Why did I write the sequel?

A Sapling Grows

            When I wrote The Communing Tree, I had no intention of writing a sequel. But people who read it kept asking me to do so. They wanted to know what happened to the girls, Judith and Kali. I resisted at first, wanting people to use their imaginations to finish it themselves. However, I kept thinking about Judith and Kali and finally admitted to myself that I didn't want to let them go just yet. I wanted to find out what happened to them too.

            So, I followed Judith and the other characters in my mind. How would the girls adjust to being in the modern world? Would Kali ever speak again? What would happen to the budding romance between Judith and Paul? And would the killers be brought to justice? So many unanswered questions. 

            Having been brought up out in the woods ten miles from the nearest town, myself, I felt how Judith would react. I let her take over and followed the rest of the story as seen through her eyes. I think I took good care of her.

            I see Judith as a strong, independent young woman, who is down to earth and unspoiled. she's fiercely loyal, mother's her little sister, and has survival skills, thanks to her parents and grandmother. She's used to fending for herself and her little sister. But she has a lot to learn about how the modern world operates. She has to face many challenges, from making friends to understanding how people interact, to learning how to eat out at a restaurant. How can she tell when people are serious or joking? Everyday things taken for granted by the people around her are new to her. How to use a dishwasher? A gas range? Washer and dryer?

            One of the big characters in the sequel is the southern Oregon coast. It's beautiful and still mostly untrammeled by modern civilization. The rugged beauty draws many modern-day tourists. I love to show it off.

            I hope my readers enjoy the sequel as much as they did The Communing Tree.