Author Feature: Sarah N. Harvey

Author Feature: Sarah N. Harvey

#TuesdayTalk with Sarah N. Harvey. Her new YA novel  Spirit Level is on shelves now.

Tell us a bit about your book.

Spirit Level is about a donor-conceived girl named Harriet (Harry) who decides to seek out her half-siblings. In the process, she meets and falls for a trans boy named Alex and discovers that the definition of family is more complicated than she thought.

What was the catalyst for your story?

I’m always fascinated by how families work (or don’t); I’m inspired by the lives of trans kids.

What was your favourite book as a child?

The Little Prince

In your opinion, what makes a compelling story?

Many things, some of them are very hard to articulate: characters with strong voices, conflict (not always resolved), obstacles (not always overcome), some kind of a journey (inner or outer), humor (dark or otherwise), and most of all HEART!

Does your book have a niche or specialty market?

Donor-sibling kids and their families; trans kids and their allies.

Do you gravitate toward a certain genre or type of writing? Why?

I’ve written YA fiction for a decade and now I’m gravitating towards non-fiction—obviously time for a change. But then I say that after every book!

What types of conversations do you hope will come out of your book?

Conversations about acceptance, about ignorance and intolerance and hatred, about how to be in a family and how to be a friend.

Tell us a little known or interesting fact about yourself.

I used to be a clam digger.

Sarah Harvey

Sarah N. Harvey has written for both children and young adults. Her books have been translated into Korean, German and Slovenian. She lives in Victoria, British Columbia, where she works as a children’s book editor. For more information, visit www.sarahnharvey.com.

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