Q&A with 2012 (and 2010 and 2011) featured author Sarah Pekkanen

Sarah Pekkanen is the author of two novels – “The Opposite of Me,” her best-selling 2010 debut, and “Skipping a Beat.” Her next novel, “These Girls,” will be released in March. Pekkanen writes a regular humor column for Bethesda Magazine, occasional book reviews for The Washington Post, and has previously worked as a journalist for such outlets as USA Today and the Baltimore Sun.

Where do you find inspiration?
There’s no one set place — inspiration is a flighty, delicate creature. Sometimes she visits me when I’m outside, walking with my dog. Sometimes she likes to mess with me and pop into the shower while I’m in the middle of shampooing and have no way to write down her message. I’ve learned to not rely inspiration. I get words on the page even when she stands me up.

What advice do you have for aspiring authors?
Treat writing like exercise. You need to do it every single day to get results!

What are you reading right now?
An advance copy of my fellow GBF speaker Matthew Quick‘s BOY21.
** Editor’s note: Read our author Q&A with 2012 featured author Matthew Quick. **

What’s your favorite opening line from a book?
I could never pick just one!

What book has inspired or affected you in some way?
“Unbroken” by my high school classmate Laura Hillenbrand. The triumph of spirit over wretched circumstances is the most uplifting message I’ve ever received.

If you could sit down at dinner with three other authors, living or dead, which three authors would you choose, and why?  
Dorothy Parker, Jane Austen, and J.K. Rowling. The conversation would never grow dull, and getting the chance to see how their minds worked would be incredible.