BF: You were inspired to write Janeology, in part, by several cases of mothers murdering their own children in Texas. Have you been contacted by anyone associated with any of these women? Did you contact any of the women or their families or representatives for insight into what it has been like for them?
KH: It's important to note that this book is not based on any one case. Rather, it's a compilation of things I've read, interpreted and then illustrated with this fictional story. But the grim headlines about mothers who kill – two of which occurred within a short distance from my own home – compelled me to ask the original question: what would make a mother take the life of her own child. I wrote this book, in part, because it seems to me that this is a recurring issue in American society today. And because of that unfortunate fact, there were so many resources I had available for research. The book Mothers Who Kill Their Children by Cheryl L. Meyer and Michelle Oberman is a profound, richly researched book about understanding the acts and events leading up to filicide, whether the issues were mental or socio-economic. And Suzanne O'Malley's provocative treatment on the Andrea Yates case, Are You There Alone? is a book that sheds insight into the particular case that has transfixed so many of us in Texas. It’s another story that you cannot help but weep for everyone involved.
BF: How much did the story stay with you as you were writing it? Were you able to simply walk away from it when you were tending to your own children?
KH: That’s an interesting question. I actually was thinking more about my own mother, wanting to ask her questions, as I was developing the story. She died shortly before my first daughter was born. I had so many questions for her about mothering, how she had coped and so on. I think it’s only when we become mothers that we understand our own mothers. That’s what stayed with me the most throughout.
BF: Have you approached, or been approached by, any advocacy groups that aim to help women with post-partum depression or who have these urges to take their childrens' lives?
KH: In a way, yes, I have approached other organizations. This is chiefly due to the power of research and the way one thought begets another. As I was asking myself key questions about how one can help new mothers in need, I found many resources. Chiefly, crisis nurseries, which are emerging throughout the U.S. While these nurseries aren't designed to meet the needs of 'one' population, they are available to ANYONE who is at risk of abusing or neglecting their children. And also for anyone who is facing a crisis. The definition of crisis is made by the family, not the crisis center. And they are free of charge. These could aid the mom whose boyfriend just came in and stabbed her while her children watched. She’s in the hospital and has nobody to watch the kids. Or, maybe a woman’s husband just passed away and she has no childcare/help. To utilize these centers, families don’t necessarily need to be in a situation where they will harm their children, but can still get help if the family is facing a huge time of stress and help is needed. The thing about crisis nurseries is there are multiple models offering varying levels of care. What’s important to note is this: crisis nurseries are not everywhere and they are not federally funded. They were, a little, at one time, but not anymore. They typically run purely off community donations, which is why there are so many models – and sadly, why they open and close down just as quickly. So again, awareness is key right now. You might be able to be involved with one in your community, even in some small way.
Here’s a link to a list of all known centers nationwide. It is not comprehensive as this site is being updated all the time.
Link to link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html/ref=cm_plog_item_link?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wku.edu%2F%7Edarbi.haynes-lawrence%2Fcrisis%5Fnursery.htm&token=B488530B062FBCB1D47825377A54DB0C5F1F6332
The next valuable piece of information I’m supporting is the Mothers Act. This is a bill that’s before the U.S. Senate right now, to be voted on this April, that could provide some of the funding for more crisis nurseries – and support new mothers in need.
It’s called the Mom’s Opportunity To Access Help, Education, Research, and Support for Postpartum Depression (MOTHERS) Act. This act was inspired by the mother of Melanie Blocker Stokes, a 40-year-old woman who committed suicide after a long battle with post-partum depression.
Introduced by Senators Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Richard Durbin (D-IL)
Link to Senators: http://menendez.senate.gov/newsroom/record.cfm?id=257314
According to this bill, the MOTHERS Act will “ensure that new moms and their families are educated about postpartum depression, screened for symptoms, and provided with essential services. In addition, it will increase research into the causes, diagnoses and treatments for postpartum depression.”
BF: Janeology questions the power of nature-- of people being the way they are regardless of their experiences-- versus nurture-- that our environment makes us who we are. Do you come down on one side or the other of this debate?
KH: I believe nature and nurture are illuminated by each other. One's environment determines behavior. One's biology determines behavior. The two forces are inextricably bound together. The real question to ask, then, is not is it nature versus nurture, but rather, to what degree do the factors of nature and nurture influence behaviors? And how do those choices take form? If you come from a military family, for example, you could choose to be a soldier to serve your country while your brother might write a patriotic song for his country. No one could deny both are patriotic acts, but they are very different responses. What we could all agree on is that matters of family traits and dynamics are fascinating. And there is much to learn about the relationship between biology and environment. These are the themes behind JANEOLOGY that I find so powerful.
BF: What's next for you? Are you already at work on your second novel?
KH: I am working on a new novel. It’s a modern treatment on the Biblical prodigal son story.
BF: Thanks for stopping by my blogspot, Karen, and much success for you and Janeology!
KH: Thanks so much for hosting me, Beth. I can’t wait to read all about Courage in Patience in a few short months!
