Sit-down Saturday with Dana Mentink


Today we’re celebrating the release of Return to Pelican Inn. 

So, Dana, where did you get the idea for this novel? It was born of many trips to Half Moon Bay, California, the charming seaside town after which Tumbledown is modeled. So many lovely old buildings there and the perfect setting for a little beach town caper. 

In looking at the cover, if you could add a caption or captions, what would they say? 

"The Pelican Inn will soar again."

"Or plummet like a dead duck." 

How long did it take you to write? Approximately 4 months, give or take a few coffee breaks and such. 

What is your favorite scene? There's a certain moment involving a squirrel in the window box that comes to mind. Who wouldn't love a scene with a squirrel in it? 

Who was your favorite character and why? Rosa is my fave because she's proud and courageous, even though she's frightened to let her herself feel love again. 

If you could pick fictional characters to play the hero and heroine, who would they be?
You want me to pick fictional characters who would play my fictional characters? Isn't that like taking a picture of your camera? 

Tell us one thing you learned during research. Marmoleum is a type of laminate flooring. This amused me greatly as it sounds like something you spread on toast in the morning! 

What music would match the mood of this novel? You know that song "Happy" from Despicable Me? Yep. That one. 

This is your eighteenth or so book, but your first with Heartwarming.  Exactly what does that mean to you? I've so enjoyed writing for Love Inspired Suspense and it's incredible to be able to step over to Heartwarming for a while. I feel like a debut author again! 

What do you plan to work on next?
I'd like to do the follow up story to the Pelican Inn which will follow Rosa's twin brother Cy and his hapless adventures. 

What are you reading for pleasure right now? A Robyn Carr novel and Lean In by  Sheryl Sandberg. Thanks for hosting me today! 

Comments

  1. Dana, I'm looking forward to reading this book. I love the ocean, and miss my often treks to the Oregon Coast when I grew up in the valley there. The women in my high school class (eons ago) still go there for a gab-fest weekend once a year. I haven't been able to meet them, but I'm sure it would lead to a lot of stories.

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    1. I visited the Oregon coast last summer when I met with my agent. It's absolutely breathtaking!

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  2. Congratulations on your release, Dana! I pre-ordered RETURN TO PELICAN INN. It's on my iPad and next up on my reading list! I look forward to reading it, and I absolutely love the cover!

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  3. Dana, I love your sense of humor. (Marmoleum...he he.) Congratulations on your eighteenth (or so) release--amazing to me especially since you are also a teacher and a mother. Looking forward to 'visiting' the Pelican Inn!

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    2. Thanks, Carol. Isn't Marmoleum a funny word?

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  4. Congratulations, Dana! My son was married in Half Moon Bay, California. What a beautiful spot. Also - I love pumpkins and was delighted to find how many are grown there. Your book sounds great and now I have to know what happens when a squirrel ends up in a window box. Happy Book Birthday.

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  5. Congrats, Dana! I had to laugh at your fictional character answer ;).

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