Isle of Palms Magazine Summer 2017

10 www.IsleOfPalmsMagazine.com | www.ILoveIOP.com | www.IOPmag.com into the character development and plot of her novels. She draws paral- lels between what is happening in her personal life and the environment and is able to address environmental issues through her books. “I’m part of what I’m writing about, which is why it’s so heartfelt,” she said. She has also introduced legions of readers to the area, making them more connected to coastal concerns. Monroe said modestly, “I hope when people read my books, they are able to share my love of the Isle of Palms.” In “Beach House For Rent,” Monroe deals with emotional topics such as grief, anxiety and the importance of getting outdoors. The book is about an older woman and a younger woman who find themselves living in the same house after unexpected circumstances. “It’s the story of two women who have nothing in com- mon and how they support each other,” Monroe described. The younger character, Heather, is meant to represent a lot of people today who don’t feel comfortable with the outdoors, said Monroe. “There’s a discontent today between people and the wild,” she said. “There are a number of reasons why people shut them- selves up,” she explained. “For all of us, there’s that glass – what is keeping me from going outside?” The book poses this ageless question but also shows the benefit of being outdoors. “Once we get outside in the sun, we start to improve; we start to feel bet- ter.” That’s that’s the message she hopes will resonate with readers. Monroe also highlights the declining popula- tion of migratory shorebirds, which most beach-goers count on seeing and often take for granted, such as pelicans, peeps and seagulls. Monroe wants people to understand that for many birds, this area is an important way station on a longer journey, a place for food and rest. She said letting dogs loose on the beach to chase them can be harmful to the birds. An easy solution, as Monroe sees it, would be to keep pets on a leash. “I’m hoping people will be more aware of how their pets’ or childrens’ behavior can impact shorebirds – especially having them chase birds or run through a group of migratory birds, for example, on Breach Inlet,” she said. While the author aims to educate her readers about the situation facing a variety of coastal wildlife – from birds to dolphins – she admitted that her favorite animals are sea turtles, which were featured prominently in “The Beach House.” She remains active among teams that patrol the beach to mark the nests and protect their eggs. She is also very involved with the South Carolina Aquarium as a board member and advocate for the Aquarium’s new turtle hospital. “I’m so proud to be a member of this team on Isle of Palms and of all the volunteers who have worked to sup- port the turtle hospital and the Aquarium,” she said.