In a heartfelt reflection, author Courtney Maum has shared how the process of writing her father’s obituary led her to realise the profound influence he had on her latest novel, “Alan Opts Out”. Set against the backdrop of Blue Ridge, Georgia, Maum found herself contemplating her father’s legacy while reminiscing with her half-siblings and listening to his favourite country music.
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Sitting at a long wooden table on a screened-in porch, the moment became even more poignant with the arrival of a particular song by Justin Moore, “Time’s Ticking”. The lyrics, which encourage creating meaningful memories over pursuing wealth, sparked a revelation in Maum about how to honour her father in her writing.
Growing up in the 1980s, Maum describes a father whose professional life at Salomon Brothers during the whirlwind of Wall Street was marked by ambition and charisma. The aroma of his Polo Ralph Lauren cologne lingered far more than his presence in their Connecticut home. In her childhood, attaining his attention meant adapting her interests to reflect the sporty, outdoor lifestyle he enjoyed, spending weekends supporting his tennis matches or embarking on adventures with friends.
Despite a certain longing for a deeper connection, Maum found admiration in her father’s energy and popularity. His drive instilled in her the ambition to pursue her own dreams, ultimately leading her to relocate to France right after graduating from college, where she aimed to start a life in translation while working on a novel she hoped to publish.
As the years passed and Maum settled into her life in Paris, an evolution was also underway for her father. With the arrival of three young children, he began to shift away from the high-octane lifestyle he once led, embracing a simpler existence filled with family time and domestic joys. The man who once donned pressed slacks traded them for comfortable denim, favouring local coffee runs and family dinners over the hustle of his past.
Though initially perplexed by this change in her father, Maum found gratitude in the transformation brought about by her half-siblings. The earlier version of her father had served as a source of inspiration for her work ethic. Now, the new, more present version encouraged her to cherish moments with loved ones and take life at a less hectic pace.
Reflecting on this transformation, Maum had attributed the inspiration for her character Alan Anderson to the overarching changes she witnessed in her own life during the pandemic. However, it was during that poignant day on the porch in Blue Ridge that she fully recognised her father as the model for Alan. Her novel tackles themes of family, proximity, and societal expectations, as Alan grapples with shifting priorities and the challenge of rebuilding relationships.
Tragically, Maum’s father passed away just a month before “Alan Opts Out” was published. Their final exchanges were filled with warmth and humour, as they discussed dishes they would share during her visit for the book tour. Maum had intended to give him an audiobook version of her novel, ensuring he could enjoy her words during his coffee runs, but she would not have the opportunity to see his reaction.
Despite this bittersweet circumstance, Maum is determined to highlight the connection between her father and the character Robert in her book. As she plans events to promote the novel, her half-siblings will join her in celebration and remembrance, keeping his spirit alive.
Looking ahead, Maum envisions a gathering where they will indulge in her father’s favourite meals and music, honouring his memory in a heartfelt reunion. “Alan Opts Out” is now available for readers, allowing them to contemplate the very same themes of family and personal transformation that shaped Maum’s experience and her father’s legacy.
As family and friends prepare to share stories and notes over meals reminiscent of her father’s joy, his lessons on prioritising meaningful relationships over material pursuits will resonate strongly in Maum’s life and work.