When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I have enjoyed writing since I was in high school. I dabbled in fiction back then and took a creative writing class—which I loved—but I didn’t take it up seriously until about five years ago.

What motivated you to start writing?

I enjoyed writing ever since high school when my teacher challenged me to be more descriptive. She didn’t want to read that the front door was red; she wanted to see the shade. It was very motivating to me, to slow things down a bit and detail the setting.

What kept you going throughout the writing process?

Initially, writing was just a hobby I did it in my spare time. But after a friend invited me to join his writing group, I began to take it more seriously and set writing goals. That really helped me stay on track knowing I had to finish a set word count, by a certain date. I also had a lot of support from my family and friends. They encouraged me to keep going any time I felt like giving up.

What was the inspiration for your story?

The concept of Ben Parker’s character came to me a few years ago. I had a very visual dream about a train derailing. Railcars tumbled off a ridge, landing on top of each other in a ravine. There was a young man on the train that was untouched by the accident. Once everything settled, he pulled victims from the crash site and escorted them to heaven. I ended up writing a short story about this, and eventually, Ben’s character came to life.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to become a published author?

Great question!  I would highly recommend joining a writing group or a workshop. Getting feedback is critical to any author. I’d also suggest reading your story out loud. Trust me, it sounds completely different than what you think it says when you’re reading silently. Lastly, once you’ve reached the point of sending queries out to publishers or agents, be patient. You will get lots of rejections, so expect it and don’t take it personally. Don’t give up. When you get rejected, send out another query.

Who are some of the people that influenced your love of writing?

Honestly, I was a closet writer for years. Every time I read a good book, I thought, “I can do this.” So I guess other author’s stories influenced me. Once I told people I was writing, I had a great network of friends and family that encouraged me.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your book?

To relax! Initially I plotted, but after a while, I found it difficult to write within the outline I created. It became unnatural and didn’t flow right. When I let loose and relax, the story takes on a life of its own.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

When it comes to writing, I’m really a creature of habit. I work best if I’m in the same room, same place, and even the same day or time of day. I’ve tried switching it up a bit, but I’ve found I wasn’t as creative.

Please tell us in one sentence only, why we should read your book.

It’s the ultimate love story that lasts more than one lifetime.

What projects do you have up and coming?

I am currently working on book three in the Afterworld Saga.

Title: Afterlife (The Afterworld Saga #2) by Sandy Goldsworthy
Published by: Clean Teen Publishing
Publication date: August 29th 2016
Genres: Paranormal Romance, Young Adult

Synopsis:

Afterlife is the highly anticipated sequel to Aftermath by Sandy Goldsworthy. This exciting Young Adult mystery romance is a must-read.

Everything seems perfect for Emma Bennett—she has a new set of friends she adores and a boyfriend she is crazy about. But when Emma sees a picture of her hunky boyfriend kissing another girl, she begins to question if his love for her is real. As she searches for the truth, will Emma be exposed to the dangers of another world?

Ben Parker enjoys the role of high school student and boyfriend to the love of his existence. Juggling his social life with his job in the Afterworld’s Bureau of Investigation is supposed to be easy for the decorated undercover agent. But when some kid captures a photo of him in a precarious position, he’s faced with lying to his girlfriend or erasing her memory. Instead, Ben makes the worst decision of his career. Now, forced to face the consequences, he loses the only thing that matters to him—Emma.

When seemingly insurmountable obstacles separate the lovers, will the two soul mates be able find their way back to each other?

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About Sandy Goldsworthy

Sandy Goldsworthy was raised in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, blocks from the rocky shores of Lake Michigan. As a child, she fantasized about becoming an author. She jotted story lines in spiral notebooks and drew images of characters that never came to life. Her passion for putting pen to paper began when her high school English teacher inspired her to be more descriptive in her work. Ever since, Sandy dabbled in creative writing, searching for that perfect shade of red and that character you want to get to know.

A graduate from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, Sandy is the YA author of the paranormal romance series, The Afterworld Saga. She spends her days managing corporate client programs, and her nights and weekends drafting new plot lines in spiral notebooks. She resides in southeastern Wisconsin with her husband, two children, and an energetic puppy. Learn more at www.sandygoldsworthy.com.

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