Q&A with Sarah Sky

  

We're really excited to have recently hosted an interview with Sarah Sky, a local author who's fab new spy series is now on its second book:

1. What inspired you to start writing the Jessica Cole Model Spy series?

I read a diary that a teenage supermodel kept for a Sunday newspaper, detailing her time at Paris Haute Couture Week. She was juggling modelling for massive designers with her school essays and other homework. I love spy books and films. It suddenly came to me that a model could be the perfect undercover spy - she could travel the world and get into lots of exciting places without alerting anyone's suspicion. Jessica Cole: Model Spy was born!

2. Do you have a favourite character?

Jessica: she's brave, feisty and very loyal to her friends and family. She's the kind of person I'd like as a friend. She'd definitely have your back. 

3. What's your writing process?

I make lots of notes and jot down key scenes. I'll often write key scenes first, including the ending and then work backwards after I've planned it all out. I like to start with my ending or at least have a vague idea of final scenes - that way I know what I'm building up to.

4. There have been some hugely successful YA books in recent years, but the majority of them do seem to come out of America – Suzanne Collins, Stephanie Perkins and Veronica Roth – do you think it’s harder for UK writers to break into the teen market?

I think lots of fabulous UK authors are breaking through - take Holly Smale's Geek Girl series; Non Pratt's Trouble; Alice Oseman's Solitaire and Lisa Williamson's The Art of Being Normal to name just a few. We have plenty of brilliant YA authors in this country - we should be proud of them.

5. Can you pick a UK YA author who you think is “one to watch”?

It's hard to narrow it down, but one must be Lauren James. I'm reading her YA book, The Next Together, which is published by Walker Books next September. It's fantastic. Equally, I'd say Lindsay Antonia. Her debut book - Breathing Sea - simply blew me away.

6. If you could give one piece of advice to your readers, what would it be?

Read as many books as possible!

7. What are you currently reading?

Rooftoppers by Katherine Rundell and The Universe Versus Alex Woods by Gavin Extence. I'm looking forward to getting the Waterstones' special edition of The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton for Christmas.

8. What were your favourite books growing up?

The Wolves of Willoughby Chase, A Little Princess and Anne of Green Gables.

9. If you could write a book in any other genre, which genre would it be and why?

I'd really like to write a thriller and also a ghost story. I have ideas for both, tucked away, which I will get out one day. I enjoy reading ghost/horror stories as well as thrillers.

10. Describe your book in 20 words (roughly how many we'd fit on a recommend card).

Model spy, Jessica Cole, is back with more gadgets and a mission to stop a dangerous weapon falling into the wrong hands.

(22 words, whoops!)