20 Days of Backstory: Day 5

Hi, friends,

Who likes to know a little behind-the-scenes information about a story? I know I do. In the spirit of Wayne Kovok, the fact-loving protagonist of my new novel, MAYDAY, I'm sharing facts about the story. (You might remember Wayne from his small role in COURAGE FOR BEGINNERS.) 

MAYDAY is a story about friendship, fathers and sons, and the importance of finding one's voice. 

BACKSTORY FACT 5

Caddo Lake State Park in Uncertain, Texas is a key setting in the book. As Wayne's plane comes apart, debris falls to the ground over East Texas. Wayne hypothesizes that his uncle's honor flag may be in or near the park. 

My family camps there every year with family and friends.

With my daughter

Along the river

Praise for Mayday:

"A fine character-driven tale that slowly grows to a crescendo of satisfaction."
―Kirkus Reviews


"Wayne is an appealing protagonist with a strong voice who develops believably over the difficult months, as do the other characters. A well-done book on all levels."―Publishers Weekly


"The main characters are well depicted and highly appealing.... Thought provoking and touching, Mayday applies to anyone who has ever felt like an outcast and wishes to become someone with a sense of pride."
―VOYA

"Wayne's is an authentic, funny, and sometimes sarcastic teen voice, which comes through clearly, even when he can't speak out loud.... in this sweet tale of survival, heroism, and the search for strength."
―School Library Journal