Fly Away Free looks like a great coming of age children's story. What age group would you recommend?
Middle schoolers and young adults, and families of adopted and foster care children.
What do you think makes this a great children's book?
The courage of Tessie to overcome the pain of losing her biological parents, and finding a second chance in life, through the love of her adoptive parents. And in her journey of self- discovery, Tessie learns that sometimes, the greatest love is to let go the ones you love, to fly away free.
‘Fly Away Free’ has been Recommended by The US Review of Books, and has been designated a Finalist in the 2018 Book Excellence Awards.
Did anyone in your life inspire the character Tessie?
I’m certain that many of the ‘emotions’ ascribed to young Tessie were felt by Anne, who was placed in a foster home at the age of twelve, until she entered college at eighteen.
What inspired you when writing Fly Away Free?
I can only guess as Anne never discussed with me the three stories she wrote in 1993, at the same time that I was writing a book for Doubleday, and it was not until 2014, two years after Anne died, and I was preparing to sell our house that I discovered her manuscripts and had them published.
The obvious inspirations I’m aware of are, of course, her experience as a foster child during a critical period in her young life; and her older brother’s experience in ‘raising’ a young Canadian goose in Norfolk, NY, during which he created a video he shared with Anne.
What are your ambitions for your writing career? Full time? Part time?
I will never know! Anne died June 27, 2012.
When did you decide to become a writer?
At some point in time while I was writing a book for Doubleday, between 1992-1993.
How did you come up with the story in Fly Away Free?
Heaven only knows! My best guess is Anne’s life experiences- her period in foster care, and her brother’s ‘rearing’ of a Canadian geese gosling, plus having time on her hands during my writing of my book.
What do you like to do when not writing?
Anne loved cooking (her meals were enjoyed by many, she was a great cook); being surrounded by family; enjoyed reading and dining out; she loved to travel (her favorite destination was Italy); and while living in Sarasota, FL she loved spending her summers on Saratoga Lake, NY.
How can readers discover more about you and your work?
In addition to ‘Fly Away Free,’ Anne also wrote ‘The Last Panther’ and ‘The Ghost of the Dunes,’ which will soon be republished.