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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