Authors: Terri DuLong

Tags: #Fashion, #Art, #Secrets, #Juvenile Fiction, #Clothing & Dress, #City & Town Life, #Schoolgirls, #Fashion designers, #Identity, #Secrecy, #Schools, #Girls & Women, #Fiction, #School & Education, #Lifestyles, #Identity (Psychology), #Cedar Key (Fla.), #Romance, #Knitting, #Contemporary Women, #Motherhood, #Contemporary, #General

Casting About (28 page)

BOOK: Casting About

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CKNOWLEDGMENTS

Being a writer is an isolated profession, but being surrounded by family, friends, and fans allows me to be connected to the “real” world when I'm not busy creating new characters and plots.

Every single one of you has given me support, encouragement, humor, and a huge amount of loyalty, which I treasure.

I deeply appreciate all of the CRMs at Barnes & Nobles across the country who showed such huge support for
Spinning Forward
. One in particular was instrumental in setting up a fan base for me in the Atlanta area. For Carla Wilson at the Norcross, Georgia, Barnes & Nobleâ¦thank you! You're the best!

For each and every knitter who purchased my first book and continues to support my writing career, I hope you know how grateful I am. Keep those needles clicking and keep turning those pages.

Another group that I owe a huge thank you is the wonderful librarians across the country. You know how special and rewarding reading is, and to carry my work in your library is the ultimate compliment to me. A very special thank you to our own Cedar Key librarian, Molly Jubitz.

For my friend of over thirty years in Nova Scotia, Rose White, who first became my friend as a pen pal. Thank you for encouraging me way back then and insisting I would someday be a published author. I'm glad I listened to you, and I value our friendship.

Another thank you to Mary Ann Packer, my friend of over fifty years since we met in second grade. We've both fulfilled our passion and our dreamsâ¦you became the artist, and I became the writer. Aren't we proof that great things are possible!

And to my more recent friends, what would I do without you?

Our visits to Cedar Key, before relocating, were always made more special by Doreen and Oliver Bauer, owners of the Faraway Inn. Staying there with our Holly created memories that were the beginning of my love affair with this slice of paradise.

For Edie Zaprir, owner of Kona Joe's Island CafÃ©â¦thank you for friendship and the opportunity to chill out, when I'm not writing, with your great coffee on your deck overlooking the Gulf.

Joyce Aycock (my neighbor) and Marge Webber (who discovered me because of my blog about Cedar Key)â¦your support is deeply appreciated and I'm certainly glad our paths have crossed, all because of the island we love.

For Savannah Howard, my ten-year-old next-door neighbor. Thank you so much for allowing me the chance to get “inside” the head of Clarissa Jo. Asking you questions helped me create her character even better.

To my wonderful editor, Audrey LaFehr, thank you so much for making this story even better with your suggestions. You're a joy to work with! To Martin Biro and the rest of the Kensington team, a huge thank you for all of the assistance you provide getting my work on the bookshelves.

For my very good friends Alice Jordan and Bill Bonner. Your enthusiasm and support for my work has no bounds. I hope you know how much I value this! And once again, thank you both for reading this manuscript and offering your insights and input.

For my daughter, Susan Hanlon, and my two sons, Shawn and Brian DuLongâ¦your support and pride mean everything to me.

Thank you to my husband, Ray, who makes this sometimes difficult career easier. Being my own personal chef and a caregiver to the dogs and cats when I'm on deadline and all of your support allows me to focus on the make-believe world, creating characters and stories that fulfill my passion.

And to you, my readersâ¦my deepest gratitude for your feedback via e-mails, but most of all, thank you for granting me a space on your bookshelf.

A READING GROUP GUIDE

CASTING ABOUT

Terri DuLong

ABOUT THIS GUIDE

The following questions are intended to
enhance your group's reading of
CASTING ABOUT.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Why do you think Monica was insecure about motherhood?
Discuss Adam's reaction and feelings when he was granted full custody of Clarissa Jo following his ex-wife's accident.
In the beginning, how supportive do you think Monica was toward Adam? Toward Clarissa Jo?
Following Carrie Sue's accident, did you agree with the judge's ruling in favor of Adam? Why or why not?
Do you feel Grace was a positive or negative influence on Monica with regard to becoming a new stepmom? Discuss her impact on Monica as a friend.
Discuss Saren's feelings about Sybile's spirit still hovering over them. Did you feel she could be sending Monica a message, and if so, why?
How would you describe Monica's behavior toward Clarissa Jo in the beginning? Withdrawn, uncomfortable, fearful, angry, loving, involved? Explain your reasons.
What do you think Clarissa Jo's feelings were on leaving her mother? How do you think she felt about relocating? How do you think she felt toward Monica?
Did you feel “Billie” was a figment of Clarissa Jo's imagination? And if so, how did you account for the “coincidences,” like knowing about Atsena Otie, naming her dog Billie, etc.?
Regarding the incident when Clarissa Jo broke the glass bowl that had belonged to Sybileâ¦Did you think Monica overreacted? Did you feel there was any possibility the child could have let the bowl slip out of her hands on purpose? Explain your reasons.
Did you think Monica overstepped her bounds as a friend when she told Grace what she had discovered about Tony? Why or why not?
Where, in the story, did you feel was the beginning of the turning point in Monica and Clarissa Jo's relationship?