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Some Thoughts on Mountain
Posted in Book Research Interviews on Thu, February 25, 2010
My 7th book, The Mountain Between Us, releases June 1st.
It’s set in the mountains between Salt Lake and Denver but that’s not really the mountain I’m talking about. Most, if not all, of my stories, follow the arc of a character from a real bad place of being broken to a place of not broken. If you ask me ‘what fires me up as a writer,’ it’s that. That arc. From messed up to maybe not so messed up. Why? Because at the other end is hope.
Most of my stories first appear as flashes somewhere just outside of view. Mountain is no different. The first I ‘saw’ of this story was a guy lying on his back staring up through what was once the windshield of a two-seater plane with snow covering his face. Naturally, I –like you—wanted to know what happened. How’d he get there? Who is he? Why’s he in the plane? Is he hurt? Who’s with him? Stuff like that. That line of questions bled into a story where an orthopedic surgeon from Jacksonville is attempting to fly out of Salt Lake late on a Sunday evening after attending a medical conference in Salt Lake. The television screen above is tuned to the weather channel and, currently, a huge green blob is about an hour from shutting down the airport. When it does, he hires a charter to hop him to Denver so he can catch the red eye home where several surgeries and his wife are waiting. Seeing that the two-seater plane will seat one more, he returns to the airport to find the girl he met in the terminal who was trying to get home to her fiancé and wedding in forty-eight hours. You see where this is going?
They get in the plane, take off, turn southeast, then northeast and get smack over the middle of the High Uintas Wilderness. If you ever saw Jeremiah Johnson it’s where they filmed it. Also, if you Google ‘most remote place in U.S.’ this will be one of your hits. Sixty miles from the nearest lightbulb, the pilot clutches his chest, slips the wing right and pancakes the plane into a snowbank at about 11,000 feet. Hence, the picture of the guy looking up through the windshield. In short, things ain’t good. And, they’re about to get real bad.
You might ask…why this story? The honest answer is…because it bubbled up. I’ve often said that my stories reflect what I’m dealing with on the inside. It’s why I write. It’s how I deal with stuff. (Okay, so maybe I did want to take a research trip to the Rocky Mountains and spend a week on snowmobiles camping in the snow. Can you blame me?) I’m an extreme introvert, I process internally. (Just ask Christy.) Someday, some grad student will lay all of my stories across a Freudian grid and attempt an explanation of my deep-seated issues. Great. Have at it. Let me know what you find out. I’m in full agreement that I have issues. One concerned reader suggested, why don’t you deal with them. I held up my book. I am. If I deal with them any other way, you guys don’t get any more stories. I think I’ll keep my issues.
In terms of my life as an artist, I see Mountain as a step forward in my craft. A progression. As a picture on a canvas, I find it beautiful, tender, funny and surprising. But admittedly, I’m biased. I can’t begin to guess how my readers will react. I’ve never been very good at that. Do I like it? Yes, very much.
Thanks in large part to the success of Where the River Ends, this story is set to release (as of February) in about eight countries and languages around the world. My publisher says ‘it reads like a bat out of hell’ and several readers, including one of my foreign publishers, say it’s better than River.
Okay, enough of the sales pitch. I hope you enjoy.
Cannot wait for June - I’ve been a fan since I read your very first book.
Your writing is a win-win for all of us. You get free therapy and we get fantastic reads. Keep up the great work!
Thank you for sharing your talents with us. Your work is very, very good....hopefully you already have written #9 and #10 so we don’t have to wait so long!
I’ve loved all your stories and they inspire me to continue writing. Thanks for using yoru gifts to bless us. Can’t wait to read the next book!
O.k. I just read the first three chapters. I can’t wait to read the rest. Thanks for sharing your issues with us. I am looking forward to seeing you on the road.
I so can’t wait for this book! It’s been too long since I had a Charles Martin fix!
I am Media Director in our Church, We are so happy to see that a new book is come soon.
Many of our people love your books.
Just devoured the first three chapters....await the rest....
Thank God that I found.you After reading River , I bought quite a few of your books. Cannot wait to read this new one.............awaiting June.
May God continue to bless your great writing.
Been a fan since my first read, Crickets is my fav, Rain a close 2nd. I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve given Cricket as a gift. When it comes from Amazon, I sit down to “just relive a FEW pages” an hour later, two hours later, I get up having relived MOST of the book.
I’m in the middle of my mess, some days struggling to find that hope. Wish I could write so that I could work through it all faster and possibly more easily. But most days I CAN see to the other side where God will restore the years the locusts have eaten. (Joel 2:24-26) That’s what I cling too.
Looking forward to June.
Jennifer
Seems as though we are on the same wavelength. Keep the faith
I love it that you profess to be an extreme introvert. I am the same and people just don’t get that. They don’t (including my spouse) understand me at all in that regard! They have no idea how hard I work emotionally to prepare for a social event.
Have read every book you have written...some more than once and have given away many as gifts. Love your style of writing and can’t wait until June 1st. I will definitely download it to my Nook.
I love your books--you just don’t write fast enough! Your characters are so strange and wonderful--since I’m a people person that is how I connect with your books--can’t wait until June! Phillis
I have read all of your books and can’t wait for this new one to come out. You have become my favorite author and I love the way you write. There always seems to be a character in each book I can relate to. Keep up the awesome writing!!
Can hardly wait for “Mountain.” Have ready all your books and I am so glad I have another to look forward to. Am a huge fan - keep up the writing!!!
Just finished reading your first 3 chapters of Moutain, can not wait to read the rest! Thank you for sharing them with us. I have been waiting for your next book for a long time . I have read all of them River is my favorite of all the books I have ever read and I have read way to many to count.
Thanks Again!!
Anxious for the new book to be released!
Can’t wait! Can’t wait! Can’t wait! Can’t wait!!!!!!!!
Just got your e-mail and can’t wait for the new book!!! Even better getting a signed copy!
Now y0u’ve done it! I read the first three chapters; and you’ve got me hooked. Now I’ll HAVE to buy the book...and hide it from my wife so I can read it before she knows I have it.
I am so excited about your new book. I have read all of your work and they are all excellent. I tell everybody that your writing is so much better then one of your contemporaries whose name I will not mention, but the ladies know. My first book came from Goodwill ,and while I was reading it my daughter was in Africa on a mission trip reading Where The River Ends. I could not believe it when she came home and we were both reading the same author. Of course, I bought the rest of your books and read all summer!
I’ve been holding my breath, waiting for this book. Hooray it is on it’s way! I am amazed at how many men read your books! Bless you!
Please send me a signed book! What information do you need from me? Thank you for using your talent and sharing it with us. Ron
I just finished reading the first few chapters of your new book that you sent me, and now I really can’t wait to get the book :) Thanks! For sharing your wonderful gift of writing. God Bless you!
Is there any chance that you will be making any of these wonderful stories into a movie??
Just thought that anyone of these stories you have written would be wonderful on the big screen also :)
It used to be part of my job; it is always my delight to be an early reader of Charles Martin’s books.
Somewhere about the time he submits a manuscript to his editor, Charles graciously sends me a copy. Those of you who share my love of his writing won’t be surprised to hear I start reading immediately. Last September was no exception. After reading the The Mountain Between Us manuscript I sent a note to Charles:
“When I could have been watching Titans football; when I could have been outside enjoying the first day without rain in three weeks; when I should have been packing to move to my new house...instead I spent a delightful afternoon reading The Mountain Between Us. And I am glad I did. You know that afterglow feeling when you’ve just finished a good book that you didn’t want to end? I’m there.”
I honestly don’t have a favorite Charles Martin book. They all have some wonderfully memorable scenes and characters. This one is just has, well, more. I’ll stop there before I give anything away.
The Mountain Between Us releases June 1. But before you do anything else, go to B&N;, Borders, or Amazon and pre-order your copy – right now. I have.
You came to my school once about two years ago because we had to read When Crickets Cry for an assignment. I’ve read all of your books since and am thrilled for you next one. Please keep writing for therapy!
I love, love, love your books. My favorite is Crickets, but I love them all. I’ve passed that book around to all my friends and everyone loved it. I’m so excited to read this new one. Thanks for sharing your gift with all of us.
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Please keep having issues if it keeps the books coming....I only started reading your books last year and I must say, they are GREAT!!!!! My step daughter, who has had some trouble with drugs and alcohol in the past, suggested “When Crickets Cry” and knowing her past, her choice in music, and some of her friends, I thought, NO WAY!! Glad I decided to try her suggestion.
I can hardly wait until June 1......
Can’t wait for “Mountain...” I definitely need a Charles Martin “fix.” It’s been much too long between books. Hope you’re working on the next one so we don’t have to wait as long between books!
Please keep having issues if it keeps the books coming....I only started reading your books last year and I must say, they are GREAT!!!!! My step daughter, who has had some trouble with drugs and alcohol in the past, suggested “When Crickets Cry” and knowing her past, her choice in music, and some of her friends, I thought, NO WAY!! Glad I decided to try her suggestion.
Charles, as a 5th generation Floridian family and FSU alumns we are very proud of you and your work. Anytime someone asks if I’ve read a good book I always tell them about your work.I love the way you develop your characters. Looking forward to June 1, I will be at Books a Million in Lakeland, when the doors open. I do have one bone to pick with you and that is in “Chasing Fireflies”, you wrote that Stuart is a weak name. We have a son FSU class of ‘97 and a grandson name Stuart, I will differ with you on that one point. Other than that keep up the good work and the Good Faith. In Christ’s Name, Pam Norman ps do you know Ted and Maryclaire Miller in Jacksonville?
What ever you do, please don’t give up your issues. It just reveals just how normal you really are and how you can reach out to the other normal people and help them. Perhaps your minor was in Psychology? Thank you so much. You truly are a gift to the world.
As a soon to be 91 year old, most of my time is spent reading or working in my yard (hindered by my cane) So enjoyed “River” and I loved all the reverences to Charleston, where my Navy father had once been stationed and I got to visit as a young girl. Will get busy getting your other books now and congratulations on the upcoming release of “Mountain” . Such a joy to find a “new” author to me and I will be a faithful fan of your writing. Congratulations!
You had me from “I don’t have good memories of growing up.” I read all of your following books which I managed to get from 3 different libraries in Montana. I am now back in FL and cannot wait for your next book coming out in June. You are at the top of my favorite authors and that says a lot. Keep having issues, keep writing. Could you do more than one a year?
Boy oh boy!!! Wishing it was June already!!! I know it will be worth the WAiT!!!!!
How do you do what you do!!!! I have been a HUGE fan since a friend gave me a copy of “when crickets cry"” as I began treatment for cancer . It is one of the treasured thing I own. I tell my friends about your books but they know not to ask to borrow my copies!!! I know GOD placed your books in my life!!! What a blessing to are to your readers!! What do a girl need to do to get a signed copy!!! Please!!! I was be first in line at the local bookstore on June 1st!!! Thank you !!!!!?
“The Mountain Between Us” words cannot describe it...amazing, awesome, fascinating, incredible, marvelous, prodigious, shocking, stunning, surprising, unbelievable, wonderful...I don’t think I want to share my galley proof because I would be heart-broken if it wasn’t returned to me....but I want the world to read it!
I have just finished re-reading “Wrapped in Rain” for the 2nd time. I have read all of your books and Ella Rain is my favorite character. I have often thought, I really wish I could spend an afternoon with that lady. How wise, how gentle, how she persevered. Hoping to have Mountain with me for mid June vacation week. Thank you for sharing your stories with us.
You are my new favorite author. The writing is so lyrically and flowing and the characters are always intriguing. Your research shows (couldn’t believe how much I learned about heart transplants in “When Crickets Cry"). If this is your therapy, then please do continue to “therapize”!!! I deeply appreciate the gift God has given you - please do continue expressing it.
Loved it! Better than River? I don’t know, but I did love it! Amazon brought it Thursday and I finished it Saturday lunchtime!
Just finished The mountain between us. Loved it. Started it last night and could not put it down. I hqve read all of your books and every book has pulled at my heart strings from beginning to end. Thank you
Just started your new book. I already know I will love it. I was in Jacksonville last fall for a visit. I was telling someone about your last book. He grew in the same neighborhood you did. I water skied on Julington Creek during the time I lived there. My friends kept their sailboat at the marina and many musicians I know played at the bar at Julington Creek Marina. As many others say I also have bought and given away many of your books. I love them all. Keep writing.
With my schedule, pleasure reading is a rare luxury so I have to choose carefully. I just finished Charles Martin’s latest book and it was spectactular!! Charles, thank you for such an entertaining and thought provoking novel.
Oh my gracious- what a story! I eagerly awaited this book and it DOES NOT disappoint! At first, you are drawn gently into the story and then you find yourself eagerly working from one chapter to the next. The recordings that Ben makes for his wife are so tender and revealing. By the time I got to the ending, I was totally emotionally involved in this book. The last of this book just grabs your heart-- don’t be foolish enough to skip any part of the book and look at the ending!! I found the style of this book very different from the author’s other books, but it reveals itself as just a new layer of this author’s wordcraft skill. Mr. Martin’s books are among the very few that I keep on my bookshelf (trade most away) and this book is one that will be placed prominently among the keepers.
I just finished “The Mountain Between Us” and it was a very powerful story about the will to survive and about Love. I really loved this book.
When I saw you had a new book in the works, I pre-ordered it on Amazon--got it yesterday and read the whole book today! I could not put it down! What an incredible talent you have for making the characters jump off the page. Can’t wait for more to come!
Just was at my book club last evening and we are reading “The Mountain...” as I just finished reading it and it is my favorite book of your’s yet. I could not put it down. My boyfriend, who is a non-reader, could not believe how often i picked it up, “just to read a few pages”. I lovedit, loved it, lovedit!!!
Great book Charles! I actually liked it better than River if you can believe that. I have reread the last chapter several times, thanks so much for a good clean book!
Just finished reading “The Mountain Between Us” and loved it! I couldn’t put it down - really liked the surprise ending! I will pass this book on to family members who love your books also.
I read a lot. Once I only read nonfiction, mostly military. Lately I’ve learned there is a lot of learning and enjoyment in a good novel. But, I’m picky. When I saw “The Mountain Between Us” on the book rack it caught my eye. I was not disappointed. I coundn’t put it down. Every time I thought things would go a certain way something new would happen. I felt I was there with them experiencing the cold and hunger. I wanted to finish the book to see how it would end, but after I finished I wanted more. The ending was a big supprise. Definitely one of the best books I’ve ever read.
I read Where the River Ends and could not put it down so recently when I saw your new novel on Barnes and Noble.com I could not wait to upload it to my nook. I just finished it and was sobbing at the end. I absolutely loved it and will now go back and read your previous novel. I read the book in one afternoon! Thanks for the great story.
“The Mountain Between Us” I opened the book to read a page or two before going to bed. Several hours later (and many tears) I finished it. The setting and the characters are so real I could feel the cold and I’m in Louisiana in the middle of June. Took it back to the library and the staff said “well” as they know how much I read. This is a book that “must” be read, especially those who have lost or in the process of losing hope. My greatest wish would be a followup to this story.
If you read any of Charles Martins books let it be this one “ The Mountain Between Us”. This has been by far my favorite. Don’t get me wrong I have really enjoyed the others, but this book just gave a different range of emotions. Maybe it was the ending or maybe the setting, I’m not sure. It was an amazing story and I guess for me the most satisfying ending. I don’t always need a happily ever after ( cause life isn’t like that ). But it really is refreshing to read a book with a hopeful ending. And I guess that’s really what I want from a writer, to give me a real story with real hope. I thank you Mr. Martin for such a complete and thoughtful book!
This is the first book by this author that I have read. It is really a little outside my normal reading ( I love John Sandford, Stephen King, Greg Iles, etc) but I just loved this book. I cannot wait to go to your backlist and try to find some of your earlier work.
I loved this book. Not a surprise. It also has me rereading your other books (I have read all of them at least once). There are entire sections that are stories in themselves and I quote them liberally. No one provides such a complete character study. Thank you
Mountain is your first book that I had read. And I LOVED it. It was one of those, I can’t put it down books. It was portrayed such powerful emotions about love. I think this is one of my favorite books.
“The Mountain Between Us” is another beautifully written piece of Charles Martin artwork. I have never before been a fan of any one author, but I definitely am now (and have been for years with Martin). I stayed up till 2 am to finish this one and woke up wondering how the characters in the story were doing today. That is the sign of a true book. The tears too...rare for me, but another sign!
Loved it. Loved them all. I’m rarely surprised at the end of a book, but you surprised me!
Just finished Mountain.....wow.....my famiy was lucky to have dinner tonight! I started it late last night, read a few chapters and then finished it this afternoon....good thing we were having left-overs...I couldn’t put it down. You are an incredible writer. I have read all your books and can’t wait for more! I also love how you always share a bit of your faith in your books....this one, it was at the very end and a great way to wrap it up! Keep them coming!!
I really enjoyed this book! My first of your books was “Wrapped in Rain”. After that, I gobbled up every other one that had been published at that time. The hardest book to read was “Where The River Ends”. I just love your writing style. You put your entire being in to your characters and their stories. I feel like I know them all and miss them when I’m done with a book. I also appreciate the subtle way you integrate your faith into your stories. I rarely deem a book worthy of being owned. I own all of your books because I know that I could pass them down to my children and know that they won’t be reading something I have to censor. Thank you for that. Thank you for sharing with us. I SO look forward to your next book!
I just finished reading “The Mountain Between Us”, after reading “Where the River Ends” and they both were AWESOME! I was a little worried I wouldn’t like this one as much as I didn’t really know where it was taking me. For me it was lacking something in the middle, so it kinda dragged, but then the end tied it all together and made me put everything into prespective! What a wonderful writer you are...this book didn’t disappoint. Can’t wait to read the others!
I started reading your books with “The Mountain Between Us.” I absolutely fell in love with the way you write, how your characters come through in your wiriting. It’s as if they become people I truly know! I am a teacher on summer vacation and am making my way through your books on my Kindle. Your attention to detail is amazing along with the way you integrate faith into your stories. I plan to read sections of your writing to my students as examples of how they can write details into their stories. Thank you for your work. I look forward to reading many more books :)