Today I’m happy to welcome Sarah Ockler to my blog, to answer a few questions about her recently released debut novel Twenty Boy Summer.
Q: Tell us about a scene or character from your novel that was especially easy (or especially difficult) to write.
A: Frankie Perino, the main character’s best friend in Twenty Boy Summer, was the most challenging character to write. I knew that a lot of readers wouldn’t connect with or even like Frankie, because on the surface, she’s very shallow, materialistic, and bossy. But underneath all of her masks is a grieving, devastated girl who lost her brother only a year earlier and who is still struggling to be herself in the shadow of the family tragedy. I felt sad for her, knowing that I was creating someone with whom many readers wouldn’t empathize, but I had to write her honestly. It was a huge but rewarding challenge for me.
Q: What is your favorite (or one of your favorite) myths or fairy-tales, and why? Or alternately, what fairy-tale or myth do you dislike, and why?
A: I’m not sure if it’s considered a myth or fairy tale, but I love The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien. I’m amazed at how Tolkien created an entire world, complete with its own rich history and mythology. Reading the trilogy, I’m transported to another time and place, as if all of these people and creatures and realms existed before us or alongside us in another world. The story itself builds on the traditional hero’s quest, but the characters and setting are so detailed and layered that I always get carried away in the story. I love books that do that!
Q: What has been the most exciting part of selling your book(s) and getting published so far?
A: Hearing from readers! Yes, seeing the book on the shelves has been incredibly surreal and exciting, but when I hear from a reader who really connected with the characters and struggles in Twenty Boy Summer, it’s like a reminder from the universe about why I’m writing books for teens. I mean, not that I need a reminder, because I *love* writing YA, but it’s a great feeling to know that even just one reader was touched by my book enough to send me an email or Facebook message. 
About Twenty Boy Summer
While on vacation in California, sixteen-year-old best girlfriends Anna and Frankie conspire to find a boy for Anna’s first summer romance, but Anna harbors a painful secret that threatens their lighthearted plan and their friendship.
TWENTY BOY SUMMER is a debut YA novel that explores what it truly means to love someone, what it means to grieve, and ultimately, how to make the most of every single moment this world has to offer.
About Sarah Ockler
Sarah Ockler wrote and illustrated her first book at age six—an adaptation of Steven Spielberg’s E.T. Still recovering from her own adolescence, Sarah now writes for young adults. After several years of wandering between New York City and Denver, she and her husband Alex now live in Upstate New York with lots of books and an ever-expanding collection of sea glass. Twenty Boy Summer is Sarah’s first novel.
Learn more about Sarah at her website.
Twenty Boy Summer is available now! I encourage you to shop at your local independent bookstore!
Tags: debs blog tour
