Interview with Author Sandy Goldsworthy

Today I welcome author Sandy Goldsworthy. I fell in love with her Aftermath series and think you might, too. I love the unique premise of this series and find it incredibly imaginative. It drew me in immediately. Here’s the cover blurb . . .

After losing her father, Emma Bennett moves to her aunt’s small town of Westport to finish out her senior year of high school. Emma wants to forget the pain and loss of the past few weeks, finding relief in the company of Ben Parker—a local boy who she has an instant attraction and uncanny connection with. When Ben seems a little too preoccupied with other responsibilities and has no time for her, Emma turns to the town’s hottest flirt—Lucas Crandon—for affection. Unfortunately, she realizes a little too late that, sometimes, bad boys really can be bad for you.

Life as an undercover agent for the Afterworld’s Bureau of Investigation isn’t an easy job. When Ben Parker finds his soul mate, Emma Bennett, in a small town, he finds himself forced to choose between doing his job or rekindling a relationship with the love of his existence. After Ben is notified that a notorious immortal is loose somewhere near Westport, he realizes that his love life will just have to wait. There is a criminal to apprehend before he can have his girl.

When lives are at stake and immortals are on the loose, can two soul mates find their happy ever after?

(AND PSSST – this first book is free right now in e-book format.) The series continues with book two, Afterworld, and also includes two novellas. I cannot wait for the series conclusion! (GAH! What an ending to book two (Afterlife)!! But I promise no spoilers here.)

Sandy, thanks so much for agreeing to visit my blog today. I’m excited to share your books with everyone!

Hi Valerie. I’m happy to be here!

To start off, can you tell us a little about yourself and your background.

Sure… I have lived in Wisconsin my entire life. I grew up in Sheboygan, just a few blocks from Lake Michigan. I’m married, have two children and an energetic English Mastiff.

What inspired you to write your first novel? And was Aftermath your first novel-length work or did you write a book before that one?

Great question! Aftermath was my first novel-length work, but it wasn’t my first project. I was writing short stories from my childhood with the intention of compiling them into a memoir. Then I dreamt of a train derailment—cars tumbling down an embankment. Most people died in the accident, but a young man and woman appeared untouched. As I watched this in my dream, the young couple helped the deceased’s souls transition to heaven. I wrote a short story about it, but couldn’t get them out of my head. Eventually it expanded into the characters of Ben and Molly, and my series.

Your Aftermath series has captured my fascination. I have truly adored these books . . . both the novels and the novellas. The plot line is intricately woven between worlds—a contemporary one and one that I guess would be best described as “other worldly.” Can you talk a little about your inspiration for this story, in particular the development of this other world?

I always believed there was something after this world, so defining that in my story was just an extension of my vivid imagination. When I was a child, my grandmother used to tell me that our loved ones in heaven watched over us. The concept stuck with me and I imagined they had their own little world up there… My aunts and uncles always played cards, so I envisioned them having similar Saturday afternoon card games, even after they died. One thing led to another, and my other world was created.

You write from alternating character’s viewpoints in this series. Is it easier to write one character more than the other?

It really depends on the day—and the scene. Sometimes I’m stuck in one character’s head and can’t switch to the other. On those days, I keep going with the character I feel. Later, I’ll intertwine the other character back into the story.  

So, I’m dying to read the conclusion to this series. Do you know when we might expect it to be published? (I know this such an unfair question to burden you with given that you have a very busy life with your day job and family responsibilities—but I really, really want to know what happens next!)

I’m so happy you love it! My third novel is still in development, so I do not have a publication date yet. But when I do, you’ll be the first to know!

Your books are published by Clean Teen Publishing. Can you tell us a little what Clean Teen is all about?

Absolutely! Clean Teen publishes young adult novels in a variety of genres. The name can be confusing since many people think they only publish “clean” stories—those free of violence, drugs, or sex. Not so. Instead, Clean Teen Publishing has implemented a Content Disclosure system. Each book is rated based on four categories—Violence, Language, Romance/Sensuality, and Drugs/Alcohol/Smoking. Parents can easily see the rating when selecting books for their kids.  

For more information on their rating scale, please visit their website.

Once the Aftermath Series is concluded, do you already know what your next story will be about. (That is . . . if you feel you can share that right now. We don’t want to give too much away.)

I actually have two storylines planned next, and I’m really excited about them both… I’m not sure which one I’ll do next! One is a YA, the other NA.

Who is your favorite author, and what do you like most about their work?

That’s a hard question for me. I am a binge reader—I find a new author and read their entire series or collection of works. Then I move on to the next. I tend to gravitate to YA or paranormal mostly. But I am a sucker for a good romance occasionally, too. Before I started writing, I was a dedicated Nicholas Sparks and Jodie Piccoult fan. But since then, I have enjoyed many, many other authors—especially indie authors with well-written storylines and characters I want to get to know.

What book are you reading now? Hex by Mackenzie McGuire.

Thank you very much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to take part in this interview!  

Thanks for having me on your blog today. I really appreciate it!

Readers can learn more about Sandy and her work through the following links:

Website, Blog, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Twitter, Amazon Author Page, Goodreads, and Instagram.