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QUESTIONS FROM READERS

John Hart answers readers' questions about the symbolism behind the title of his latest novel, DOWN RIVER, the release date of his next book and the possibility of a sequel.

Ray from Selden, NY: Aside from the obvious geographical meaning, what does the title DOWN RIVER represent to you?

John Hart: I like the theme of currents in literature, the idea that even the strongest character can be swept helplessly along if the current has sufficient power. There are so many places to which one can be carried: dark places, unexpected ones, dangerous or illuminating ones. It is completely beyond one's power to control, if the current is that strong. And strong currents make for good stories. Standing on the banks, so to speak, all that one can do is watch, feel for the swimmer and maybe hope for a lull. As a reader, you can put in a toe, maybe get pulled in and swept along yourself.

Ray from Selden, NY: Will you re-visit these characters again in another novel? I still feel there is more of a story to be told there.

John Hart: Honestly, I just can't say. I just write the story that I need to write. Rarely are those stories pre-conceived before I fire up the laptop. I feel a character and start to write. The process is ridiculously organic. That being said, I like these people and can imagine a time when I might want to revisit them. Book three, however, does not involve them.

Cathy from Aldan, PA: When can we expect the next book?

John Hart: I am more than halfway through book three, currently entitled LIGHTNING FALLS (which is always subject to change...). Its protagonist is a 13-year-old boy whose twin sister was abducted a year ago. The story focuses not just on the quest to bring the missing girl home, but also on what that loss has done to this young boy and to his remaining family. So far, it's shaping up to be the best work I've done (but that, too, is subject to change --- after all, I still have a long way to go to bring the story home). Conceivably, the book could come out next fall, but may actually be delayed until the early months of 2009.

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