Teri Coyne, author of The Last Bridge (August 10-21)

Please welcome Teri Coyne, author of The Last Bridge. Teri will be chatting on LibraryThing until August 21st.

Welcome, I just read your book The Last Bridge. I was very impressed, and would like to commend you on such an awesome book. It was very uplifting and honest. Unlike so many books recently your book was not at all predictable. It was a pleasure to read, and I was able to follow the journey of your characters as if I was there. I would normally question a book that jumps from the present to the past so quickly, but your attempt created a beautifully written book that I have been thinking about long after finishing. I look forward to reading more from you.

Thanks so much for joining this discussion. I'm really excited to be able to connect with readers -- especially on Library Thing where, I think it is safe to say has the most passionate readers I've ever seen!

I think you will discover over the next two weeks, I'm a talker. So, to get the conversation going I am going to post a question every day to think about and respond to.

Today's question is: Cat uses humor to help her manage her pain -- her ability to see even the darkest experiences of her life through a humorous lense is part of what helps her survive. I believe that being able to laugh can be a lifesaver. Do you? If so, do you think you use humor or know someone who does to help manage life's challenges?

Thanks BookWhisperer! I am always happy to hear that people found the book honest -- although I knew the story was dark I wanted it to be true to the reality of what Cat's life was like. I also didn't want to wrap it all up in a nice bow or make it seem like her life would be all doom and gloom -- I wanted to show there is hope -- because that is what I believe! I am working on a second book so if all goes well there will be more to read from me!

Teri,

I too loved your book. I read it in two sittings because I just couldn't put it down! One thing I found interesting is that while it goes back and forth between past and present, the two begin to get closer and eventually merge at the end. I felt that really added to the suspense and the understanding of the characters as the story progressed.

As for your question, I think it's very common for people to use humor as an antidote for pain. My father was a master at this. Although he'd suffered a great deal in his life, his sense of humor was one-of-a-kind and defined him as a person. He could say things that no one else in the world could ever say and get away with. Shocking things, but funny nonetheless. His stories and antics are legendary in the small town where I grew up.

I most definitely think humor is an important healing balm in anyone's life. As the cliche goes, "laughter is the best medicine."

Hi Teri! So good to see you back here on LT.

You already know how much I think of your book, The Last Bridge, so I'll just add that I'm excited that you are writing another one and can hardly wait until it comes out. In fact, that was going to be my question to you -- about another book.

I use humor a lot. For instance, I tell my children to be sure to play "Ding Dong, the Witch is Dead" at my funeral. Two of them have agreed, but the other one hasn't. Oh well, he's out-voted.

Teri,

Loved your book! I found that humor can be used efficiently when sad, angry or nervous. I tend to laugh or make jokes when I get nervous or down in the dumps and it seems to help every time!

Can't wait to read more of your books!!

Kathy

jedlund -- thank you for your insight about the way the past and present merge in The Last Bridge. I spent a lot of time trying to get that balance right. For someone like Cat who has not really assimilated her past very well, I think it has the immediacy of the present. The more she recalls the more the whole story "comes together" for her and that's when it merges. There is always a concern when using flashbacks that they are not overdone, so I am always relieved when I hear from readers that the structure worked for them.

Your father sounds like someone I would love! In addition to using humor to help ease life's struggles, humor is always one of the easiest ways to tell the truth without offending people. You can shock people as long as it is funny.

Laughter is, indeed, the best medicine. Not only do I believe it, I try to live by that as well!

Boobalack --
OMG -- I laughed out loud when I read that you want your kids to play "Ding Dong, the Witch is Dead" at your funeral. Not only is that hilarious but can you imagine the looks on everyone's faces? (I assume that although you have passed you will have a chance to see it from the other side!)

Now I'm going to have to think of a song and make sure I put it in my will! I have already told my nieces that I want a party with favors (I love party favors!) and no funeral home for me!

I am working on my second book and am close to finishing. It is the story of an affair between an older woman and younger man that takes place on a singles trip to Bali. The story is told from the man and woman's point of view. Let me tell you it has been a blast writing from the male point of view!

Today's question is about secrets. Everybody has them, some are big ones, some are small ones. The Last Bridge is filled with secrets and unspoken truths that corrode every relationship. Do you believe that the truth will set you free or do you think that some things should never be spoken of?

I really enjoyed "The Last Bridge" and have sent it on to my daughter to read. When will your next book be available?

I just wanted to let you know how much I loved your book. Coming from an abusive family, it was a difficult read for me, but absolutely wonderful in its honesty. I admired your ability to look at the situation directly and move the main character through it. Everything in life needs to be faced in order for healing and redemption to take place. A very well written book and very true to its subject.

Truth is the only thing that will set you free.

Hey kitkeller --
Glad you like The Last Bridge -- and sending it to your daughter is quite an endorsement.

My next book is still being written -- in fact -- I'm taking a break from it right now to respond! I'm hoping to get it done soon so I can get it out to readers as quickly as possible!

smallwonder56 -- thanks for the insight. I am always relieved to hear that the book rings true to the experiences of abuse, my goal was not to sensationalize it but to portray it honestly and realistically so thanks.

Although I can see why some people feel it is best to keep things secret -- I agree with you --the truth does set you free -- and being able to own our experiences helps us integrate them.

Just finished The Last Bridge last night and loved every minute of. You have an exceptional gift of turning a phrase. One that comes to mind was your description of the birth of her son from watery place to her stomach... don't have the exact words as I excitedly passed the book on to a friend immediately, but that was one of many exceptionally insightful and exquisite descriptions. Well done. I look forward to reading your next book!

In response to today's questions, secrets about abuse must be revealed. I say this as a person who has experienced it personally and have family members who have been abused and are abusers. The best thing we can do to stop abuse is to stop letting it be that dirty little secret no one talks about. It is easy to feel like you are the only one who is experiencing a difficulty in your life and the shame that comes with thinking you are somehow flawed while everyone else lives a near perfect life. The truth is the numbers of your friends, neighbors and co-workers who have been abused is staggering--they just don't talk about it. Knowledge is power and knowing you are not alone can empower you to forgive yourself and demand justice for the perpetrator.

Hello Terri---
Boobalack is my Mom and I love her dearly! I gave your book the highest praise to her but I couldn't bear to part with it so she had to get her own copy!!!

I can't say I "loved" The Last Bridge...it was too intense and painful so I don't know what word I would use for it...the only thing I can think of to begin to describe is as I said in a note to you and my review for Early Reviewers is 'there were several times I forgot to breathe while I was reading it'.

I am looking forward to your next book.

ps

and I apologize for misspelling Teri!!

Teri, we used to say we were going to play that song at my mother's funeral, but we didn't. I think it would have been a hoot. I may write my daughter a note stating that she is innocent of any wrongdoing if she'll really play it. Ha!

My mother's favorite time of year was summer, and she loved to go to the beach or the lake. She always said she hoped to die during the summer so we could have a beach party and picnic. Well, we didn't go to Callaway Gardens or to Panama City Beach, but we did go to my Aunt's and more or less had a pool party. Mother would have loved it.

One other thing I have planned for my funeral is for one of my nieces or nephews to deliver the eulogy. He or she is going to say something like "I wanted to say some good things about her but haven't been able to think of any!

::Chortle, chortle::

All good wishes to you.

Lettie

PeeEss~It is not strange that my daughter and I posted at the same time. We seem to have a psychic connection of some kind. (Cue the theme song of "The Twilight Zone.")

Sharlene_w -- Thank you for your kind words about the book. I am so glad you liked it!

I completely agree with you about the need to start talking openly about abuse -- part of me feels that one of the reasons it is so pervasive is the fact that it is secret. What is most troubling to me is how difficult it is for survivors of abuse -- you're right they feel shame and isolation -- on top of being the victim of a crime! I believe the only way through this is to talk about it -- and more importantly for people to listen and not turn away because the subject is unpleasant (or I suspect, too close to home sometimes!)

When I spoke to women survivors they were open about their experience and willing to share -- the problem was that few people were willing to listen. I have to admit it was hard to hear some of the stories but I gotta tell you at the end I was in awe of their ability to live in the truth and own it. I'm grateful to them for that.

Again -- thanks for your insights!! and for reading The Last Bridge!

Boobalack and DeanieG -- You two are testaments to a family that reads together -- stays together! DeanieG -- thanks for reading the book and for recommending it. I know what you mean that saying you "loved" it doesn't feel like the right word. The other night at a book signing I wrote "Hope you enjoy the book!" and realized the word "enjoy" probably isn't the right word either. (Although if you read some of my posts I think I'm saying it here as well!)

Boobalack -- loved the pool party for your Mom and like I said I do believe we get to watch or at least feel those moments from beyond so I'm SURE she was smiling (and possibly sipping a margarita or whatever cocktails they have in heaven!)

Best to you both!
Teri

Great posts everyone! Here's today's question to think about and let me know what you think...this one is a fun one...do you think Addison and Cat stay together?

I think they stay together only as friends for the near future, and Cat takes an active part in her son's life, but when they become grandparents they get married and have a blast spoiling the twins -- a boy and a girl.

By the way, my reasoning is that Cat still has to come to grips with some of her problems -- alcoholism, self-esteem, coping with the fact of her abuse -- before she enters a full-time relationship with anyone.

The hopeless romantic in me says YES!

Hi Teri
In my mind the characters in books are just as alive as we are and their being goes on whether we are aware of it or not so I hope that Cat and Addison eventually find happiness together, not right away because Cat still has a lot to deal with and she has to learn to trust and realize that she is worthy of love...I think Addison will be able to give her all the time and understanding she needs to get there.

Very interesting responses...believe it or not I don't really know either if they stay together but my hunch is you are all correct -- except maybe for the twins part Boobalack -- I can't say I ever thought about Cat becoming a grandparent! She has enough trouble right now just dealing with being a Mom :-)

I agree that she has a lot to deal with and I think that will take time and effort. When I was working on the end of the book during the re-write process with my publisher I did some writing about what would happen next...which of course got me thinking about whether or not I would continue the story at some point in the future...we'll have to see!

It's a rainy Thursday here in New York and a perfect day to crawl up with a good book. So today's question for you all is...what book would you recommend to me to read?

Just one? I have to choose among my darlings.
Hmmm....
Have you read Bone by Bone by Carol O'Connell?

Oh my goodness, there are so many!

The next one by some lady named Teri Coyne springs to mind, but you'll have to wait a while for that one.

Any book by Morgan Llywelyn, but especially Lion of Ireland
A Confederacy of Dunces, John Kennedy Toole
Oldest Living Confederate Widow Tells All, Allan Gurganus
I Know This Much is True, Wally Lamb
Any book by Edward Rutherford

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
You know Cat and Addison will be grandparents one day. Surely their son will marry and have children. Maybe not, though. He may be gay, but he could still adopt. By the time Cat is a grandmother, the problem of dealing with being a mom may be solved. We can only hope; however, I'm not sure anyone ever stops dealing with being a mom. ‹(^¿^)› Please, please, please finish the story. You could call it A Bridge Repaired. Or something with "Bridge" in the title.

I hope I'm not posting too much -- don't mean to be a chat hog, but this is very interesting. :-)

I agree with Boobalack. Any book by Wally Lamb would suffice.

Sorry for the late posting folks -- I was swept up in some writing and chores (unfortunately more chores than writing!)

Great book suggestions -- I've added them to my list -- but I need a specific Wally Lamb BECAUSE -- I read She's Come Undone years ago and didn't LOVE IT like everyone else did. So I want to try again but need your advice on which one would be good.

Boobalack is saying I know this much is true -- should I do that one?

VictoriaPL -- Bone by Bone looks good too -- added it to my list.

Okay -- since I didn't get a question out for today let's do a weekend one. I'm going to turn the tables now and ask you all -- have you ever thought of writing a book and if so what genre do you think you would write in?

I didn't like She's Come Undone that much, either. I Know This Much is True is about twins, one of whom is a paranoid schizophrenic, and the trials and tribulations of a very dysfunctional family. I haven't finished it, but so far it is holding my interest and I'm thinking maybe the "sane" twin isn't quit as sane as he thinks.

To answer your question: I have a book idea in my mind, but I don't have the talent to write it. It would be historical fiction, with a little fantasy thrown, in and would be set in a Greek fishing village. I also know the background music to use when it's made into a movie.

A Confedercy of Dunces,
Mother of Pearl,
To Kill A Mockingbird,
Cold Sassy Tree , Family Tree

Actually she said any book by Edward Rutherford...

Water For Elephants

I'm reading The Hour I First Believed by Wally Lamb. Its about Columbine and so far not bad. I never got to read She's Come Undone yet... but I did like This Much is True. There's always Lovely Bones by Sebold or any Jodi Picoult book.

Thanks for everyone for the books feedback here's what I have so far:
Any book by Morgan Llywelyn, but especially Lion of Ireland (Boobalack)
A Confederacy of Dunces, John Kennedy Toole (Boobalack) and (DeanieG)
Oldest Living Confederate Widow Tells all, Allan Gurganus (Boobalack)
I Know This Much is True, Wally Lamb (Boobalack)
Any book by Edward Rutherford (Boobalack)
Any book by Wally Lamb (angleofmine1974)
Bone by Bone by Carol O'Connell (VictoriaPL)
Mother of Pearl, (DeanieG)
To Kill A Mockingbird (DeanieG) -- THIS IS MY ALL TIME FAVORITE BOOK!!
Cold Sassy Tree (DeanieG) -- Loved this book
Family Tree (DeanieG)
Water for Elephants (DeanieG)

Just as I posted this I got an email from Abby at Library Thing asking me to recommend five books...how ironic!

Boobalack --
I am a FIRM believer in research so I hereby order you to head to the Greek Islands to research your book :-)

Oh, how I wish I could, but my physical condition and my finances preclude such a trip. How about if I send you my idea and you make the trip, do the research and write the book?

I think you will love these books (How could I have forgotten?):

Gods in Alabama
Between, Georgia
The Girl Who Stopped Swimming
All of the above by Joshilyn Jackson
Tender Graces, Kathryn Magendie
I obtained this book through LTER, and it was quite a read!

By the way, which five books do you recommend?

Fantasy! I have already written a bit.. I may pick it up again someday.

mckait, if you're responding to my idea, the only little bit of fantasy comes at the very end and isn't the main idea in the book. It would be a kind of surprise, though maybe not entirely

To Kill a Mockingbird is also MY all time favorite...I think I've read it 10 times...
and Oldest Living Confederate Widow is a great book...

I thought of another one..."Free" by Marsha Hunt....also, I have a book called "Hobgoblin" by John Coyne...any relation?

DeanieG --
I try to reread To Kill A Mockingbird every couple of years as a treat to myself. So now I have to read Oldest Living Confederate Widow since so many have recommended it.

I'll add Free and Hobgoblin to the list.

John Coyne is not related to me...as far as I know...then again according to a cab driver I met in Ireland a few years back all Coyne's are related in some way!

Oh and to respond to Boobalacks question about my favorite books -- I'm working on that now to be part of the Library Thing newsletter -- as soon as I have it drafted I'll give you all a sneak peek!

</i> I'm behind on posting here, so I'll answer the questions in order:

1. I do think Addison and Cat stay together, probably as friends first and then as lovers later. I don't think they ever get married. I think it would be fascinating to continue the story. The premise of becoming a mother when your child is already (I think 9 or 10? - I can't remember) is a compelling story line.

2. Books I'd recommend that I've read over the past year or so are The Book Thief, Peace Like a River by Leif Enger, and The Lace Reader by Brunonia Barry, which incidentally, has some of the same themes as yours. Also, MY all-time favorite book, which is A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving.

3. I have written two children's picture books but have yet to send them out to publishers. I am very scared of rejection, but I know I have to get over it. If I were to write an adult novel, I think it would end up being in the witty chick-lit category. I've written a few pages about a single young woman with a high-power career having a secret affair with the Chairman of the Board of her company and getting pregnant. Maybe I'll work on it more in November for NaNoWriMo.

The reason I deleted my previous message was because it was too long, and it showed up as a blank.

Thanks to jhedlund's, post I realized that we are supposed to be flagging our Touchstones, so I went back and edited mine. Hope I got them all. Several did not "take," but I don't know what the problem was. I shall try them again.

Okay, I figured it out. The brackets should be placed immediately before the title or author, not before any html code, as follows:
html code bracket title bracket html code
Same for author, except two brackets.

John Kennedy Toole shows up in the Touchstones list but is not clickable in my post. Maybe because he doesn't have an LT author page. (?)

I LOVED "A Prayer for Owen Meany"!..and the movie "Simon Birch" that was based on 'Owen Meany' did not do it justice!

I wasn't recommending "Hobgobblin", I just wanted to know if you were related to the author...it was an okay book, a horror/fantasy thing, but not one I'd really recommend.

Thanks jhedlund for the book recommendations --I'll add those to my list as well -- some of them have been in the back of my mind to read so hearing a recommendation always moves it to the front.

About fear of rejection -- it is tough. I got MANY rejections before I sold The Last Bridge. My agent would save them up and send them to me in batches. I can still remember coming home to find a manila envelope and standing in my kitchen reading one after the other.

Here's the thing though -- when you start reading rejections you realize that many times your book is rejected NOT because it's bad but because the editor or agent does not see it as a good fit for them. So, although it can be tough, I also started to feel that the only thing worse than being rejected would be to end up with an agent or publisher that did not feel passionately about the book.

The other thing I've learned is, there is not point in writing a book everyone loves, if you do that, how unique could it be? So, you will get rejected but you may also find someone who really responds to it and that feeling is incredible.

So the question for today is about managing feelings. It's clear that Cat drinks to dull her pain and repress her feelings. I think we all have ways of doing that...I'm an emotional eater...especially when I am angry. What ways do you manage your feelings?

Yes, I'm also an emotional eater... mostly chocolate when things get really bad.
Also, I tend to pop in a movie that captures or relates somehow to what I'm feeling. After watching it I sometimes feel better, almost like a catharsis.

I'm an emotional cook. When I get stressed, I tend to cook a lot, working in the kitchen destresses me and the husband and work is very happy when I make dinner for him and goodies for them. :)

I think we may have a perfect match -- VictoriaPL and I are emotional eaters and angelofmine is an emotional cook! That sounds like it would spell trouble if all of us were upset at the same time!

I also like the idea of watching a movie that captures what you are feeling -- it does give you a chance to deal with the emotion in an easier way -- I do that too -- and let's face it aside from chocolate what is better than a good cry to feel better?

It looks like it's going to be another hot steamy day here on Long Island in New York! I don't have air conditioning so I get up extra early to get my "fun" chores done like cleaning (I hate to clean!)

I woke up this morning thinking about names. I'm working on my second novel and just changed the name of my main male character since it wasn't resonating with me. The name of the characters is not only important to the story but also as a writer -- think about how much time you have to spend with these characters -- you have to like the name!

Today's question is what is your favorite name from The Last Bridge and what is your favorite characters name from any other book? I'll post my answer later.

Addison

Ignatius J. Reilly from A Confederacy of Dunces

I betcha' DeanieG says "Neysa," but I can't remember the name of the book. That would be my favorite name from a book I have not read.

The names for my in-my-mindbook are Anastasia and Alexander.

Boobalack, no.. I meant that I have written fantasy.. and enjoy doing so :)

My favorite book from the last year was Hummingbirds Daughter.. I am waiting anxiously for the sequel in 2010.

Neysa from a Piers Anthony book, I named my daughter Neysa...

PS..the book was "Split Infinity"

I don't manage my feelings...I've never learned how really, I think that's why I've run away from so many things...and I am an emotional shopper..especially when I'm angry, as a result I have a lot of crap I don't really need...

Oh, and Scout...

Love all the names and am adding Hummingbirds Daughter and Split Inifinty to my "to be read list" which is getting longer than my "read" pile!

Neysa, Ignatious, Scout very cool names. I've also always love Atticus as well. There is something about A names I am drawn to I'm not sure why.

I also clearly love the name Alexander!!

DeanieG -- emotional shopping -- I can relate -- before I bought a house (which sucked up every penny I had) I was an emotional shopper as well. I think working on my house and getting so involved in creating a place for me to feel safe in helped stopped the emotional shopping but I'm not sure...

The rumor is that this heatwave in the North east is going to break -- not before I spend the day with my friend Jared (does the name sound familiar? Yes I named the brother after him!) and his wife and two energetic twin boys. By the time they are gone tonight I'm going to want to curl up with a book and relax. Which leads me to today's question --

Where/When is your favorite time to read? Do you have a special chair or spot? Do you read before bed? Do you read more in the summer or winter?

I used to love to read any time, anywhere. Mostly, I would prop up in bed, and always I would read when I ate. My husband wasn't home much, so it was easy to read and eat.

Now, I mostly read while I'm using the nebulizer, which gives me about three hours a day. Sometimes, I still read when I eat, and if I'm reading a really good book, I'll sit and read longer at those different times. Seems like I did that with that book by Teri Coyne, which I almost read in one day.

Oops! I forgot part of the question. Season doesn't matter, I read about the same all year.

I read in the tub most evenings of the week. I've only lost one book to the deep. Not sure about the summer/winter question. Have to think about that.

My favorites spots to read are while taking a bath, in bed before I go to sleep and of course when I'm on vacation up in New York by Lake Ontario... reading on an screened in porch attached to the camper listening to the boats going out to the lake and the stillness of the morning.. ahhh... It doesnt matter what the season is, I read the same regardless if its cold or warm outside.

oh and I hear ya about the heat wave... 78 in PA this weekend whoo hoo!! the humidity is killing my hair!! :)

Terri, ending up with a teetering TBR pile is a hazard of hanging out here at LT. Hopefully you will stay around and chat in other groups after you finish here.. We have lots of fun, and seriously, why should your tbr pile be manageable ?

I want to read all the time, unfortunately it's not possible. I do try to read every night before I go to sleep, some days that's the only chance I have. I never leave the house without a book, you never know when you might get stuck somewhere and need to pass the time...also, on flights reading is a good way to not have to talk to people...

Thanks for everyone's responses -- I'm a bathtub reader as well. Yesterday it was sooo hot that after my guests left I grabbed a book and headed for a nice cool bath and stayed there for a good long while.

In the winter I like to crawl back into bed on weekend mornings and read for a couple of hours.

Commuting to a job (if you take public transportation) is a great place to read -- except I would always get to the good part just as I was getting to my stop!

angelofmine1974 -- your spot on Lake Ontario sounds like the perfect summer reading experience. Boats, water, cool breeze....nice!

Two days to go! But I will keep in touch and drop in on some of the discussions I promise and as soon as I have news about the next book I now who I have to contact first!!!!! All of you!

Today's question -- one of the questions I was trying to answer in writing the book is Are we a product of our experiences or our choices? -- so my question to you all is in two parts 1) what do you think my answer is from the book and 2) do you agree with that?

-->Experiences-->Choices-->Experiences . . .

2) Yes

I think it's some of both...our beginning starts out with our experiences, we are unable to make choices and as a result of some of our experiences we make choices, good or bad...then, our choices lead to experience, again, good or bad...and the circle continues...

Teri, I've certainly enjoyed chatting with you and am looking forward to your next book.

Best of luck to you.

Thanks everyone for posting and sharing this chat with me -- I promise I'll be back and I will "lurk" about in other discussions as I have a chance. Also -- you may notice my five summer "rereads" recommendation in this month's Library Thing newsletter! I also do a monthly author newsletter -- if you're interested you can go to my website and signup for it.

In the meantime, THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for supporting the book and for opening up and giving me so much more to think about!!!!

Happy reading!!!!
Love,
Ter

Teri--I was lurking and didn't comment 'till now, but I loved your book and thoroughly enjoyed your questions in this thread. Best of luck as a writer-I look forward to your next one!

Teri,

It's not a summer read, and altogether the wrong time of the year for it right now, but for me the month of November is never complete if I don't re-read John Graves's Goodbye to a River. It's the story of a canoe float trip he took in November 1957 down a stretch of the Brazos river, just before it was dammed in several places, but it's far more than a journal of his trip--it's a reflection on the history of the area, on his personal history, and how the two bear on one another. Graves is a masterful stylist, and this book is much less known and appreciated than it should be.

Hey Berly -- Thanks for the support and for "lurking!"

Marchbanks -- Goodbye to a River sounds really good -- it's added to my list!!!! Thanks for the suggestion!

Cheers,
Teri