Interview with the Author, Sarah Tregay:
1. What are 5 fun facts about yourself?
I grew up in Buffalo, New York, home of the chicken wing.
I own an Appaloosa named Mr. Pots. He lives in my backyard and mows the grass.
I collect plastic horses, also known as Breyers, and I resculpt and paint them.
I was a reluctant cheerleader for one season of high school basketball. I have no rhythm.
I moved to San Diego after I graduated from college and experienced my first winter without snow.
2. What is the best thing about being an author?
Being an author has given me opportunities to meet people I may not have met otherwise—from readers to librarians to other authors—and we have a connection, loving to read or write.
3. If you were writing a book about your life, what would the title be?
Oh, this is a hard one. I’m so bad at titles I’m hoping my publisher will name my next book.
4. What was your favorite book as a teenager?
HOMECOMING by Cynthia Voigt was one of my favorites.
5. What do you prefer to do in your free time when you are not writing?
I enjoy riding my horse, gardening, and playing ball with my Boston Terriers. I collect model horses and paint them with pastels. I dabble in illustration.
6. Did you always know you were going to be a writer? If not what did you want to be when you were growing up?
I started writing novels in fifth grade when I imagined that I had already read all of the good books in the library. But I didn’t pursue becoming an author for two reasons. First, my stories were intensely private. I let friends read them, but I didn’t want them published. Second, my mother was an artist and I understood how hard it could be to make a living in the arts.
When it came time to choose a major in college, I chose graphic design—a creative field where you can earn a living—but I didn’t give up my love for writing, I just write in the evenings and on weekends.
7. What advice would you give to aspiring writers? Any tips?
Writing isn’t easy, and it’s never perfect the first time. So don’t give up. Keep writing. Do read other books and stories like yours to see how it’s done. If you have a chance to learn more about writing, grab it! I’ve learned tons from conferences, workshops, and talking to other writers.
I think this tip works for both types of writers, meaning those who outline and those who “write by the seat of their pants,” but I am a complete “pantster” so I’m not one hundred percent sure.
Since most stories take place over time, make use of a calendar. (It can be a paper one or a software version.) Write down what happens to your character on Monday in the Monday box, then the same for Tuesday, etc. Pretty soon you’ll have a summary of your story. And if you need plot points A, B, and C to happen before the homecoming game on Friday, you can plan ahead before you write.
This technique is good for catching mistakes, too. For example, you don’t want your story to have two Thursdays in the same week.
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