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Hi, I'm glad to join the book discussion. I usually share my books, but I was unwilling to send it to my daughter in Hawaii. I had to buy her a copy of her own. I've recommended it to two of my book groups and have designated it as a "my mother can read" book. Kudos on you success and I can't wait for the movie.
Smiles, Leticia

Hi, M.L Stedman
I absolutely loved "The Light Between Oceans". I was wondering, are you going to continue writing?
And if so, when is it going to be published ?
How did you come up with the story like "The Light Between Oceans ?

I found that for me, it was not the message of who's side was right or wrong, but the life lesson of forgiveness - that you have to work to remember to stay mad at someone. What a waste of energy that is! Forgiveness is many times for the person doing the forgiving - to enable them to move beyond the hurt.

I read your book as a Buddy Read, one other person and myself, for a group I am in. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I was wondering if there is a possibility that you would ever write a book (sequel, if I may) from the Lucy-Grace point of view? What she felt her childhood was like and what she went thru when she changed families. What she may remember of Isobel.

Thank you.

Am I on the right thread? I don't see any interaction by Ms. Stedman.

@Marcia, I think she will be online all day on 5/10.

The thread is started so people can ask questions in advance :)

Do you have a new book in the pipeline, and if so, when is it likely to be published? I thoroughly enjoyed your debut, it was up there with my favourites for 2012.

Marcia wrote: "Am I on the right thread? I don't see any interaction by Ms. Stedman."

Friday May the 10th is her discussion/answering of questions day:)

I never know what the date is...I read Friday and zoned on the rest. Thank you!

Hello! My name is Heidi and I am from West Virginia. I read your book while on a cruise this spring break (we were celebrating my graduation from grad school)!!! I loved it. But honestly, you just about killed me throughout the story and especially with the ending. Whyyyyyyy couldn't you have allowed Isabel to see Lucy? Thank you for your wonderful book. I can't wait to read your next novel!!

Thank you for sharing your time with us. I had such empathy for the main character who makes the wrong decision for the right reasons. This is such a pivotal plot point that I am wondering if it occurred to you as your wrote the story or if you began the novel with this concept in mind.

Aloha from Hawaii!

I also loved your book. I generally read for enjoyment yet your book entertained me while still encouraging deep thought on the issues. That is NOT something I would say for most other thought provoking books. Was that the intent when you wrote the book, to encourage readers to really think through the issues? Or was your main goal in writing the story to work out these issues for yourself?

Thank you for your time in answering our questions.

Loved reading your book. Great characters. Especially Tom. Having a moral dilemma where both parties seem "right" makes me want to keep reading to find out the ending. This is how "the house of sand and fog" and "my sister's keeper". affected me too. If a movie version is made,. Don't let them change your ending. (Like they did in My Sisters Keeper)
Also, I appreciated that the character of Septimus was able to help Lucy to cope -- having been through a similar experience.

Good Morning,
Being a writer myself, I am always intrigued as to "where" the thought, inspiration and/or simply the words come from when sitting down and placing them on the page. Having enjoyed your most recent work TLBO, I am wondering, what was "your" moment, that gave you that "nudge" to write this story?

Hello! Your book is actually my top 1 favorite book! When will you be releasing another book? Come to the Philippines, please. I still don't have my passport ehehe.:)
You changed my life. Please reply.

Angie wrote: "did you know, from the beginning, how you would resolve it or was the solution played out by the characters"

This too, is what I'd most like to ask and learn the answer to. (That and when you're next book is coming out).

I am a librarian and our book discussion group just finished discussing your awesome book. They have these provocative questions:
*Is there a Christian influence on your writing: light (Lucy) and blessing (Grace), issues of forgiveness, Tom's doing the right thing in the face of persecution, etc.

*Do you have a tragic view of the human condition?

What can you tell us about the film adaptation? Has it been green-lighted (green-lit?)? At what stage is its development? Ideally, who would you like to see cast in the major roles? Where would you like for it to be shot?

This is a remarkable first novel. What is your writing background? (Your bio is very sparse.)

M.L.,

I was not expecting to like the book but came away pleasantly surprised; I loved it! Two questions: (1) Did you ever consider having Isabel not die before meeting the adult Lucy? If not, why did you choose this fate for her? I have to say, I really felt for Isabel, probably because you began the book with her and Tom's story. I can't say I would have chosen the same path that you had her choose, but being a mom, I totally understood why she couldn't let her go, even after she was forced to. When she died, especially a week before meeting adult Lucy, I sobbed and sobbed. What an incredibly sad twist of fate. (2) I am a not-yet-published fiction writer, and since this was your first book, I am wondering what you did in preparation to write it?

Many thanks!
Kristy

I absolutely loved this book. What sort of historical research did you embark on before writing this book?

M.L. How did you come upon the idea for this excellent book? (Written well, evoked emotion, great characters, and I didn't see the twists and turns in the plot ahead of time. Bravo!)

I loved the lyrical nature of this debut novel. Truly haunting and beautiful.
Much here has been said about Isabel, but it is Tom who initially is stuck in the moral dilemma and continues to be torn apart by the "wrongness" of keeping the baby. Is it part of his true nature or is it a result of his WWI experience? I liked this complicated yet simple man and his desire for isolation.
Thank you.

As a reader who has met people who grew up on lighthouse islands, I wondered if you talked to anyone like that in order to capture the isolation and freedom so well.

Ellen wrote: "I loved the lyrical nature of this debut novel. Truly haunting and beautiful.
Much here has been said about Isabel, but it is Tom who initially is stuck in the moral dilemma and continues to be t..."

Ellen, great observation. I adored Tom's character and Stedman's evocative writing made me feel his struggle. I hope she answers this question.

Dear M.L.,
I absolutely loved your novel. It is beautifully written, very poetic, and very moving. I kept reading into the night because I wanted to know what would happen to the characters, and I could empathize with them all, understand both mothers' feelings, etc.
There have been so many questions asked of you already, but I guess I could ask you whether you realised you were writing a book that would appeal to so many people - that its themes are universal and timeless? I am also intrigued by the time setting, and especially Tom's background in the war. His strong moral sense seems to spring from his war experiences to a great extent. Was that a part of why you decided to give him this experience and background?

As I grow older and gain perspective, so much of life is in the gray between right and wrong. It was so easy to find symapthy for both Isabel and Hannah and the hurt inflicted on them both.
I work at a library and have recommended this book to many of our patrons. Can't wait for the movie!

The book haunted me for months. As a mother of two boys the thought keep creeping into my mind of would I do? So many issues were brought up that really pulled the book together. Mental Illness was one that I kept thinking about - isolation of a person and the loss of other children to move them to the choices they make either initially or years later. Nothing was said but it was something I would think would have happened. Agree with many - a movie would be wonderful.
Can't wait to read your remarks.
Thank you for writing such a wonderful book! I will look for more from you in the years ahead.

Hello! I am excited that you will be participating in this online discussion because I had a huge question after I finished your extraordinary novel. If the book was set in modern times with the technology we now have available, do you believe that this would have affected Isabel's choice to keep the baby? Thanks!

Kimberly

As a mother, this book held so many emotions for me. I can completely relate to Isabel's feelings after losing her children because my first baby was stillborn. I felt that you captured the broken heart of a mother, both of them, so well in your writing.

My question: Were you satisfied with Lucy-Grace being with Hannah or did you feel that she really should have been with Isabel?

This book was absolutely amazing.. I read it then I read again right after! I couldn't get enough of it. Can't wait for you to write more!!

Your book was particularly inspiring to me, as a writer, because of the balance you so aptly achieved between character and setting and plot. It made for a complete story. My question for Friday: were you conscious of doing this and if so, what were your main steps in the process?

Something happened when I read this book, that had never happened to me before; I started crying. My gosh, what a story to have moved me so much. My only question is, what have you written before this, that perhaps never saw the light of day, and what do you have planned after this wonderful book?

Dear M.L.,

Thank you for the wonderful read. I don't remember the last time a book made me cry/moved me so much and it was a pleasure reading your fantastic writing. I was curious to know where you started your research/acquired your knowledge regarding lighthouse keeper procedures and lifestyles?

All the best,
Allie Coker-Schwimmer

All the while I was reading this book I could see it as a movie, any chance it may become one?

This was one of the most moving books I have read in a long while. I absolutely loved it. Here's my question:

"Why did you choose to have Isabel Sherbourne pass away days before Lucy-Grace comes looking for she and Tom? It was gut-wrenching and beautiful, but boy was I hoping for a second chance for Isabel."

Thank you!
-Lori

As a novelist (THE BLOODLETTER'S DAUGHTER, THE DROWNING GUARD, HOUSE OF BATHORY), I am keenly interested in how other writers set priorities on their time.

You choose to give very few interviews and rarely make appearances.Do you feel this keeps you centered and focused on your writing? Or are you a shy and/or private person who doesn't feel comfortable in the public eye?

I truly loved your book--mesmerizing. Keep them coming!

Congratulations, Ms. Stedman, on an extraordinary work. Like you, I am an attorney trying to reinvent myself as a writer of fiction. Has the study and practice of law informed your literary work and, if so, how? Thanks.

I agree with +Dragonfly+. This would be an incredible movie. Any chance?

For those who, like me, would like to see this made into a film, here is the good news:

Hello M.L.

Question: Our book club enjoyed reading "The Light Between Oceans" very much!! At the end, why did you choose to have Isabel die without the opportunity of seeing Lucy and baby when they came to visit Tom?

Thank you
-Sara Rae
PWYC Book Club

Great book! I loved it abd I loved that it wasn't predictable. I have two questions for you. 1 - Why did you choose this title? What does it signify for you? 2 - What are your favorite books by other authors?

I was drawn to this book because I love lighthouses. I selected it for my book club when it was my turn to host. It really took my breath away. I loved this book and was so surprised at how much it moved me, also at how much I was attached to each character. Well done. Congrats on a great first book!

Two things:

First, I made . I thought others who read the book might like to look at it also. There's no sound, so no need to test your speakers. It's just a collection of photos of lighthouses mixed with quotes from the book. There is also a map that points out some of the places mentioned in the book.

Second, my question for Ms. Stedman is about the points of view of the characters. While the book was in the third person, there were times in the book where you seemed to be focusing on one character's point of view. Did you find it difficult to write from Tom's point of view? Did that require more research? How did you move from one character's POV to the next? Did you write all the Hannah chapters at once, then the Isabel chapters, etc.? (Ok, that's more than one question.)

Thanks for such a lovely book. I look forward to your next book.

Shannon P. wrote: "I was drawn to this book because I love lighthouses. I selected it for my book club when it was my turn to host. It really took my breath away. I loved this book and was so surprised at how much it..."

Shannon, your powerpoint presentation is beautifully done...do you mind if I share it?

Hello M.L. I loved your debut novel. The plot, the characters and the scenery in my imagination was superb. When is your next book coming out? Good luck. Vicky

Brenda wrote: "Shannon, your powerpoint presentation is beautifully done...do you mind if I share it?"

Not at all! Thanks for the compliment.

Shannon P. wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Shannon, your powerpoint presentation is beautifully done...do you mind if I share it?"

Not at all! Thanks for the compliment."

Thanks:)

M.L.
Your book got me thinking about loving too much. Tom loved his wife and was willing to go to any extent to show/prove his love while realizing that keeping the child was wrong. What prompted you to look at love in this way?

Ms. Stedman,
Not only did I read your book once, but I insisted that my book club read it so I reread the novel! I am a voracious reader and, when I read your book, your prose became alive! I was rapt from page one to the end!

When I first came towards the end of the book, I was at Starbuck's early one Sunday morning. I felt myself becoming emotional and there were others around me. I finished reading the novel in my car and cried hard as the book came to its close.

Others have said they may have preferred Izzy to have been able to meet Lucy/Grace as an adult and why did Izzy need to die at that time? Sure, who doesn't like a happy, neat ending? However, your ending was powerful, more probable and poignant because it was so bittersweet. It was heartwrenching.

The lighthouse was itself a character in the novel. It gave more life to the story. The isolation from society that determined behavior of Tom and Isabelle and their own actions and behaviors affected the storyline so dramatically. Had Lucy been found on the mainland, there could not have been such a powerful message sent about reasonable choices, right vs. wrong and how one's choices impact so drastically on others.

Kudos to you for your inspirational story! I impatiently await your next novel! I could close my eyes and clearly envision the lighthouse and the characters you so vividly portrayed. Thank you so much for adding The Light Between Oceans to my list of most favorite books!

I totally enjoyed your book and have recommended it for my book club next year. The humanity of your characters was so believable and beautifully described. The locale was new for me and I wonder is it a real place or is it imagined? Thanks. I look forward to reading more of your works.