Protocals in a book about 1850. So it allowed me to have that play with time. And to put different historical events in conversation with each other. So, it never occurred to me to play it straight. If i played it straight it would be totally different book and not as interesting to me as a writer. Thank you. Your book was very powerful. My question is did you know when you started writing the book how the end, particularly her mother was going to happen . Sure. There is a linear story of the book that is cora. There are short buy graph call sections mable, caesar, ridgeway the slave catcher. You do women really well. And i guess, i have a structure in different states, definitely plotted out. Seems like characters were auditioning for their biographical sections, so i would bring out who we get after the North Carolina section should martin or ethel get their section . Ethel got it. Figure out where to move, different sections around. So about 2 3 of the way through, i decided i would