Author and Producer Dete Meserve discusses her latest novel The Memory Collectors

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Stepping away from the fast-paced whirlwind of life, I find myself drawn into the captivating world of bestselling author and producer Dete Meserve with her latest novel, The Memory Collectors. In this enchanting narrative, she invites us to slow down, shift our perspective, and truly see the beauty in our everyday lives. With a delicate balance of raw emotion and intriguing mystery, this story challenges us to ponder if the simplest act of paying attention might be the most impactful way to make a difference in someone’s life.

Megan Meserve is primarily recognized for her contributions in the movie and television industry, having produced successful films for over two decades now. More recently, she has delved into children’s television, with productions like Apple TV+’s “Not a Box” and PBS’ “Weather Hunters.” Her knack for storytelling is vastly versatile, as evidenced by “The Memory Collectors,” her fifth fiction novel. This work follows her previous releases such as the Kate Bradley Mystery series: “Good Sam” (2014), “Perfectly Good Crime” (2016), “The Good Stranger” (2020), the standalone book “The Space Between” (2018), and the collection of essays titled “Random Acts of Kindness” (2019).

What led you to pursue a career as a multi-talented professional in both film/TV production and writing, with your debut novel marking your entry into the author world?

As a passionate cinephile, I view every medium as a unique canvas for narrative artistry. Each platform offers its own set of distinctive tools that allow us to tell stories in the most impactful way possible. For instance, novels provide me with the power to immerse readers into a character’s mind, sharing their thoughts, feelings, and perceptions of the world. However, when I’m working on television, I rely on different tools like lighting, music, and subtle actor movements to express emotions that words might not convey as effectively. Ultimately, they’re all just diverse forms of storytelling, and I find immense joy in exploring each one because at the core, it’s always about telling a compelling tale.

Since your novel is being made into a Netflix series, I imagine there’s been quite a bit of discussion about it. Even Al Roker has shared his thoughts. Can you tell us why you chose to write this novel with this specific group of characters as the ensemble?

Assistant: You asked an excellent question! Here’s how I might rephrase the original message in a more conversational tone:

“Wow, that’s a fantastic query. At the moment I was engrossed in writing a whole new book. I was really enthusiastic about it and completely absorbed in the process. Then I had this intense dream where I was chatting with my sister, just like in the story’s beginning. In the dream, she seemed different – happier, almost younger. So, I asked her how old she was again. Verbatim from the dream, she responded as if I should already know. Then it struck me: ‘It seems I’ve traveled back in time.’ Quite a peculiar concept for a dream, isn’t it?

In my dream, I unexpectedly heard someone call out, “Mommy.” Upon turning, I found my adult son, who seemed four years old in the dream. The scene was incredibly vivid, with details like the pink sunburn on his cheeks and the outfit he wore: worn-out Converse shoes, blue shorts, a white T-shirt. In his hand, he held a Transformer toy, just as he did when he was truly four. He looked at me and asked, “Could you help me change this?

Reflecting on that experience, its profound impact lingered with me. I jotted it down, and it left me pondering: Why do I find myself constantly revisiting this moment? What is it about it that evokes such deep emotions within me? It dawned on me that there was a significant meaning hidden there. Then, the thought struck me: If we truly could traverse our past, what would that look like?

That concept set off a whole new journey for me. Typically, time travel is believed to alter the future simply by one’s presence there. You’ve probably watched “Back to the Future” or read Stephen King’s time travel stories. I wondered, ‘What if that isn’t the case?’ Given my interest in science, as suggested in my profile, I began investigating theories of time travel. This is when I stumbled upon some recent ideas—specifically those related to quantum mechanics and a phenomenon known as “closed time loops.” These theories propose that if you journey into the past, you wouldn’t alter the future. In fact, you wouldn’t be able to change it. And I thought, ‘Wow. If this is true—if the future remains unchanged—then what’s the purpose of returning?’ The realization struck me: ‘The purpose isn’t to make changes. It’s about re-living, reconnecting, and re-experiencing.’

The concept struck me: If you were to revisit the past, it wouldn’t simply be reliving the same events. Instead, you’d alter your own future, a completely distinct entity. Revisiting the past might reveal details you overlooked initially or, with the benefit of present-day insight, prompt you to focus on aspects previously unnoticed. This is what I decided to explore in my writing. Consequently, I set aside the ongoing novel and started contemplating the memory collectors in this new world.

Were your thoughts focused on ensuring the story would be approachable for those who might find it daunting or challenging?

As a movie reviewer, I found myself deeply immersed in the creative mind of the director, mirroring their thoughts as they crafted these captivating narratives. The character of Elizabeth, who initiates the tale, resonated strongly with me; her story was, in many ways, a dream come to life for the filmmaker. However, they chose to add a heart-wrenching twist by taking away her son, a decision that proved challenging due to its deeply emotional nature.

The director personally grappled with this theme, as their own mother had lost a child at a young age. Revisiting this painful subject was undoubtedly an emotional journey for them. This introspection led to the development of Elizabeth’s narrative, and they pondered, ‘What makes us human?’ ‘What are the universal traits?’ The answer they found was multifaceted, with numerous elements contributing to our humanity.

The second story that emerged was that of Logan, a character who has lost the use of part of their body. This theme struck a chord with many, as we often define ourselves by our physical abilities. The director drew from personal experiences and those close to them, understanding the vital role our bodies play in shaping our identities. Many people they know have faced injuries, surgeries, or illnesses, underscoring the importance of our physical wellbeing as humans. This narrative allowed for an exploration of love beyond parental affection, offering a unique perspective on human connections.

The core theme is romantic affection. As a fellow traveler of deep, mutual love, Andy’s narrative struck a chord with me when he found himself in a situation where his beloved mysteriously vanished. Time and again, we grapple with such questions: ‘Did they vanish without a trace? What truly transpired?’ This ambiguity mirrored my own experiences all too well, and I pondered: That’s the tale I wish to spin.

For the fourth character, I was seeking a unique trait that didn’t mirror the others. The thought that emerged was: we all teeter on the edge of a mistake we could lament for eternity. In Brook’s situation, it’s not an over-the-top or dramatic error such as inadvertently stabbing someone with a knife. It’s something heartbreakingly commonplace. She’s driving along the highway, momentarily distracted… and strikes two pedestrians. I’ve come across numerous real-life accounts of precisely this kind of accident occurring.

How do you manage life after such an event, even if it leads to imprisonment? How can one evolve personally amidst the burden, and continue living in society? These are the types of narratives that resonate deeply with me. They deal with universal emotions, experiences that most people have had or can relate to: near misses, falling in love, or having a crush and wondering if it’s reciprocated. To me, these characters seemed to yearn for things we all aspire to have.

Do you see this book as a way to speak to more emotionally intelligent readers?

DM: I prefer not to categorize myself strictly as a romance writer or a mystery writer, as some people might find that comfortable. Instead, I like to incorporate elements of mystery, thriller, and even sci-fi into my work. I want to avoid giving readers a shock with unexpected concepts like alternate timelines or other elements that sometimes confuse even me, such as “Wait, is this an alternate universe?”. My goal is to blend these different genres because I believe that when it comes to storytelling, readers are not looking for just one type of story. Just as we don’t only want mashed potatoes for dinner, but a complete meal with emotional intensity and the elements you mentioned, my stories offer a well-rounded experience that encompasses various genres. I believe this approach makes the world feel more realistic and comprehensive because it’s not just one thing.

In simpler terms, you worked on a project called “Random Acts of Kindness”. This series has a positive impact on society. I’m curious, what makes people want to be part of this experience in the way that “The Memory Collectors” intend to?

In response to your query,

I was using Random Acts of Kindness as a platform to demonstrate that kindness can be found in any setting – big cities, small towns, rural areas, or even among 100-year-olds and nine-year-old boys. My goal was to emphasize that anyone can do it, and the impact can be substantial. The collection of stories served as evidence for this notion.

The other main aspect was to show how the giver is transformed by their act of kindness. We constantly asked people about their experiences post-kindness, and they consistently shared that giving more than they receive is a common outcome. Stories like The Memory Collectors or even my first novel, Good Sam, were designed to subtly convey this idea. The author’s technique, also known as the author’s tool, was to embed this concept in the reader’s mind.

The narrative in “The Memory Collectors” subtly conveys a concept, leaving both characters and readers to arrive at their own understanding. To put it another way, if you were to ask me to pinpoint that idea within the book, I’d say it’s delicately woven throughout its pages. Each character contributes to this idea in their unique manner, much like how a piece of music is performed differently by various musicians. At heart, the story encourages introspection, making you ponder your current life, acknowledging that someday, today will become a memory. How can you maximize this moment? What potential opportunities does the present offer, and could adjusting your perspective significantly alter your life’s trajectory?

In my novel, The Memory Collectors, I aim to convey the idea that one should live in a way that consciously gathers meaningful moments for future reflection. Essentially, this means pondering what is significant to you at present and what might hold importance in the future. By being mindful, we can better appreciate our current experiences and perhaps live more fully in the present moment. In essence, stories have the power to subtly influence our thoughts and feelings, mirroring our own experiences and potentially guiding us towards a richer life experience.

Of course, “Given that I have the opportunity, what is one memory from your past that you would love to revisit? I’m really curious to know!

DM: I’ve often found myself contemplating what I would return to if given the chance, trying to detach myself as the author from the characters. The most appealing choice for me would be going back an hour when everyone I’ve lost is still alive. Sadly, my parents and grandparents, some aunts, uncles, and friends are no longer with me. My wedding is one event where they were all present, although I wouldn’t want to revisit the ceremony itself, but the reception, yes. There, I would listen more attentively, be less concerned about my appearance or the food, and cherish every moment with my loved ones who are now gone. I would especially focus on my mother, listening to her, embracing her presence, and expressing my love for her in a way I did then but was too distracted to do so. This is an immediate answer, but I also wanted to give you insight into where my thoughts have been lately.

Initially, I considered reminiscing about a pleasant memory, but then I found myself recalling a turbulent incident instead – one from my days when I had three energetic kids under my care. Although they’ve grown up somewhat, with the eldest in college, I couldn’t help but think back to a time at the supermarket when all three were with me. The eldest, then in middle school, was reluctant and grumbling, while my eight-year-old ran wild around the aisles, causing disarray, and loudly protesting that his brother was bothering him. To top it off, our one-year-old was howling because she wanted a balloon that I refused to give her. That chaotic scene remains etched in my memory. In the midst of it all, I remember feeling overwhelmed, thinking ‘I’m a terrible parent. I can’t handle this. I won’t survive.’ I was utterly exhausted.

Reflecting on the present moment with my current understanding, I’d find myself amazed: ‘Look how small they were then! Hear their soft whispers. Notice how, amidst the turmoil, their struggles seemed so manageable for me, as their mother, to guide them through it.’

In this highly technological era, it seems challenging not to keep moving forward. It’s wonderful to observe that your book initiates such a meaningful dialogue.

User: Your kind words are truly valued. Pausing to appreciate the beauty around us is indeed essential, and every moment offers potential. Sometimes, I ponder, what will my future self look back on fondly from this very instant? It’s worth cherishing these moments deeply, like our time together now. In five years, I might reminisce, ‘I met Tiara when…’ Such moments deserve to be recognized for their significance and impact. They help shape us into more grateful and forward-looking individuals, understanding what truly matters in life.

It seems to me that we all harbor numerous desires within us. In essence, time travel could be seen as an avenue to delve into these deepest yearnings. It offers a unique opportunity to explore what truly matters to us. Even visualizing such instances can prove incredibly advantageous for our mental, emotional, and even physical well-being. Pondering over why you’d wish to revisit kindergarten or relive specific moments from your past can help you gain insights about yourself and the person you are today. Such introspection is precious. At one point, sentimentality was viewed as a vulnerability; however, recent studies suggest that reminiscing with purpose, looking back meaningfully, can actually benefit us positively. Therefore, this moment appears ripe for a tale like this.

You can purchase The Memory Collectors anywhere books are sold!

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2025-07-01 00:15