the book when he confronts who he really is when he goes out into the world to find food for his family. Those came to me whole and intact, and went through the revision process untouched.

By far the hardest scenes were two of Ann’s: when she first appears, in chapter two, and later on, when she makes a terrible decision. I can’t tell you how many chapter twos I wrote before settling on the final version! And the later scene was difficult because every word mattered there, in my effort to depict her honestly and yet compassionately.

What would you say is/are the primary message(s) of your book? That people can be so caught up in their own problems that they fail to see how linked we all are? How people can our personal needs against those of others, both those close to us and humanity in general? Something else entirely?

When I undertook to write The Things That Keep Us Here, I really wanted to talk about how easy it is to be a “good” person when the world around you is intact, and how difficult it is to stay that person as, one by one, the systems we rely on to keep us safe collapse. Who do we become then, and what do we learn about ourselves in the process? Ann and Peter both have very different views of the world, and I very much wanted to talk about how neither of them is uniquely right, or wrong. I really wanted to dispense with white and black, and talk about all the “grays” of human behavior.

When did you discover your creative talent for writing?

I discovered my enthusiasm for writing at an early age, when I persuaded my friends to play the games I wanted to play by telling them that when I grew up and wrote novels, I would name characters after them. I’m still working through the list.

You had such an unusual childhood with diverse experiences. Do you speak other languages?

Although my father spoke seven languages, I unfortunately did not inherit his talent! I was keenly disappointed, however, when we moved back to the States from Thailand. I had just begun learning how to write in Thai and I loved it.

In all your travels, what has been your favorite journey?

Hmm. Would it be very corny of me to admit that any time I have my three children in the car with me, it’s my favorite? I love hearing them chat and tease one another. Sometimes I have to pull over, I’m laughing so hard.

What fascinating careers you’ve seemed to of had and how lucky to of had so many different opportunities from defense contracting, graphic design, marketing, motherhood…aside from writing what came the easiest to you?

Looking back, I agree: I was lucky to have been able to explore so many different industries. At the time, it just seemed like I was wandering around, searching in vain for what I wanted to be when I grew up. I’d always been torn between writing and art, majoring in both at college and pursuing both careers afterward. At some point, I had to choose between them. I’m very glad I turned to writing, but I do miss the art! I’d say that art was the easiest aspect of any job I undertook. I feel very comfortable analyzing composition and color and line. By far, the hardest job I’ve ever had is the one I continue to hold–motherhood. It’s absolutely the one that most informs my writing.

What helped to keep you motivated after your dream of becoming an author when life seemed to be getting in the way?

Sheer stubbornness. I’m a Taurus and there were times when I just put my head down and plowed blindly forward. That, and the fact that I had little bubbles of encouragement along the way that kept me going. Snagging my dream agent was one. Heartfelt rejection letters from editors who came close to buying a manuscript was another. It wasn’t easy. Writing took time away from raising my children and I constantly worried that I’d made the wrong decision.

How do you feel that your childhood exposure to different cultures (Nigeria and Thailand) has impacted your writing and perceptions of the world?

I absolutely feel that living in other countries where I was the minority broadened my worldview and made me learn at a very early age that everyone’s story and experience is equally interesting and valid. I hope this translates to my writing. In The Things That Keep Us Here, I purposefully picked an average American city and chose to depict average people, in hopes geography would not limit my readership.

Have you ever considered writing a story that has Lagos or Bangkok as the “main stage”?

I would love to return to both countries. I am toying with the idea of setting a future novel in Thailand, and have the basic story idea for that.

You are working on your next stand alone novel, can you give us any details on this next book?

I’d love to. My next novel takes place in a small northern Minnesota town, and begins when a sister journeys back home after an absence of many years to find her sister dead, and others suffering from the same disease. The source of their illness is based on real science, a global phenomenon that scientists are only now learning about, and I predict we’ll be reading a great deal about it very soon.

What is on your reading list?

House Rules (Jodi Picoult), 61 hours (Lee Child), Never Look Away (Linwood Barclay), Nowhere To Run (CJ Box), The Postmistress (Sarah Blake.) I just finished The Help by Kathryn Stockett and loved it.

Who is your favorite fictional hero?

Sara Crewe, the little girl at the center of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s A Little Princess. Despite all the loss and sadness in her life, she remained true to herself and I greatly admired that.

Who is your hero in real life?

My husband. He is the most generous and kindest person I know, and I strive every day to follow his example. He also makes me laugh.

Is there a book/author that influenced you as a writer?

Other than the books I read as a child, I’d say Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane really opened my eyes. I’d never read a literary mystery before, and Lehane’s mastery of language, concomitant with a plot that pushed forward, showed me how high the bar could be set.

Is there a topic or theme that you would like to write about? If so, what is it?

I’m very interested in the human struggle against scientific phenomena, and the moral choices we make when faced with a threat much larger than ourselves.

To other aspiring writers out there, what advice would you give them?

Work hard, and don’t give up!

What is your motto or words you live by that mean a lot to you?

It is what it is. There is a certain acceptance and moving-forward aspect to saying, things are what they are, that allows me to grow as a person.

I would like to thank Carla Buckley for taking the time to “chat” with PBD and her fans. As you can see from her bio, book excerpt and interview questions she is a remarkable woman, devoted mother and phenominal author. We look forward to her future works with eager enthusiasm!

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Now for the contest part…

We have 2 signed copies of “THE THINGS THAT KEEP US HERE” to give away to our fabulous fans. Here are the details on how to make sure your entry is counted!

+2 entries if you asked a question that was used in the interview.

+2 entries if you start following our blog during the contest.

+1 entry for each time you share the Interview/contest on FaceBook .

+1 entry for each time you tweet the Interview/contest on Twitter.

Leave a comment for this post with the URL’s for your sharing and notifying us if you are a new follower or if your question was used.

Contest runs through 5/20. Winners will be announced 5/21.

GOOD LUCK!

Day is a dreamer who has never met a stranger. She is fearless and will talk to anyone and read anything! She taught music and dance and was a singer/actress for years, performing on stages both nationally and overseas. Now married with children, she spends less time singing on stage and more time writing songs at home. But, family life has not completely slowed this chick down. She still loves an adventure and learning new things. She resides in Texas with her family, Great Dane (Sophie), Labradoodles (George & Cosmo) and Chihuahua (Juan Carlos).

Doll Day

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