5/25/2021 The Audacity of Sara Grayson: A Novel Hardcover – May 25, 2021 AUTHOR INTERVIEW

Publisher : Post Hill Press (May 25, 2021)
Language : English
Hardcover : 400 pages
ISBN-10 : 1642937827

What happens when the world's greatest literary icon dies before she finishes the final book in her best-selling series?
And what happens when she leaves that book in the hands of her unstable, neurotic daughter, who swears she's not a real writer?

Sara Grayson is a thirty-two-year-old greeting card writer about to land the toughest assignment of her life. Three weeks after the death of her mother--a world-famous suspense novelist--Sara learns that her mother's dying wish is for her to write the final book in her bestselling series.

Sara has lived alone with her dog, Gatsby, ever since her husband walked out with their Pro Double Waffle Maker and her last shred of confidence. She can't fathom writing a book for thirty million fans--not when last week's big win was resetting the microwave clock.

But in a bold move that surprises even herself, Sara takes it on. Against an impossible deadline and a publisher intent on sabotaging her every move, Sara discovers that stepping into her mother's shoes means stumbling on family secrets she was never meant to find--secrets that threaten her mother's legacy and the very book she's trying to create.

Review

“You know what it's like when you discover a new writer whose witty and wise voice makes your heart sing? That's Joani Elliott for me. …I stayed up too late turning pages. I loved it.” -- Ann Garvin, USA Today bestselling author of I Like You Just Fine When You're Not Around

“Joani Elliott has written an enjoyable, funny, page-turning novel about the ups and downs of a woman's quest to find herself and the family she thought she knew.” -- Maddie Dawson, bestselling author of Matchmaking for Beginners

“From the moment I began this debut novel, I knew I was in for a treat. The Audacity of Sara Grayson is a rich tale…with dramatic twists at every turn. A compelling read!” -- Susannah Marren, author of A Palm Beach Wife and A Palm Beach Scandal

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT:

Joani Elliott believes in the magic of stories, a good cup of tea, and the power of living a creative life. She has taught writing at the University of Maryland and Brigham Young University. She lives with her husband and two daughters near Salt Lake City, Utah. For book club resources, virtual author chats, and more, visit joanielliott.com.

Author Q and A

Q: Which character in The Audacity of Sara Grayson mirrors your own personality and personal philosophy?  

A: I’m going to say Sara Grayson, not because we’re so alike personality-wise, but because there are aspects of her writing journey that definitely mirror my own. We both faced a lot of self-doubt and we both had to take a deep dive into the craft of how to successfully write good fiction. Also, for Sara, writing becomes a way back to life and in many ways, writing created an inspiring rebirth for myself. 

Q: What can your protagonist “Sara Grayson” teach readers about taking chances and living courageously? 

A: I hope Sara Grayson teaches readers about the power of creative courage. I’m convinced there is a yearning in each of us that desires to create. What that looks like and how that manifests itself is different in all of us. When we express ourselves creatively, we risk exposure. It requires vulnerability, which calls for courage. I believe we become our most alive selves when we honor this yearning to create and give it expression. When Sara begins to honor this in herself, transformation begins. I believe it can be same for all of us. 

Q: How has writing The Audacity of Sara Grayson changed your life? 

A: Writing this book has taught me how to really and truly love writing fiction. I thought I would take a break from university teaching, write a book, and go straight back to teaching. I still love teaching and I will go back at some point, but right now all I want to do is write books. This experience has also changed how I see myself. I am a writer. I am a storyteller. I am an artist.  

Q: In writing and publishing your debut novel, what lessons have you learned? 

A: I’m learning to be patient with the process of bringing a story to life. I’m still practicing this. It is a process predicated on small and simple things. It’s showing up day after day, doing the work, and trusting that this process can ultimately create a story I can be proud of. The truth is that any great accomplishment is born from a series of small moves, small practices and a fierce commitment to them.   

Q: Are you working on a new book and will it genre cross like this book? 

A: Yes. I’m already working on my next book. It’s book club fiction like Sara Grayson and it will definitely genre cross as well. I once heard that authors should write the kinds of stories they want to read. Well, I love stories about women who have to dig deep to dig themselves out of their own challenges and I love it when these stories are woven with threads of mystery and romance.