My writing is like making gumbo—a little of this, a little of that mixed together. Some of those people were inspired by bits of people whom I met on the island; many details I made up. The oddest thing is, after spending so much time with the story, I couldn’t tell you what is true and what isn’t. I like to think the best fiction becomes its own truth.

You thank many people in your acknowledgments. What kind of preparation did you do to write this book?

Six months after the trip to Guam during which I visited the schools, I had to return to do research. I spoke to many people on the island, spent time in the library, and tried to soak up the setting. Later, I depended greatly on several people for answers via e-mail. Because suicide and self-mutilation were part of the story, I interviewed the director of the suicide crisis center in Amarillo, Texas, as well as making contact with a Guam crisis center counselor.

Do you like to get a lot of feedback as you write?

My daughter is the only person allowed to read (or I should say hear) my first drafts. I try not to let anyone else read anything earlier than the seventh draft. The reason is that I’m still figuring out the story and the characters in early drafts. I don’t want other people to influence me at that organic stage.

How long does it take you to write a book?

I’ll give the answer that I heard Bruce Coville give: all my life. Technically, it takes about one year to two years, but how can you discount a writer’s entire life experience? That is truly a part of every story.

Any advice for writers who have great story ideas but just can’t seem to get them down on paper?

If you are meant to be a writer, you will put it down on paper even if it means you have to write a lousy first draft. If not, maybe you aren’t meant to write that story. Or maybe it’s not the right time to write that story. Or maybe you are meant to do something else.

As a writer, what is your greatest fear?

Boring the reader.

Isabel must grow up fast in this story and seems exceptionally mature for her age. Why did you want to tell the story from her perspective?

Isabel is a firstborn child, as am I. But I didn’t choose to tell it from her point of view. She chose me.

In response to a loved one’s suicide, are there typical stages a person goes through?