CL Walters, Fiction, The Letters She Left, Writer's Life, Writing Lessons, writing process Cami CL Walters, Fiction, The Letters She Left, Writer's Life, Writing Lessons, writing process Cami

The Letters She Left Behind, 3 Years.

When I was in my early twenties—an English major—I wanted to be a writer. I knew I wanted to be a writer before that even, when I would choose to sit at home and pen stories over going out with high school friends. Or when I would close my latest Judith McNaught reread and think: I want to do that. Even before then, when I wrote my first story at eight and read it out loud to my mom.

I read recently in a book by Deepak Chopra called The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success: A Practical Guide to the Fulfillment of Your Dreams (1994), the seventh law was the Law of Dharma or Your Life’s Purpose. To paraphrase Chopra (definitely check out the book if you’re interested), each of us is born with unique talents and a way of expressing it that is original to us. In conjunction with that talent is a set of personal needs matched up to that talent which can only be expressed by us. By fulfilling this need utilizing our talents, we will find fulfillment. 

I understand this. My love and desire for writing and stories started early, and my proclivities and knack for it always leaned in that direction. That doesn’t mean, however, that at eight, or sixteen, or twenty-six, I was prepared to achieve the dream. There was work to do.

Case in point: One of the first novels I wrote (not the first. That one sits in a proverbial eDrawer collecting electronic dust), was The Letters She Left Behind, a romantic suspense that follows Adam and Alex on an adventure to catch a killer, all while given a second chance at love. I was around twenty-seven when I wrote it, a new wife of three years, a new mother. My main characters in this story, however, are in their late forties and dealing with things like grief, being widowed, and the empty nest. Needless to say, at twenty-seven, I was ill-equipped to write this story, severely lacking experience to give it justice. 

“Talent is nothing without hard work”
— Cristiano Rinaldo

While I think we may have a talent or a knack for something, that doesn’t mean it is’t necessary to build the skills necessary to do it. When I look at The Letters She Left Behind (which was rewritten in 2019 and published in January 2020) I can see how much I have grown as a writer since, how much experience I’ve gained. How much practice I’ve devoted to the craft. I love how footballer Cristiano Rinaldo tweeted once, “Talent is nothing without hard work.” I have had to work hard to develop those natural talents toward writing. 

When I reread The Letters She Left Behind, sometimes I think I should rewrite it and re-release. Then I think that would be a disservice to who I was as a writer and all the ways I grown since. It’s good to look back over the bridge to see where I once was to appreciate where I am at now. And hopefully, I’m always working hard to grow.

So in honor of the anniversary of the publication of The Letters She Left Behind 3 years ago, here’s to working hard and growing.

Also, here’s some previous blogs I wrote about this book:

Playlist

Character Interview with Adam and Alex

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Book Marketing, Book Playlist, Cantos Chronicles, CL Walters, Fiction, Independent Author, Playlist, Swimming Sideways, The Bones of Who We Are, The Letters She Left, The Ugly Truth, Writer, Writer's Life, Young Adult Cami Book Marketing, Book Playlist, Cantos Chronicles, CL Walters, Fiction, Independent Author, Playlist, Swimming Sideways, The Bones of Who We Are, The Letters She Left, The Ugly Truth, Writer, Writer's Life, Young Adult Cami

Indie Author Marketing: Update No. 3

There are peaks and valleys in every journey. The rise toward the viewpoint and the turnout that allows for us to park the car, check out the vista with a deep breath of appreciation and think: Wow. Look how far we’ve come. Conversely, there are valleys, the dips in the journey where we drive into the depths of the unknown where doubt has the opportunity to creep in and make us wonder if we’re on the right road? It’s a good time to pull out a map, except we don’t have one.

So Nevada…

So Nevada…

I’m in a valley on this marketing journey this week, spinning my wheels in the muddy terrain and wondering if I’m going to make it to the next peak. (Anyone got a song for me to cue up? Right now, I’m listening to our Spotify playlist “Indie Author Marketing Road Trip” to keep me moving forward “Grow as We Go” by Ben Platt. Drop it in the comments to give me a song of encouragement. :)

I am discouraged.

Allow me to be clear. I’m not discouraged by the support (family, friends, IG community is wonderful). I’m discouraged that engagement is down and I keep thinking “What more can you do? There must be something!” But I’m lost in this dark part of the valley where I don’t know. This doubt is rooted in the work I did for The Letters She Left Behind - the clue game giveaway which was a fun marketing idea that didn’t inspire as much engagement as I had hoped. I’m certainly grateful for those that did participate and two awesome winners resulted. Engagement has been worse this month as I attempt to build connection to The Cantos Chronicles with new and existing content. I’m terrified my spinning wheels are only making me sink deeper into the muck.

What does this all mean in the larger picture of being an independent author?

Upon reflection, I don’t think the answer is black and white but shades of variation. Here’s some thoughts I had this week:

  1. I’m being impatient. The perfectionist in me is also looking at the effort and expecting a specific outcome. Truth is, I’m new at this. Why would I have expected The Letters She Left Behind Clue Giveaway to create more engagement when people are only beginning to learn about me & my writing? In all of the research I’ve done about marketing of anything, instant success isn’t a thing (even if I want it to be). I need to be patient and persistent.

  2. Social media is only one tool at my disposal. Perhaps I’m not using all of the tools available effectively enough? I spend a lot of time on Instagram, but maybe that isn’t where to find my readers (even if I’ve connected with a wonderful community of writers). In considering my target audience: where are they? Maybe instagram, yes, but maybe I need to widen the search.

  3. Set backs - being stuck in the mud - isn’t a reason to give up; time to dig deeper and find the work around.

So what did I get to this week:

  1. I maintained my February approach to The Cantos Chronicles, offering new content interspersed with existing excerpts from the three books. I’m using a mixture of Instagram, Tumblr and Facebook, but as I mentioned earlier engagement is low and I haven’t found the magic elixir. Though I’m using a variety of hashtags rotating different ones, posting consistently I haven’t found a way to engage a majority of the followers I have.

  2. I did research on 301c Charities in my area. This is because my local Barnes and Noble is interested in using the charity as a draw for book sales. It’s a great idea. The charity benefits by bringing in patrons because they get a percent of the proceeds. Win-win-win for all three parties. My next step will be to craft letters to the charities are a good fit.

  3. I finalized the letters to teachers in my area. Now it is a matter of determining forward action: selecting schools, teachers, and timing. With the school year drawing to a close, timing might be an issue.

  4. I finalized plans for the March Social Media Blitz. Now it’s time to draft the information my March Blitzers will need and get it to them.

  5. I finished the Book Trailer. I plan to unveil that after the covers are revealed February 25. Look for the trailer next week.

That’s the week in review. While I might be stuck in the muck as an independent author marketer, I feel like I’m standing on top of the world as a creator: I finished my fifth book! And that reminds me why I am doing this: so I can keep doing this.

Until the next peak, my friends. Could you help me push the car out of the muddy terrain so we can get back underway to find it. Happy writing.

Next Week: Indie Marketing Update No. 4

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Adult Fiction, Books to Read, CL Walters, Fiction, New Fiction, Romance, Romance Novel, The Letters She Left, Book Club, Book Club Read Cami Adult Fiction, Books to Read, CL Walters, Fiction, New Fiction, Romance, Romance Novel, The Letters She Left, Book Club, Book Club Read Cami

The Letters She Left Behind: It's here!

theletterssheleftbehind_updated.jpg

Want to buy the book? First, I suggest a call to your local, independent bookstore who can order it for you (buy local and support your independent bookstore whenever you can); But if you live in a place where independent book stores are limited, here’s a list of options. :)

Online @ Powell’s Books

Online @ Amazon (Kindle and paperback)

Online @ Barnes and Noble

I can’t wait to hear what you think. :) Be sure to instagram your thoughts and tag me (@cl.walters); facebook (@clwalters), and leave a review (that is the best thing you can do if you like an indie author’s work!).

Sign up for my newsletter for promotions, free content (you’ll get a free chapter of my upcoming release) and current updates on what’s happening. I’m so excited you’re here!

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Adult Fiction, Books to Read, Character, CL Walters, Fiction, Romance, Romance Novel, The Letters She Left, Writer, Writer's Life, writing process Cami Adult Fiction, Books to Read, Character, CL Walters, Fiction, Romance, Romance Novel, The Letters She Left, Writer, Writer's Life, writing process Cami

The Letters She Left Behind: Character Interview

theletterssheleftbehind_updated.jpg

The sun is shining on a December day in Hawaiʻi. Palm trees sway in a trade wind breeze and it’s balmy but cool, enough so that a light sweater is comfortable. Adam Kāne and Alexandra James agreed to take some time out of their busy schedules to speak with me about their starring roles in an upcoming novel, The Letters She Left Behind. This isn’t the first time I’ve met them. We met for the first time about sixteen years ago, then again just shy of a calendar year during the most recent revision of the story.

Having lived in Hawaiʻi most of their lives, both of them embody the lifestyle. Adam arrives first. He’s a Hawaiian local, born and raised on Oʻahu. He arrives like the gentle trade winds, calm and cool, as much a part of the landscape as the ocean shoreline he surfs, or the razor-sharp mountains that cut the sky. Dressed casually in black chinos and a white v-neck tee, people stop and greet him at our table. He seems to know everyone and people are drawn to him, but it isn’t just his manner of dress or his handsome demeanor. His smile is bright infectious, reaches his brown eyes drawing in those he talks to and makes it easy to spill secrets. In fact, he is more apt to listen rather than talk though he has so many things about which he can discuss.

Alex - arriving from her job as a gender studies professor at Hawaiʻi State University - wasn’t born in Hawaiʻi. Actually, she admits to being born on the East coast of the US, then moved across country with her family when she was around five to California. That’s where she met Megan (Adam’s late wife), who she refers to as her sister. Like Adam, she embodies island living. Her sleeveless coral linen dress translates not only to local but equally to those students she might be teaching who aren’t from Hawaiʻi. While I observed her and her conversation with Adam, I had the feeling I was the one being observed. Perhaps a bit of a chameleon, Alex is able to fit right into the moment of the interview, but it’s easy to imagine how she might command an auditorium full of students. She is independent, passionate and intelligent.

I was taken with their story. It stuck with me for sixteen years, so it made sense why I’d want to take some time to connect with them in the aftermath.

Thank you, Adam and Alex, for agreeing to talk with me about The Letters She Left Behind. I know that living in my head has probably been a bit stifling. Was it worth the wait?

Adam: Definitely. I’m a patient guy.

Alex: Sure, though it’s difficult sitting around and waiting for you to get your act together.

Hahaha! Wow. Okay. Why do I feel like there’s more in those answers than meets the eye.

Alex: I’m not one for being passive aggressive, CL, but you did write the story. You know.

Adam: (chuckles and shakes his head): Patience is a virtue. So is biting one’s tongue when necessary.

Moving on then. Without giving any spoilers, what do you like best about your story?

Alex:  Megan. While she doesn’t make a huge appearance in the story, her part in the journey is equally important to the entire narrative on so many levels. I love that about her starring role. The way it all comes together.

Adam: Me too. I also like how there is the sense of time. The way life works sometimes to bend and twist in order to get you where you need to go when the timing is just right. It’s like as much as you might want something right now, it isn’t the right time for it.

Kind of like this story. Sixteen years ago, when I wrote it, I was in my early thirties and here I was writing about grief and second chances. Perhaps I needed additional time and world view to draw the story together. On another note, there’s this point in the narrative when both of you see yourself - or the truth of who you are - outside of the fear. Can you comment on how that moment or moments like that are impactful.

Adam: I know exactly the moment you’re referencing, though I would say I had more than one of these sort of ah ha moments. It’s like that one step forward, two steps back paradigm. A person discovers a truth about themselves. Moves forward and then regresses until another discovery occurs. I think most times, for me anyway, those self-discoveries or facing those honest truths can be painful, which is why we regress.

Alex: I think so too, which is why sometimes we don’t face them. It’s easier just to stay in one place because the threat of change might be more than we can accept.  I know that for my part in the story, this fear of things being different was paralyzing.

I love that scene - when you walk into the ocean, Alex. It was pivotal for your character.

Alex: Yes. Truly makes the difference in the overall movement of my journey.

What about you, Adam? Is there a pivotal scene for your character?

Adam: There are a few, but I don’t want to give anything away by sharing them. I can say at the beginning of the story, I’ve been in a tailspin of grief for nearly a year. I’m raw at the opening, at the precipice of either burying myself in it completely, or doing something different. Megan’s journals were pivotal for me. Without them - well, there wouldn’t be a story.

Let’s talk a little bit about place and culture. As a Hawaiian, Adam, do you think your ethnicity is relevant to the story?

Adam: Not so much. I think I represent a Hawaiian male, but I don’t necessarily embody the cultural values of being Hawaiian, if that makes sense. In all fairness, I would add that who I am is on the edge of understanding my own Hawaiian identity. With the loss of language and culture, how does one rediscover those losses when you’re disconnected from them?

Alex: Do you think that lack of culture then misrepresents you in the story?

Adam: No. I feel like it accurately represents that it is a missing piece in my life, but more could be done to explore that. Maybe not in this story, but perhaps in others. But I think place is explored and the usage of  ʻOlelo Hawaiʻi vocabulary which add depth to an understanding that Hawaiʻi is more than a tourist destination.

Funny you mention stories to explore that. I’m working on a story for Trey. I don’t know if it will be a short story or longer - beginning stages - but that idea of cultural rediscovery is a theme I’m noticing as I work on it. Speaking of secondary characters, who do you think will be a fan favorite?

Adam: The kids.

Alex: The kids.

Neither of you are partial… Why the kids?

Alex: Each of them are unique and bring a whole different dimension to the story. Without them, I think the story wouldn’t be as layered.

Adam: I agree. I’d like to see them all with their own stories.

What are you hoping happens with your story?

Alex: I hope that a reader can close the book and feel like “Wow, I don’t need to worry about that thing anymore.” I think it’s easy to get caught up in the minutia of our lives and forget the big picture, the what’s really important.

Adam: That! Yes. And to remember that life is a journey. It doesn’t stop. It moves forward and we move along the timeline with it. Sometimes we’re blindsided, sometimes we’re broken, but always the timeline continues. Something else I hope people remember - we can’t live it alone. Along the way, we need those special people to share it with in some capacity.

Thank you for hanging out in my head for a bit.

Look for The Letters She Left Behind on sale 1/14/20

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CL Walters, Fiction, New Fiction, Romance, Romance Novel, The Letters She Left, Writer, Writer's Life, writing process, Adult Fiction Cami CL Walters, Fiction, New Fiction, Romance, Romance Novel, The Letters She Left, Writer, Writer's Life, writing process, Adult Fiction Cami

The Letters She Left Behind: Annotated Playlist

RE-RELEASE JANUARY 14, 2019

RE-RELEASE JANUARY 14, 2019

The Letters She Left Behind is the story of second chances, about friendship, and what we’ll do to protect those we love.

This is an annotated music playlist of music I listened to while writing THE LETTERS SHE LEFT BEHIND. This constant soundtrack while writing Adam’s and Alex’s story provided gorgeous inspiration for my process; this playlist can be found on Spotify called “Letters She Left”.

“Motion”

KHALID

The opening scene of Letters is very sexual. These lyrics say, “I’m in love with the moment// to me fallin’// to me goin’” The lyrics, the beat, the smooth way the notes spin the story of the song speaks so well to the prologue and how that scene unfolds.

“Bed”

SYML

This song was a late addition but when I heard it, it made me think about Alex’s experience and how memories might wrap us up and perhaps lock us in. “My skin hurts without your touch// I didn’t want to think or ask too much, but I didn’t know better// Kids in the dark// In the still of the night.” Hits me in the feels.

“Naive”

RKCB

In the story, we discover that Alex has written a letter to Megan (Adam’s late wife). We don’t find out what’s in it until later in the story (major plot point) because Megan has left this letter for Adam to find. That is exactly what Alex is terrified of happening. The lyrics in this song reminds me of Alex. “I’ll write you every letter// I know you’ll never read//To know there’s someone out there dreaming of you in their sleep.”

“Gravity”

SARA BAREILLES

Another Alex song along with the first appearance of Sara Bareilles. This song (released in 2007) wasn’t even around when I wrote the story, but it sure seems like it could have been written for Alex.  “Something always brings me back to you// it never takes too long//...//You hold me without touch// You keep me without chains// I’ve never wanted anything so much as to drown in your love// And not feel your reign.” Perfect, right?

“Forgiven”

VANCOUVER SLEEP CLINIC

This song isn’t ripe with words other than the repeated word combination, “Don’t Forgiven.” The haunting melody just worked, especially as I was writing Adam.

“1000 Times”

SARA BAREILLES

Second appearance by Sara Bareilles, and again we return to how I imagined Alex’s one-sided love she has for Adam that she’s spent a lifetime hiding. “Eyes on the ground//Don’t want to give it away//My secret.” 

“Josephine”

RITUAL w/ LISA HANNIGAN

I have loved this song so much for a very long time, but as I started rewriting Adam’s and Alex’s story, it happened to come on and I stopped. Had to close my eyes and listen. “I knew I had tasted love…”

“Under You”

Nick Jonas

This song (which is eerily similar to Taylor Swift’s “Style” btw - seriously, have you listened to them one after the other?) is just for the pop-music fun of it. The beat, the lyrics are all just so great adding to the “sexy” vibe I wanted as I wrote.

“Hurt Somebody”

NOAH KAHAN w/ JULIA MICHAELS

I think both Adam and Alex as characters are flawed, and like all humans they’ve hurt one another with secrets. This song reminded me of that and how even in the black and white of actions, the gray area is where life happens. “It’s harder than I thought to tell the truth//It’s gonna leave you in pieces.”

“Fuel on the Fire”

Bear’s Den

This song is interesting in style but for some reason when I heard it the first time, I couldn’t let it go. It’s the “remembering how to love” lyrics that repeat. And then, “Always hoped you’d come back here someday//Things change.” I couldn’t get the song out of my head because it aligned so nicely with the narrative.

“Hurt Nobody”

Andrew Belle

This song reminded me of Adam. There’s a moment in the story when he is finally able to see things clearly, and he realizes the mistakes he’s made despite his best intentions. He never wanted to hurt anyone. This song spoke to me. “I don’t want to hurt nobody//Could I do right by you//I don’t want to waste your time but//I will if you want me to.”

“Closure” (Acoustic)

VANCOUVER SLEEP CLINIC

This song has Adam all over it. “I don’t wanna be over you//If I can make you mine//I don’t want to take closure now//If I can fix tonight//I don’t know if we can work this out, but I’ve got to try//I don’t want to be over you//If I can make it right.”

“Far Out Dust”

TALOS

TBH this song’s lyrics don’t have a lot to do with the way I used the song as I was writing (I used it to write a love scene). My inspiration was about the movement of the notes, the tones and the melody; it spoke to me. When I finally looked at the lyrics, I realized it seemed more like a “break up” song, but it didn’t matter - the tension of the music worked so well. 

“Can’t Help Falling In Love”

KINA GRANNIS

Obvious and cliche, I know. But my goodness, how does this song not fit any love story? Besides the fact, Kina Grannis’s vocal are amazing.


“Crystalline”

JOME

Ever think about how timing is everything in life (and in love)? That’s what this song makes me thinking about. “Love, stay patient//Baby, everything takes time//The ending will be worth the waiting//Soon it will be crystalline.” Adam’s and Alex’s love story is so connected to the idea of everything in the right time.

“I Choose You”

SARA BAREILLES

One of the reasons I love romance books is because of the happy ending. There’s so much uncertainty and difficulty in the world, I like the beautifully wrapped up package of a heartfelt story to escape it. “Tell the world that we finally got it all right.” This song is like that, and I think it works perfectly with Adam’s and Alex’s story.

“As Long as I Have You I’m Home”

IMAGINARY FUTURE

Another one of those feel good songs to go with this story. “I don't care where the hours go//I can live in the great unknown//As long as I have you//As long as I have you, I'm home.” And isn’t that all any of us want?

“Hoe, Hoe, Nā Waʻa” 

KEAUHOU

The translation of “Hoe, Hoe, Nā Waʻa” means to “row, row your boat” (canoe). The song travels around the islands. I love this amazing Hawaiian trio (I teach with two of them and they are such talented men), and since the story is set in Hawaiʻi I needed some local island music add to the story’s vibe. Keauhou is my favorite. 

“Nani Koolau”

KEAUHOU

Another song by Keauhou. This one is about the “beautiful Koolau” mountains that run from Town to the North Shore on the island of Oʻahu (and where most of this story takes place).

BOOK BLURB: THE LETTERS SHE LEFT BEHIND

A year beyond Megan’s death, Adam Kāne emerges from his cocoon of grief to finally read letters she’s left behind reminding him of the truth of the life they’d built: the children, the hardship, the missteps and the love. When he notices strange notations in the pages, Adam knows the notes are deliberate, but he doesn’t know how to decipher them. He turns to the one person who knew Megan as well - if not better than he did - her best friend, Alexandra.

After Megan’s death, Alex steeped in grief and guilt alone. On the day of Megan’s funeral, Adam accused Alex of trying to ruin his marriage. The awful truth is he’d been right. And nothing has changed. Alex knows she is as in love with Adam now as she has always been, so when he walks back into her life to ask for her help, she thinks life must be playing a twisted joke on her. Her sensibilities tell her to turn and run, but Adam is asking for Megan. Alex can set aside her fear and guilt for loving Adam to be there for Megan one more time.

As they dive into the strangeness of Megan’s letters to decipher her notations, Adam and Alex stumble into a dangerous conspiracy that ties together some very powerful threads and reawakens a killer who thought discovery had died with Megan. The closer Adam and Alex get to uncovering the truth in Megan’s letters, the closer they get to losing everything they hold dear.

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Happy Book Birthday: A Character Interview

Interview with Adam Kāne and Alexandra James from…

The Letters She Left Behind


May 6, 2019

New romantic suspense book by CL Walters available May 7, 2019

New romantic suspense book by CL Walters available May 7, 2019


Tomorrow is the book birthday for my new adult romantic suspense The Letters She Left Behind. In celebration, I thought I would commemorate the event with an interview of the main characters, Adam Kāne and Dr. Alex James.  Born on the page in 2004, these characters have waited patiently for this author to rediscover them in 2019.

Some context for your reader imaginations:

Adam Kāne is a successful Hawaii business man at 47. He’s hard working, and loves his children. He misses his late wife and is in the late stages of grief at the opening of this story; he’s complex and definitely not perfect. Of course, he’s perfectly handsome - a gorgeous Hawaiian man (does Hugh Jackman with Hawaiian features help to picture him?).

Alex James - Adam’s counterpart - is an independent and smart woman. A forty-six year old college professor who’s bread and butter is Women’s Studies, she’s bright. But she also a fallible human woman who has secretly loved Adam for her entire adult life. She’s a beautiful, engaging, loyal, and funny. When I think of Alex - the beautiful Lauren Graham comes to mind.

So now, fifteen years after their creation … without further ado:  

Welcome, Adam and Alex. I know that living in my head has probably been a bit stifling. Was it worth the wait?

Adam: Definitely. I’m a patient guy.

Alex: Sure, though it’s difficult sitting around and waiting for you to get your act together.

Hahaha! Wow. Okay. Why do I feel like there’s more in those answers than meets the eye.

Alex: I’m not one for being passive aggressive, CL, but you did write the story. You know.

Adam: (chuckles and shakes his head): Patience is a virtue. So is biting one’s tongue when necessary.

Moving on then. Without giving any spoilers, what do you like best about your story?

Alex:  Megan. While she doesn’t make a huge appearance in the story, her part in the journey is equally important to the entire narrative on so many levels. I love that about her starring role. The way it all comes together.

Adam: Me too. I also like how there is the sense of time. The way life works sometimes to bend and twist in order to get you where you need to go when the timing is just right. It’s like as much as you might want something right now, it isn’t the right time for it.

Kind of like this story. Fifteen years ago, when I wrote it, I was in my late twenties - early thirties and here I was writing about grief and second chances. Perhaps I needed additional time and world view to draw the story together. On another note, there’s this point in the narrative when both of you see yourself - or the truth of who you are - outside of the fear. Can you comment on how that moment or moments like that are impactful.

Adam: I know exactly the moment you’re referencing, though I would say I had more than one of these sort of ah ha moments. It’s like that one step forward, two steps back paradigm. A person discovers a truth about themselves. Moves forward and then regresses until another discovery occurs. I think most times, for me anyway, those self-discoveries or facing those honest truths can be painful, which is why we regress.

Alex: I think so too, which is why sometimes we don’t face them. It’s easier just to stay in one place because the threat of change might be more than we can accept.  I know that for my part in the story, this fear of things being different was paralyzing.

I love that scene - when you walk into the ocean, Alex. It was pivotal for your character.

Alex: Yes. Truly makes the difference in the overall movement of my journey.

What about you, Adam? Is there a pivotal scene for your character?

Adam: There are a few, but I don’t want to give anything away by sharing them. I can say at the beginning of the story, I’ve been in a tailspin of grief for nearly a year. I’m raw at the opening, at the precipice of either burying myself in it completely, or doing something different. Megan’s journals were pivotal for me. Without them - well, there wouldn’t be a story.

Let’s talk a little bit about place and culture. As a Hawaiian, Adam, do you think your ethnicity is relevant to the story?

Adam: Not so much. I think I represent a Hawaiian male, but I don’t necessarily embody the cultural values of being Hawaiian, if that makes sense. In all fairness, I would add that who I am is on the edge of understanding my own Hawaiian identity. With the loss of language and culture, how does one rediscover those losses when you’re disconnected from them?

Alex: Do you think that lack of culture then misrepresents you in the story?

Adam: No. I feel like it accurately represents that it is a missing piece in my life, but more could be done to explore that. Maybe not in this story, but perhaps in others. But I think place is explored and the usage of  ʻOlelo Hawaii vocabulary which add depth to an understanding that Hawaii is more than a tourist destination.

Funny you mention stories to explore that. I’m working on a story for Trey. I don’t know if it will be a short story or longer - beginning stages - but that idea of cultural rediscovery is a theme I’m noticing as I work on it. Speaking of secondary characters, who do you think will be a fan favorite?

Adam: The kids.

Alex: The kids.

Neither of you are partial… Why the kids?

Alex: Each of them are unique and bring a whole different dimension to the story. Without them, I think the story wouldn’t be as layered.

Adam: I agree. I’d like to see them all with their own stories.

What are you hoping happens with your story?

Alex: I hope that a reader can close the book and feel like “Wow, I don’t need to worry about that thing anymore.” I think it’s easy to get caught up in the minutia of our lives and forget the big picture, the what’s really important.

Adam: That! Yes. And to remember that life is a journey. It doesn’t stop. It moves forward and we move along the timeline with it. Sometimes we’re blindsided, sometimes we’re broken, but always the timeline continues. Something else I hope people remember - we can’t live it alone. Along the way, we need those special people to share it with in some capacity.

Thank you for hanging out in my head for a bit. Happy Book Birthday tomorrow to The Letter She Left Behind!

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Books to Read, CL Walters, Fiction, music and writing, The Letters She Left, Romance, Romance Novel, Playlist, Book Playlist Cami Books to Read, CL Walters, Fiction, music and writing, The Letters She Left, Romance, Romance Novel, Playlist, Book Playlist Cami

The Letters She Left Behind PLAYLIST

BOOK PLAYLIST

This Spotify playlist is a labor of love for two characters I’m so excited to share with you: Adam and Alexandra in The Letters She Left Behind (Available on Amazon May 7, 2019).

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Each of the songs selected is a part of the journey of rewriting this story to share with you. The order of the Spotify playlist tells Adam’s and Alex’s story like a soundtrack, and as I wrote supported the emotional connection to their experience. I sincerely hope listening to this soundtrack will help you fall in love with them like I have; I adore this love story. All the feels. I hope the music will enhance your reading of the novel when you do.

  1. Motion by Khalid

  2. Bed by SYML

  3. Naive by RKCB

  4. Gravity by Sara Bareilles

  5. Forgiven by Vancouver Sleep Clinic

  6. 1000 Times by Sara Bareilles

  7. Josephine by RITUAL

  8. Under You by Nick Jonas

  9. This Ain’t Love by Andy Grammer

  10. Breathe Again by Sara Bareilles

  11. Better by Khalid

  12. Hurt Somebody by Noah Kahn & Julia Michaels

  13. Fuel on Fire by Bear’s Den

  14. Hurt Nobody by Andrew Belle

  15. Closure by Vancouver Sleep Clinic

  16. Far Out Dust by Talos

  17. Can’t Help Falling In Love with You by Kina Grannis

  18. Crystalline by Jome

  19. I Choose You by Sara Bareilles

  20. As Long as I have You I’m Home by Imaginary Future

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