By: Dennis Kelle
Caroline Taylor is a well-known mystery writer, but her new book, Tough Love, is a brave move into mainstream fiction. The book deals with family problems, loss, and overcoming tough times. It was based on the author’s own life and was inspired by her husband’s life-threatening medical crisis. In this interview, Taylor talks about what inspires her writing, how hard it was to write something that wasn’t a mystery, and how she came up with the idea for Tough Love.
When Taylor thinks about where the idea for Tough Love came from, she shares a very personal one: a scary medical emergency that made her think about death and the future. “Those thoughts—how would a widower who had lost her husband get through life?—inspired my first attempt at mainstream fiction,” she says. Even though her husband lived, the experience showed how fragile life is and set the stage for an emotionally rich story.
The book Tough Love dives into issues of loss, economic instability, and family struggles—themes that resonate deeply with readers. Taylor’s life experiences lend authenticity to the story. “Someone once told me that people nowadays think death is optional. I’ve learned it isn’t true,” she reflects. “We also tend to believe that the good life we’ve worked hard to build is immune to unforeseen disruptions.” These perspectives shape the novel, offering readers a raw, truthful look at life’s unpredictability.
The protagonist, Lilac, is a compelling portrait of human complexity. Struggling with loneliness, grief, and self-doubt, Lilac faces challenges that test her resilience. Taylor describes her character as “lonely, grieving, judgmental, and, to her way of thinking, cowardly.” From an estranged half-sister with a troubled child to an attraction to her married neighbor, Lilac’s journey centers on personal growth and tough decisions. The layered relationships and moral struggles make Tough Love a nuanced exploration of character and choice.
For Taylor, transitioning from mystery to mainstream fiction presented a unique set of challenges. “In mysteries, the protagonist confronts the antagonist after a search for the truth that involves many roadblocks and scary scenes,” she explains. “But the tangle of relationships in Tough Love posed an entirely different challenge.” Without the framework of solving a crime, Taylor focused on Lilac’s transformation, weaving complex family dynamics, personal boundaries, and emotional vulnerability into the narrative.
Taylor’s background in the Foreign Service has influenced her storytelling, providing insights into different cultures and perspectives. “There’s a big, wide world out there where people live vastly different lives and hold widely different worldviews,” she notes. This broader understanding of human experience informs her characters, adding depth and nuance to their interactions.
When asked about her hopes for Tough Love‘s impact, Taylor’s response is both straightforward and profound: “Treasure your loved ones. Surround yourself with people who matter to you. When things don’t work out as you hope, that’s life. Don’t be too quick to judge others when you don’t know all the facts.” These themes—compassion, resilience, and acceptance—form the novel’s heart, offering a poignant reminder of life’s fragility and the strength found in human connections.
Among the novel’s standout characters, Taylor particularly enjoyed writing Mavis Hennessy and Grover Somerset. “Mavis has some valuable insights that help Lilac see her situation from a different perspective,” she says. These secondary characters play crucial roles in Lilac’s journey, supporting her growth and adding richness to the narrative. Taylor particularly enjoyed crafting the dance scenes between Mavis and Grover, which she describes as “a fun way to show Lilac’s leap into the unknown.” These moments show how new experiences and friendships can lead to personal growth.
Taylor identifies herself as a “pantser”—a writer who allows the story to unfold naturally rather than adhering to a rigid outline. “I have tried to plot my novels in advance, but they wind up looking hackneyed and derivative,” she admits. Taylor ensures an organic and authentic storytelling process by letting her characters guide her.
As for what’s next, Taylor hints at a continued exploration of mainstream fiction while staying true to her roots in mystery. With three mystery-thrillers currently in development, she remains committed to engaging readers across genres. “I’m eager to see how readers respond to Tough Love before embarking on another mainstream project,” she says.
Taylor’s leap from mystery to mainstream fiction with Tough Love showcases her courage and versatility as a storyteller. The novel touches on themes of family, love, and resilience, offering a narrative that reflects the complexities of real life. Tough Love explores life’s challenges and the role of human connection.
You may download Tough Love on Amazon!
Published by Zane L.
