What is a fun/unusual/unexpected fact about yourself that has nothing to do with writing?
I’m a HUGE animal lover and founded a non-profit to help build a sanctuary for street dogs in India, which will treat 4,000 dogs per year. It’s under construction now. I travel to India twice a year to work at the sanctuary, where I’ve provided emergency treatment to countless dogs, a few cows, and even a baby owl. Check out www.indiastreetpaws.com for more.
Planner, Pantser, or Plantser (in the middle)?
For my first few books, I was a planner all the way. Now I’ve veered more into the middle. I need to know where I’m going to end up, but getting there is often a delicious surprise.
What is your writerly ‘crutch’ or ‘tic’?
I have an absolutely ancient laptop that’s my lucky charm—I write all my books on it. It’s dented, covered with stickers, and could crash at any moment (so I back up my work) but I don’t want to write on anything else.
What are five things you need in order to write (like a laptop, music, notebook and pen, coffee, etc.)?
I only need one thing—my laptop. But I’d definitely prefer to have a few extras. If I’m writing in the morning, I love to have my bed, my dog, and coffee. If it’s evening, I really enjoy going to a cafe and sipping a glass of wine while I write (and eavesdrop on the people around me).
Where is your favorite place to write?
First thing in the morning, as early as 4 or 5 a.m., in bed, when my brain is fresh and clear and no emails or texts are pinging.
What is your favorite outlet for creativity outside of writing?
Can I answer this a different way? My favorite way to get inspired creatively is to take a long walk or drive. I put on music or a creepy podcast and let my mind wander. Often, my subconscious does the work of deconstructing the next scene I’m going to write.
Where is your favorite place to set a story? Have you ever been there?
I would love to set a book in Italy and travel there for, ahem, research—yes, that would be the only reason, research—and I hope to someday.
Who is your favorite fictional hero?
Jack Reacher. I may have the tiniest crush on him. C’mon, who doesn’t?
Who is your favorite fictional villain?
Hannibal Lecter
What was your favorite book when you were a child?
A tie between Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret and the Nancy Drew series.
What fictional character (from someone else’s work) would you like to write into one of your books?
Amy Dunne from Gone Girl! She was diabolical.
What’s the weirdest thing in your writing space?
My rescue dog, who is missing half a paw and has a bundle of neuroses. She also snores REALLY loudly. And she’s a bit gassy. But I couldn’t love her more.
Did you have any other jobs before becoming a writer?
Yes, I was a journalist for years, writing features for The Baltimore Sun, among other publications. Before that, I did everything from waitressing to house-sitting.
If you weren’t a writer, what job would you hold?
A teacher or a therapist. I adore kids, and I enjoy talking to people in general.
Which book was the biggest struggle for you to write, and why? Which book was the easiest, and why?
House of Glass wasn’t exactly a huge struggle, but it was challenging because I told the entire book from the POV of one narrator, which meant I couldn’t employ my usual tricks like leaving one chapter at a cliffhanger and jumping to the POV of another character, or playing the perceptions of two characters off each other. As for the easiest, I’m not sure any of them qualify as easy!
Did you face any rejection when you began to write?
Tons! I have an unpublished manuscript in my nightstand that took me three years to write. Although it got me an agent, it was turned down by publishers.
Writing group or book club?
Both! As long as there are snacks. Preferably chocolate-related snacks.
How do you like to connect with readers?
On social media: @sarahpekkanen (I’m most active on Instagram)
www.sarahpekkanen.com
Author Bio
Sarah Pekkanen is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of 11 solo and 4 co-authored novels, including The Wife Between Us and House of Glass. Her books are sold in 36 countries, with several optioned for TV and film. Sarah also co-wrote the screenplay for The Wife Between Us for Amblin Entertainment. She serves on the board of directors of International Thriller Writers, and is the founder of a nonprofit that rescues injured and abused street dogs in India.
