Chapter 1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fun Facts About Chapter 1—

• Originally, Chapter 1 was an intro to the characters and told the full story of the Island of Forever as sort of a backstory for the reader. Before I queried the story to my publisher, I made the decision to cut most of the backstory to keep the first chapter more dynamic and interesting

• I had written the first draft of The Island of Forever when I was 17 years old and much of Chapter 1 is original

• I didn’t have Max’s internal thoughts in my first draft, but my publisher suggested it to get further into his feelings to show his growth throughout the book

• Ana’s character had evolved throughout all my drafts - originally she was a quirky mother, then changed to a mysterious old lady, then was written as an angry old lady, and lastly, the Ana in this story. 

• Ana’s original name was Mary Beth

• Ana’s appearance was inspired by Moira Rose from the television show, Schitts Creek

• One summer, I stayed with my cousin and her three children. Ella was created from this experience and is a culmination of all of their personalities

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Fun Facts About Max Greenfell —-

 

• I couldn’t figure out a good name for my main character, so his original name was XX. One day, I was watching A Goofy Movie and the name clicked (hey, I was 17!). Goofy’s son, Max was awkward and constantly tried to fit in and I felt so many similarities between the two, I had to name my main character Max.

• Max’s favorite foods in Book 1 are pizza and anything in a Chef Boyardee can 

• His favorite color is red

• Max’s appearance was inspired by young Chace Crawford and a young Ian Somerhalder (LOST era)

• Max is a Sagittarius and his birthday is December 13

• His favorite sport is soccer (although he’s never played)

• Favorite flavor is blue raspberry because it makes his sister laugh when his mouth turns blue