Back to top.   

QUESTIONS FROM READERS

Carter Coleman, Bookreporter.com's featured One to Watch Author for January, answers readers' questions about the characters in CAGE'S BEND and its theme of mental illness.

AnneK7@aol.com: Why all brothers and not maybe one sister?

Carter Coleman: Because I was interested in boys, how three brothers could be so different and yet so similar.

In my next novel, there will be a doctor's wife, her high school daughter and another woman, one in recovery, as central characters.

RM5156@aol.com: Why didn't Frank (the father) have more of a role in the novel? Was it due to the time?

Carter Coleman: Because I think that post-industrial revolution fathers, those who go off to work everyday, even if they love their children dearly, aren't as close to their children as mothers who don't work full-time and spend more time with the kids. Therefore, fathers are often less involved in the kid's lives and are sometimes more in the background of the family's life as a whole.

And, to be honest, yours is a valid criticism. There should have been more of Frank, more chapters from his voice.

Clogwoman@aol.com: Where did you grow up, how old are you, and why do you live abroad now?

Carter Coleman: I'm 43, grew up in Tennessee, Virginia and Louisiana. I live abroad because my wife, who is part English, has a house in London. Writers can live anywhere and physical distance often gives you a clear perspective on where you used to be.

Pat76273@aol.com: Have you had personal experience with manic-depression in your family since this was the emphasis in your book?

Carter Coleman: Don't you think there is a little manic-depression in all of us? Definitely runs in my family.

lorakh@insightbb.com: What experience have you had with a person who has a mental illness, and how did you research for this book?

Carter Coleman: Someone I love is manic-depressive. I also read every book I could find on the illness, including psychiatry textbooks.

© Copyright 1996-2008, Bookreporter.com. All rights reserved.

Back to top.