The Story Behind SWEET TEA a Novel

When I first dabbled with the idea of writing SWEET TEA, I intended to write a memoir. However, after jotting down notes, I realized I was still too close to the story to share it without becoming emotional. Not only that, but most of my life, I kept my mother’s illness a secret.  Mental illness still wasn't widely accepted, and I feared judgment by association. Of course, my mother didn’t

choose to have schizophrenia or bipolar (schizoaffective disorder). However, some of the outlandish behaviors that resulted from her illness were often embarrassing and painful for me as a teenager, and I didn’t think others would understand this.   

In any event, I chose to fictionalize the book. I sent it as far away from me as I could get it. At that point in time, I hadn’t been to many places outside of New Jersey, and a friend of mine had just moved to Georgia. So that’s where my “fictional family” would live. The decision made it easier for me to tell “Olivia’s story.” It also allowed me the freedom to be creative. Writing fiction is my passion. Creating characters, I wish I’d had in my life, made the story fun instead of grueling.

Though I included some truthful accounts in my life, reviving them along the southern landscape with a new cast of characters offered me the freedom to tell the story that I felt was best for everyone. It's been almost twenty years since I wrote the first draft of SWEET TEA. There is a greater acceptance and understanding of mental illness. There are wonderful organizations and services available to help those afflicted as well as family members hurting in the wings.

However, there are still many who have no idea what’s going on in their family—especially children. Mental Illness is not always easy to detect. I wrote this book to share a true story while entertaining readers. I believe the combination would enlighten those who have no idea what may go on behind a family's closed doors . . . the good, bad, and even the funny.