Changes

ML: It is true that in ''Landslide'' Jill experiences unimaginable heartbreak - landslides altering Jill’s life again and again. While writing Jill’s reactions to such tragedy, I discovered Jill’s persistent optimism. Because of this optimism, I have never felt guilty about challenging Jill so aggressively. Instead, by moving Jill through the hardship, I have seen Jill discover her resilience. I have also seen Jill realize that sometimes death opens paths as wondrous as those found in life.

ML: I wrote about Jill’s childhood because I wanted to understand how early hardship reverberates throughout one’s life. I felt that alternating between Jill’s childhood and adult life helped to keep the plot dynamic.