A husband and wife writing team is pretty unusual.  How does that work?

We worked out the story, characters, and scenes together.  It isn’t really practical to split the actual writing – it needs to be done by one person.  In our case, that person is Paul.  He takes a particular scene or chapter and writes it up, then we discuss and edit the result.  It helps that we get along.  It helps even more that Jean has the patience of a saint…

The book opens and closes with what look like quotes from somebody?  What’s up with that?

Jane Austen fans know.  Austen’s most famous novel, Pride and Prejudice, opens with “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.”  We have modified this to match our theme.  Similarly, our closing quote is also a modified version of the one from Pride and Prejudice.  Thus, they are not quotes, per-se, but pseudo-quotes.  A tip of the hat to our dearest Jane.

Can you explain Ray’s behavior at the wedding? Why did Ray ask Shelly to dance?  Is he aware of her budding relationship with Alan?  Is this a direct challenge – “him or me”?

I don’t think so.  Recall that Ray was not present when Shelly was flirting with Alan.  Even if Ray had noticed Shelly and Alan’s growing friendship in lessons, it is unlikely that Ray would take Alan seriously as a rival.  The thought would probably never cross his mind.  I think it’s more likely that, being Ray, he is acting on the impulse of the moment.  The romantic atmosphere of the wedding, combined with the exhilaration of his triumphant video tribute, leave Ray in an ebullient mood.  He “feels” rather than decides that the moment is right for such a gesture.  Unfortunately for him, for once his instincts are dead wrong…

So what really happened with Alan and Allyssa Saturday night at Silver State?  Did Alan get lucky, or not?

We’re not really sure.  We don’t know Allyssa well enough to ask her such a personal question, and Alan isn’t talking.  So you’ll just have to decide for yourself…

Where did you get the idea for a potluck round dance wedding?

We attended one!  Actually, it was a square-and-round-dance wedding, but the bride and groom really did invite the whole local dance community, and people really did bring potluck side dishes (the bride and groom provided a BBQ main course).  It was one of the most enjoyable weddings we’ve ever attended!  It occurred to us at the time that part of the wonderful atmosphere was due to the guests feeling so much a part of the event (people brought dishes, helped with setup and cleanup, etc).  When we needed a wedding scene, we immediately thought of this.  Maria loved the idea!

Where can I see a video of The Bicycle Waltz?

It’s up!  Just click the “Videos” tab.