Why did you choose birds as symbols in this book? Is there a particular one that resonates most with you?

I’ve been fascinated by birds ever since I was lucky enough to go to Africa on safari for my honeymoon. I loved the vibrancy of their feathers—brilliant rainbow hues that stood out against the bright sky. Also, the idea of being able to take to the wing at any given moment, to simply up and disappear to somewhere new, is strangely appealing.

There wasn’t a conscious decision to put the birds in the book. It seemed to evolve as I wrote the story and I realized that Emily was the sort of person to become a little obsessive about things. I didn’t want her to have OCD as well as being a recluse. I felt more that she needed an escape of sorts. Birds seemed to be the natural fit, and once I started researching their symbolism, I realized that they could be used as a way to enhance Emily’s view of the world.

I’ve done several falconry courses, and my favorite bird has to be a peregrine falcon, which is said to symbolize success and rising above challenging situations. It’s not my favorite because of what it represents, but simply because I think it’s a beautiful bird.

What message(s) would you like readers to take away from The Book of Second Chances?

Just that—finding your second chance and not being afraid to stumble a little along the way. It has taken me years to realize that the old cliché is true: if you do something you really love, then it will never feel like work. Emily took the easy route by hiding away—and her grandmother let her—because it’s hard to face up to your fears, to take that first step toward figuring out who you are and what your place in the world is.

I always dreamed of being an author, but it took me a long time to believe I was capable of turning that dream into a reality. As my wise old Nan herself told me, there has to be a reason why I have all these stories in my head, and wouldn’t it be a waste not to write them down?