Behind The Book With Catherine Mann 

Last summer I was honored to do my very first Q&A with USA Today Bestselling author, Catherine Mann which you can read here by clicking this link https://booknotions.com/qa-with-catherine-mann/ . Catherine Mann has now returned for this Behind The Book discussing her new release The Sweet Tea Odyssey which is released today on August 11^th and is available wherever you get your books!

Q: Welcome back to Book Notions Catherine! Would you please give a brief description of The Sweet Tea Odyssey? 

A: Thank you so much for inviting me back! I appreciate the opportunity to share about my latest novel – The Sweet Tea Odyssey!

It’s hurricane season in the Carolinas. But a different storm is brewing for three generations of women – and one service dog – in the midst of life-changing events as they embark on an unforgettable journey through family secrets, second chances, and hard-won strength.

Q: In the Acknowledgements Section one of the things you spoke about was about volunteering to help with Service Dogs. Was that one of the ideas that inspired The Sweet Tea Odyssey? 

A: Absolutely! I’ve volunteered with a service dog training organization for over a decade, fostering on the weekends and helping at the training facility during the week. The dogs train for two years – yes, you read that right! By graduation, the dog knows over seventy cues. It’s an honor to play a small part in their journey, and so very rewarding to see these life-changers partnered with a handler!

Q: It’s hard to believe that the Americans With Disability Act was passed not that long ago in 1990! There was a lot going on between going to the past and the present, Lillian, Roselyn & Elsie dealing with an impending death in the family and Elsie’s dilemma with betrayal from a guy she liked and from a girl she thought was her friend etc. Which scenes were your favorite to create? What are lessons you hope readers remember and emotions you want them to feel after they finish reading the book? 

A: Before I even started the book, I envisioned the scene at the hotel where a stranger’s car illegally takes up an accessible parking space, blocking Rosalynn, who uses a wheelchair. The frustration is compounded by a long day evacuating for a hurricane. Rosalynn’s mother goes into mama-bear mode and nearly get arrested in the confrontation!

Q: Who would be your dream cast if/when The Sweet Tea Odyssey became a movie or series? 

A: I love this question – and it’s an easy one to answer. I compile extensive character histories for my characters before I start writing, including photos of actors and actresses who resemble each person. Here are actors/actresses I envisioned in each role, including the past and present timelines!

Rosalynn Barnwell Yates (Cailey Flemming/past and Kerri Russell/present)

Elsie Yates (Reagan Revourd/present)

Lillian Barnwell (Rose Byrne/past & Sigourney Weaver/present)

Grady Barnwell (Sebastian Stan/past)

Q: Catherine, would you please provide links to your social media so the readers and I may follow you and your work?

A: Thank you for asking!  Of particular note on Facebook, I have a reader page/street team: Catherine Mann’s Reader Group. All my other social media links can be found on my website: CatherineMann.com  As a thanks to readers, I post a free book giveaway on my website every month! I also offer free zoom chats with book clubs. Details can be found on my website. Thank you again and happy reading!