Sherri Rosen: Stephanie, what was your inspiration for the story?

Stephanie Woodman: In 1996, I had the profound experience of scuba diving in Truk Lagoon—now called Chuuk, in Micronesia. It was a significant Japanese naval base during WWII, often referred to as Japan’s Pearl Harbor. I was initially unaware of its historical weight, but on my first dive, as I swam through a torpedo hole into what had once been an engine room, it hit me that I was exploring a tomb. One night, the captain of our dive ship played a newsreel of the raid on Truk, which deeply affected all of us on board. What struck me was the surreal nature of it all: we were from countries that had been at war decades earlier, yet here we were, united in a strange way, exploring the aftermath. This experience, along with a haunting tale I heard about a retired pilot who died while diving on the ship he had once sunk, inspired me to tell the story in my own way.

Sherri Rosen: That sounds incredibly intense. How realistic is your book?

Stephanie Woodman: The historical elements are as accurate as I could make them. That aspect was crucial to me. I included a bibliography for readers who want to dive deeper into the real events. However, I did take some creative liberties with one event, which I explained in the Historical Notes section. I also had the privilege of interviewing a WWII fighter pilot, and while he didn’t fight in Truk, he shared invaluable insights that helped shape my narrative. The challenge was weaving together different historical events and characters to create a seamless, authentic story.

Sherri Rosen: Your book falls into the category of historical fiction. Are any of the characters based on real people?

Stephanie Woodman: Only one—Sarah. She’s based on me. Writing her allowed me to explore the same questions and confusion I felt during my time there. There’s a sunrise scene between the main character, Nick, and Sarah, which mirrors an actual moment I experienced. The rest of the characters are fictional, but they carry pieces of people I’ve known throughout my life.

Sherri Rosen: Did you know your characters from the start, or did they develop as you wrote?

Stephanie Woodman: They definitely developed as I wrote. It was an incredible discovery process. The characters started to feel like friends I was getting to know, and as the story unfolded, they revealed themselves to me. It was such a rewarding journey.

Sherri Rosen: What parts of writing the book did you find fascinating, exhausting, or frustrating?

Stephanie Woodman: Writing this book was fascinating because, at times, it felt like I wasn’t in control—ideas emerged that I hadn’t previously considered. But it was also deeply exhausting on a personal level. Many parts were cathartic; I relived the deaths of my parents and confronted some of my own emotional walls. Writing the ending helped me resolve questions that had lingered for years. As for the frustrating part, that came from trying to put into words the raw emotions and visceral scenes. I’m a reader who skips unnecessary descriptions, so finding that balance took a lot of effort.

Sherri Rosen: What is the ultimate goal of your book?

Stephanie Woodman: My book evolved into an exploration of perspectives—how they change over time, and how they can fester when left unchallenged, creating internal damage. I wanted to explore how perspectives evolve with life experience, and how true transformation often comes through forgiveness, whether of others or oneself. While the story is rooted in historical events, the themes of perspective and forgiveness are universal.

Sherri Rosen: How do you deal with negative reviews?

Stephanie Woodman: I look for constructive criticism. If a review is well thought out, I use it to improve. But if it’s just filled with empty phrases or clearly not meant for me, I let it go. I understand that not every book is for every reader.

Sherri Rosen: Why did you become a writer?

Stephanie Woodman: Writing found me. This story haunted me for 24 years, and I felt compelled to tell it. Through writing, I discovered a new world that had always been there but buried beneath insecurities. I now realize I have stories to tell, history to highlight, especially in a time where our world is so polarized and angry. Writing has given me a voice, and I’m determined to use it.

Sherri Rosen: What advice would you give to a new author trying to publish their first book?

Stephanie Woodman: First, see yourself as an author—own it, because no one else will believe it until you do. Know that not everyone will love your work, and that’s okay. And understand that publishing is either a hobby or a business; there’s no middle ground. Choose which path aligns with your heart, and if you choose the business route, take it one step at a time and enjoy the journey.

Sherri Rosen: How do you define success as an author?

Stephanie Woodman: Success, for me, is when my words touch someone’s life—when my story resonates on a personal level with a reader. That’s the most meaningful achievement I can imagine, more than sales or accolades. When my writing makes a real impact, that’s when I know I’ve succeeded.