Friendships are, in many ways, more complicated than romantic relationships. There are so many uncertainties, so many imbalances, so many layers. But the best friendships can go deep, through the secrets and the hurt.
Amy Mason Doan's debut novel, The Summer List, tells the story of two women who were inseparable in high school but haven't spoken in the 17 years since. Laura reluctantly accepts an invitation to reunite for the weekend in their lakeside hometown, where she joins Casey in a scavenger hunt like the ones they did as girls. The clues lead them to their favorite summer haunts, revealing why their friendship fell apart one summer night—and unearthing a stunning family secret.
Amy is stopping by to share a little bit more about her book and her writing.
What inspired your story in The Summer List?
Amy: I was camping by the Oregon coast one summer and a bunch of kids ran up asking for a graham cracker for a scavenger hunt. I’d been half-heartedly plotting a story about two former girlhood friends reuniting after a mysterious rift, and suddenly I saw them going on an adult scavenger hunt together, following a list written by someone who wanted them to reunite. It would be initially awkward and sometimes loopy, but would help them heal old wounds.
Who's your favorite character?
Amy: Casey! She lives across the lake from my other main character, Laura. They’re close enough to see each other’s houses and swim back and forth, but they’re complete opposites. Casey is impulsive, fearless, completely secure in her skin. She’s a loyal friend, intensely protective of Laura. She practically lives in the water, and she has a weakness for old paperbacks like Queenie and Princess Daisy.
Tell us about yourself and your writing process, Amy.
Amy: I live in Portland, Oregon with my husband, Mike, my 11-year-old daughter, Miranda, and our rescue tabby cat, Leah Lilikoi McConagall Mason. I went to Journalism school and I’ve worked at a variety of newspapers and magazines up and down the West Coast. I started writing fiction a few years ago, after I turned 40. I’d always wanted to do it but never pushed through my fears. Then I won this contest and got to fly to the movie premiere of TIGER EYES and meet Judy Blume, whose books I’ve adored for years. It was the strangest, loveliest turn of events. She was so down-to-earth. It felt like the universe was telling me to stop messing around and write a novel.
What's next for you?
Amy: I’m revising my second novel, the second book in my contract with Graydon House. I can’t say too much yet except that it’s set along the California coast and I’m really excited about it. I love the characters.
Brag a little. Share some praise you've received for The Summer List.
“There is not a word or a plot line out of place in The Summer List, Amy Mason Doan’s fabulous debut. These characters and their stories are going to stick with you for a long, long time.”
-Meg Mitchell Moore, author of The Admissions and The Captain’s Daughter
Thanks Amy!
If The Summer List sounds like your sort of book, check it out at your local indie bookstore or here: https://www.amazon.com/Summer-List-Amy-Mason-Doan/dp/1525804251/
You can catch Amy on Twitter or her website or Goodreads or ... ! :)