This moment in Salzburg that changed me.

In 2011 I stood on a cobblestone street in Salzburg, Austria and a little old nun crossed my path, something moved through me that I can only describe as someone walking across my grave. I took her picture even though I didn’t know why. And then I stood on the train station platform leaving Salzburg and I sobbed. It was an ugly cry that came from somewhere I didn’t expect. I couldn’t explain it except to say that I knew in my bones that Salzburg wasn’t done with me yet.

I know why now.

The children’s mama, Captain von Trapp’s first love, is named Agatha von Linden in my novel. She is the woman history forgot. And her story chose me. That is the only way I can explain it.