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Sharon Sebastian is a writer for film and television as well as books. As a writer not restricted to any genre, she has in various stages of development an historical epic, a corporate suspense drama , a family entertainment script and a high concept, multinational, high-tech thriller. When asked will she write a sequel to her small town mystery novel, Backside of Nowhere, Ms. Sebastian can only reply ... "I think I have to. Things need to be revealed ... like what eventually happened to Mandy and what was the unspeakable 'incident' that created an impenetrable bond of friendship between King Luther and Sheriff Colter's father?"
Neela Sakaria: Thanks for taking the time to speak with us, Ms. Sebastian. Your novel, Backside of Nowhere, takes place in the small town of Cedar Grove. Tell us a little bit about the title of the book and its relation to this small town atmosphere
Sharon Sebastian: It is such an interesting term. It refers to both a place and a feeling. The term's origins come from small town colloquialisms. Anyone in the world who comes from a small, nondescript town will tell you that they can identify to some degree with having lived on the "backside of nowhere." Go to a world map, you will find it just about anywhere. The term, of course, is also symbolic of the lives of some of the characters. As we discover, a lot can happen on the backside of nowhere...both good and bad.
NS: Aside from its central characters, Backside of Nowhere contains many interesting peripheral characters such as Mrs. Eberworth and King Luther. Are these vivid characters creations from your own imagination or are they inspired by real-life acquaintances?
SS: I am amazed that you spotlighted two of my favorite characters. Life is made up of people of various ages, races and backgrounds. In everything I write, I quite naturally include people from various walks of life. That's the reality of who and what we are and this grand mixture enriches us all. I like both characters you mentioned very much. I am so intrigued by King Luther that I have thought about doing the story of his life. Mrs. Eberworth gives me hope and encouragement and confidence in the human condition. They are both composites inspired by actual people.
NS: The novel seems that it would find an audience with both adult and young adult readers. Was this your original intention? Who was your intended audience while writing the novel? Or is that something that you do not worry about until after the story is told?
SS: It is a consideration in most of my work, that I know who I am writing for. Though I knew this mystery with teens and young adults at its center would attract those readers, I had hoped it would spread across generational lines. I am so excited that that has happened. The book reportedly is stimulating family discussions. Backside of Nowhere is like a prism. It not only speaks to the thoughts and emotions of teens and young adults, but it is attracting the attention of families with "special needs" children, single mothers, parents, grandparents and reading groups from Mosaics to single dads. It has been spotlighted by readers from Europe to Australia. It just proves that "universal truths" are...universal.
NS: Casey's flirtatious best friend Mandy, provides quite a contrast to Casey's personality and the events in Casey's life. What is the importance of including a character such as Mandy, whose experiences include physical abuse, drugs, and teenage pregnancy?
SS: An article about Backside of Nowhere called seventeen-year-old Mandy both "tortured and confused." Those are emotions not uncommon to a lot of teens. Unfortunately, like so many teens of today...Mandy lived it. These characters are faced with "life's choices." The contrast between the two teenage girls is vivid. Mandy seems determined to create a past before ever starting her future. Casey must decide what to do when a buddy is making wrong choices. How does someone save a friend from her or his own irresponsible behavior? The choices these teens make are like road maps...blueprints to the reader...to see where certain behavior takes them. It is up to the reader to decide which choices are good and which really aren't.
NS: Despite her unfortunate circumstances, Camille is a strong and resilient woman from the outset of the novel. What was the inspiration for her character?
SS: Ah, Camille. The woman we would all hope to be. Her courage and spirit speak to me of the typical American woman. She's been around since the country was founded and she is around today. She is a gift to her family and a gift to her society and she comes from all races and backgrounds. Do I like her? Do I respect her? Do I admire her? Yes. Many of Camille's strengths and qualities are drawn from my own mother whom I love dearly.
NS: Through Camille and others, the novel makes a point of emphasizing the importance of being strong and overcoming the unfortunate events that sometimes befall each of us. Why was this something that you chose to emphasize?
SS: Any "normal" life existence is met with difficulties. We work with the hand we are dealt. No one comes into this life without risks...not even the sweet, innocent Lilly. The tricky part is learning not to dig ourselves into a deeper ditch by our own actions. Being responsible for what we do and being problem solvers and not problem creators makes for a more fulfilled and happier life. All we can do is say a prayer, step up to the plate with the right intentions...and take our best swing.
NS: Well said. The surprises and turns that the story takes, as well as your vivid visual descriptions, seem as if they would easily lend themselves to television or the big screen. Tell us about your background in writing for film and TV. Do you think that it has influenced your writing style in this novel?
SS: I have recently been asked to write a script about a devastating event in the life of an American President. My management team takes real pleasure in the range of my writing capabilities and interests. I always do extensive research for historical as well as fiction based works. I am told that the most positive crossover of the writing styles is that my work in film lends an authenticity and liveliness to the dialogue in my novel.
It is my intention for Backside of Nowhere to become a film. If current readership is any indication, this mystery/drama with its shroud of intrigue will appeal to a broad audience of all ages. Any serious interest in the project can contact me via Patrick East at pat@1stBooks.com or Jeremy Justus at Jeremy@1stBooks.com or at 1-800-839-8640.
NS: Thank you and good luck.
SS: Thank you for your interest and the opportunity to discuss Backside of Nowhere with you. It is my pleasure to "share" with Bookwire and its readers. Wishing you all good reading.
Backside of Nowhere
ISBN: 1585005401
1STBOOKS LIBRARY
1-800-839-8640
PAPERBACK and eBOOK,
168 PAGES
PRICE: Paperback $15.54
US GENRE: Fiction
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