Sarah Pekkanen talks about when real life collides with your work… and about Ryan Gosling

As one of the first to sign on as a featured author in our first year, Sarah Pekkanen has been called the Patron Saint of the festival. There’s no question this engaging and fun author has been one of our biggest supporters from the start. While other commitments have kept her from joining us the past two years, we’re excited to welcome her back this year for her latest book, “Things You Won’t Say,” which touches on topics ranging from the delicate relationships involved in co-parenting from different homes to race relations and law enforcement in America. Below, Sarah provides a glimpse into her life as an author… come to the festival on May 16 to hear more from this rising star.

One of the main storylines in your most recent book involves a police officer shooting a teenager. Did real-life events in the news inspire (or influence) this book? If so, how? And if this book was already underway when the Ferguson shooting happened, were you worried about your book may be received because of it?
My deadlines require me to turn in my manuscripts a full year before publication, so “Things You Won’t Say” was already in the copy-editing stage when Michael Brown was shot to death by a police officer in Ferguson, Missouri. I did ask the copy editor to add a brief line referencing the Ferguson shooting before my novel went to press because a white police officer shot Michael Brown, who was a black teenager. In “Things You Won’t Say,” Michael Anderson, a white police officer, shoots Jose Torres, who was a Hispanic teenager, and some of the questions that arose for characters in my book – Would Anderson have fired if Jose Torres had been white? – echoed some of the questions swirling around the Ferguson case.

My characters and their feelings are imaginary. My book is fiction. That said, I don’t believe authors should shy away from tackling controversial topics. There were several possible endings for my book. As a novelist, I tried to choose one that was gripping, thoughtful, and unexpected. Obviously, it should not be viewed as reflecting any personal opinions I have on similar cases in our country.

What is the most difficult part for you when you’re starting the journey of writing a new book?
Beginnings are fun in general, because you’re learning about new characters and starting to shape a story. I suppose the most daunting part is being on page one, and realizing you have 399 more pages to fill!

Was there any particular aspect of this latest novel that you struggled with the most?
“Things You Won’t Say” flowed surprisingly well – usually about 3/4 of the way through a book, I hit a little wall, similar to how marathon runners feel when they’re close to the end but can’t see it. But that didn’t happen with this novel, maybe because I was so invested in my characters.

What’s been most surprising to you about having a career as a novelist?
How much of the publishing business is about… business. I figured novelists just sat around much of the day, staring into space while sweeping inspiration, and trying to bribe their muses with gifts of chocolate. It turns out that there are tons of details, major and minor, that go into the making of a book. I spend approximately half of my work time writing, and the other half responding to emails – some from my editor and agent or publicist, some from readers. And of course, there’s social media and book tours, which are a lot of fun.

Can you share a funny story about an interaction with fan, either in person, over social media or via email?
Here’s something funny that happened to me at the first Gaithersburg Book Festival. I was waiting to speak, when a woman rushed over to me. “Oh, my gosh, I’m such a fan of your work!” she gushed. “You’re so wise! And prolific!” She went on and on while I smiled modestly and swelled up inside. When she left, I looked up and realized I was standing underneath a giant sign that said, “Elizabeth Berg.”

If you could choose any three people to be stranded with you on a desert island, who would they be and why?
I just need one. Ryan Gosling! (And do you really need to know the reason why?)

Sarah Pekkanen is the internationally best-selling author of “Catching Air,” “The Opposite of Me,” “Skipping a Beat,” “These Girls” and “The Best of Us,” as well as a series of linked short stories for eReaders. Her newest book, “Things You Won’t Say,” is due out in May 2015. Her work also has been published in numerous magazines and newspapers. She lives with her family, including a rescue dog and cat, in Chevy Chase, Maryland.