Sci-Fi Dystopian Novel Excerpt

Be sure to check out excerpts from my young adult science fiction dystopian adventure, New Pangaea. I will be posting parts of the novel on the new page of this blog; I hope you enjoy it. The novel takes place 200 years in the future and involves an evil government infiltrated by a dark enemy bent on destroying the world. My main character is Zinthia, a low-key type of rebel who ends up becoming a rock' n' roll diva in a time when music has long since passed away. Will she and her friends be able to save the world?

Questions about Place

In my novel Hometown Girl, Claire grows up in my own hometown- Minocqua, WI- and goes through some experiences that were similar to my own. Growing up in a small town that is known as a tourist paradise in the "Great Northwoods" can be interesting... In the winter, it felt as though the "Island City" was sleeping under its blanket of snow and ice, watching the locals go by. Every summer, the town awoke to the hubbub of chatting tourists, honking cars, and the whines and roars of boats and jet skis circling the Chain of Lakes. As if the two seasons weren't distinct enough by the vast change in weather, the atmospheres and personalities of people seemed to alter drastically as we made our way once again through spring, summer, autumn, and winter. I always loved the finality of autumn- the chaos and bustle is over, and now is the time to settle in with books around the fireplace or to pull up to my notebook or laptop for some writing with a cup of strong, hot coffee. You could truly rest and think in winter. Now that I live in a community that seems relatively unchanged by the passing of the seasons (besides the fickle weather; I am still in Wisconsin, after all), I wonder about how much of a role community really plays in one's writing and/or in one's childhood. How has your own hometown changed your life? How has it made you who you are? Was it someplace to retreat to later in life, or someplace to escape from at the earliest possibility?

Efficient Writing

When I was at my first-ever writing conference last month, an editor and agent asked me if my novel New Pangaea had "sharp dialogue". I wasn't exactly sure what she meant, but I assumed it had to do with being efficient with the dialogue; avoiding unnecessary dialogue and using it to carry the story, in other words.
This idea of efficiency had me thinking about the way that I speak and act and how I am as a (real life) character. Overall, I am a fairly efficient person in many aspects of my life. Whether that's a good thing or a bad thing, I'm not entirely certain, but it does make shopping a lot quicker and easier. Take, for example, my mission to find Mother's Day cards for my mother and grandmother last week. A quick scan of the pink and flowery Mother's Day section let me eliminate all of the ones that played music, allowed personal voice recording, were 3D, covered in 20 pounds of glitter, waterproof, glow-in-the-dark or edible. (If I had the money, I would spend $1,000 on my mother, but a card for $5.99? That's just ridiculous, and she would agree.) Another glance and I eliminated all of the ones with cartoon characters, kittens, and overly mushy sentiment. Within 20 seconds, I had efficiently narrowed down my selection to about 5 choices. Then, I merely had to pick the one I liked best for the best price. It took all of 1 minute. That's usually how my shopping trips go. Unless I have to try on things like jeans or shoes...there's a reason I don't like shopping for those...
While looking back through my completed novel this weekend, making final edits per recommendation of the professionals at the conference, I kept this idea of efficiency in mind. With that word pounding in my brain, I hope my characters' voices are unique, to-the-point, and entertaining, as I've had fun getting to know all of my characters, including Claire in the latest work, Hometown Girl. If you haven't already, feel free to check it out on the Latest Work page. You're welcome to provide feedback, as well.

Just updated with a full chapter on my "Latest Work" page! It's been more spring-like lately, which feels very motivating for writing :)

In the "Latest work" page, you can check out my latest story, Hometown Girl. This manuscript is currently in the works, but I will be posting updates to the novel at least once a week. I will just add on to the bottom of the existing content. Feel free to comment with ideas, suggestions or questions. Thank you!

Welcome to Words & Coffee, a blog about writing and life. I'm Sarah, a high school English teacher and writer who loves to explore the outdoors and to inspire others. I'm an avid reader and thinker, and I write young adult novels mainly (though I love to write a little of everything) because I enjoy the energy and versatility of minds at that age. I am always listening for new ideas by observing the life around me and searching for inspiration. I have a lot of faith and I love being around people, most of the time. My greatest passions include cuddling up with coffee and a good book, canoeing down a lazy river on an autumn afternoon, writing in a busy coffee shop, and sitting around a bonfire with friends on a summer evening, to name a few. I strongly believe in the strength and power of the underdog as well as believing in yourself, even in the darkest of circumstances.  Feel free to explore my blog, where I will post my latest stories and ideas. Thank you for visiting.