So great to be invited back on the popular podcast, Moms Don’t Have Time to Read Books with Zibby Owens! This was a particularly fun one, as Zibby’s two kids (and Emmie & Friends fans) took charge of the interview. They asked great questions and were a total blast. I hope you’ll check it out. Here’s the synapsis:
Terri discusses the book’s unique format, which explores two “what-if” scenarios from the perspectives of characters Sarah and Leo, involving a school dance and a love triangle. She shares how she blends personal experiences with imagination and explains her writing process, which involves drafting in a Word document, indicating artwork in red type, and then adding sketches and final artwork. Zibby’s children, who are fans of the series, ask Terri about character names, book titles, and potential future books. Terri shares personal details, like her Turkish heritage, and then reveals the possibility of her series being adapted into a movie or TV show.
This summer, I was interviewed for the Journal of Graphic Novels and Comics, which takes a scholarly, in-depth (and really fun) approach to comics. I really loved talking shop with them, and here’s the result.
Print copy comes out next year. Same issue as Raina Telgemeier, so be sure to check out both articles!
Writing SURPRISINGLY SARAH was not-so-surprisingly refreshing. I had really wanted to break away from the formula I use for this series. I’d only done it once; in BECOMING BRIANNA, there is just one main character (as opposed to my traditional two), and instead of the chapters switching between the characters’ POVs, the timeline switches between past and present.
illustration from BECOMING BRIANNA
In SARAH, I also broke the mold — this time by manipulating the plotline. I created a “what if” situation. That is, I present two different responses to an event and the reader sees how each one unfolds. More details here.
It wasn’t easy to pull off. I had to make sure the story wouldn’t be confusing — especially since those two scenarios happen to one character (Sarah) but are presented by two different characters (Sarah and her best friend, Leo). Yikes!
I also made up brand new characters, Leo and Ben. Creating new kids from scratch is always a challenge…although a fun one. Luckily their personalities came together well. In fact, I absolutely fell in love with Leo — what a quirky, funny, loyal kid! I kinda liken his relationship with his best friend Sarah to that of Duckie and Andie from “Pretty in Pink” (kids, ask your parents…or your grandparents).
aforementioned movie characters
I really had to pay attention and make sure I was attributing the right details to the correct plotline. I went over everything with a fine tooth comb, as did my editors. Can’t be too careful. Add in all the art, and double that fine tooth combing!
But how I loved writing this. First, because I got to really delve into sweet Sarah’s life, which I’ve wanted to do for a long time. And second, because I grew to enjoy her evolving relationship with Leo. A wonderful by-product of writing is watching your characters’ personalities emerge before your eyes — sometimes with little effort. Such was the case with both Sarah and Leo. I remember when creating TRULY TYLER, I had such a tough time writing from a boy’s POV at first. Once I got over that stumbling block and everything clicked, it felt so natural to write for Tyler, which in turn, paved the way for Leo. I’ll always be grateful to Tyler for that.
Tyler from TRULY TYLER
In a nutshell, writing SARAH was challenging AND creatively freeing. In other words, everything an author wants. For the most part, it’s been this way with the entire series, which is one of the reasons I continue to write these books. That, and incredible reader response, which is ALWAYS rewarding.
Welcome signs from readers at a school visit
I hope you choose to pick up a copy of SURPRISINGLY SARAH. Better yet, I hope you love reading it as much as I loved writing it. To order SARAH, click here.
Recently, I traveled to Israel as part of PJ Library’s WONDERFUL Author Israel Adventure. During my trip to Jerusalem, I was interviewed by Shai Cohen, a sweet and very professional budding young journalist (and reader!) for a national Israeli news show. I couldn’t access the YouTube link for the interview, but you can view it on my Israeli publisher’s (Kinneret) Instagram page, here. Enjoy!
Great news!! If you are looking for signed editions of SURPRISINGLY SARAH, you can find them at many, MANY indie bookstores throughout the country. Here is a list of the stores…hopefully there is one near you.
These are LIMITED, so hurry! This is a great way to get a signed book AND support a local business.
Today (5/2) is the day SARAH hits the shelves! I’m so thrilled to introduce this unique story and funny, charming characters to the world. I hope you’ll love it! Go get a copy from your local bookstore or from any of the store links on this page.
