Caroline Leavitt, a celebrated novelist known for her generosity in the literary community, has released her latest novel, *Days of Wonder*. The book combines elements of a gripping narrative with an exploration of themes such as the criminal justice system, rehabilitation, love, and the complexities of adoption and accountability.
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Leavitt shared the inspiration behind her book, recounting a conversation with a friend who revealed she had committed murder at 15 and subsequently spent years grappling with her past and seeking forgiveness after her identity was disclosed years later. Leavitt drew parallels to Leslie Van Houten’s story, the last of the Manson girls to be released from prison, who has also worked hard to reform herself. Influenced by Jean Trounstine, a prison activist, Leavitt engaged with women on probation through Trounstine’s class, which reinforced her belief in the potential for change.
Reflecting on her writing journey, Leavitt recounted her early experiences with writing. As a shy child, she found solace in storytelling and was encouraged by the response to her stories in elementary school, despite earlier discouragement from teachers. After initially pursuing short stories, Leavitt's breakthrough came when she won a contest, leading to her novel *Meeting Rozzy Halfway*. Despite facing setbacks, including a struggling third novel and a series of publisher changes, her ninth book, *Pictures of You*, gained unexpected success, reinforcing her understanding of the unpredictable nature of a writing career.
Leavitt described her evolving writing process, which shifted from reliance on inspiration to a structured approach after studying John Truby’s story structure method. This new perspective helped her create compelling characters and narratives. Now, she emphasizes the importance of writing detailed synopses and anchors her process with a strong first chapter and conclusion, spanning about three years for each project.
In response to the pandemic, Leavitt initiated the *Nothing is Cancelled Book Tour*, prompted by the cancellation of her book tour due to lockdowns. She created video content to connect with libraries and authors, leading to the establishment of A Mighty Blaze, a platform aimed at supporting authors and indie bookstores while fostering a sense of community among writers.
Martha Anne Toll, a book critic and novelist whose debut novel *Three Muses* was published last fall, will release her second novel *Duet for One* in early 2025.