NK : You are always drawn to natural phenomenon as part of the substance of your wonderful stories . Why is that important to you ? MAM : I ’ m drawn to natural phenomenon as the inspiration for my novels . I made a decision in 1999 to write stories set against a backdrop of an endangered species or some threat in the natural world to bring awareness to my readers .
The first book I wrote with this intention was The Beach House . It was different from anything I ’ d read or written . It was also my first New York Times hit . This greenlit my ability to continue stories in this vein . Now , some 15 books later , this motivation continues to be the WHY of my writing and a promise to my readers .
NK : How did you choose shorebirds for Beach House for Rent ? MAM : When I began Beach House for Rent I had pelicans in the forefront of my mind . I rescued pelicans and brought them to the Avian Conservation Center in Awendaw for treatment . While there I learned a startling statistic : The population of shorebirds has dropped 70 percent across North America since the 1970s . I was stunned I hadn ’ t known that and realized neither did many other people . I began studying the reasons for the drop in population and learned that disturbances to nesting / migrating birds and loss of habitat were two top reasons . This sparked my interest .
NK : How much research was required as you developed the book ? MAM : All my books require a great deal of research . After a species is selected I begin an academic research , followed by consultation with experts and finally , I volunteer to work with the animals or get involved with the institutions / groups . Of course , the decisions I make depend on the topic . It ’ s a favorite part of novel writing . With each book I learn something new .
NK : Did you have experts to assist and guide you in your research ? MAM : I ’ m grateful for the willingness and even enthusiasm of experts in the field to help . In the case of shorebirds , Felicia Sanders from SCDNR ( South Carolina Department of Natural Resources ) was my mentor . For pelicans and injured shorebirds , Debby Mauney and Mary Pringle from the Avian Conservation Center were extraordinarily supportive .
NK : Do you have favorites among the shorebirds ? MAM : I have different favorite birds for different reasons . I am in awe of the red knot ( a . k . a . the “ moon bird ”) that flies 20,000 miles round trip in migration . In its lifetime it journeys the distance to the moon ! I love pelicans because they are flying dinosaurs , so unique , and we all love how they fly like bombardiers on patrol . Then , there are the roseate spoonbills simply because they are so beautiful , especially standing in water against a pink dawn .
NK : What do you see as the greatest challenges to our shorebird and seabird populations ? MAM : Increased human development of coastal landscapes for homes , recreation , and commercial ventures has reduced the available foraging habitat of coastal birds and presents
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