Q & A with author Sam Ledel and Susan J. Farese of SJF Communications

SJF:  In a nutshell, tell us about your book or written piece.
SL: My debut novel, Rocks and Stars, is a coming-of-age YA romance. It’s about a young woman named Kyle who is going to play soccer on a college scholarship. She’s nervous, however, because she has absolutely no idea what to do about all these feelings she’s had for a fellow teammate. Needless to say, drama and confusion ensue. Kyle hopes things get easier once she’s in college, but things don’t always work out the way we hope they would.

SJF: What has your experience been as a writer in San Diego?
SL: San Diego has been a wonderful city to take my first steps in as a published author. Local bookstores have been welcoming, helping me host author readings. The creativity of San Diego is everywhere, and I love that this city has wonderful places (like the Central Library!) that help create a positive and welcoming environment for artists of all kinds.

SJF: How has storytelling influenced your life?
SL: How has it not? Storytelling has been a huge part of my life since I was a young girl growing up in Texas. My dad would come home from work and as our family of five sat around the dinner table, he would begin an elaborate tale about his day. Are there secret agents and ninjas in the property-management business? Probably not. It didn’t matter. His stories enlivened my childhood and fanned the flames of a desire to tell stories that has been with me for as long as I can remember.

SJF:  If you had a magic wand, what kind of opportunities would be available to writers in San Diego?
SL: More writing workshops! There may be some, but I can’t seem to find them. Most writers I meet want to constantly better their craft. More workshops would be a wonderful way to accommodate this.

SJF: What are you excited about when it comes to participating in the inaugural San Diego Writers Festival?
SL: I’m looking forward to the keynote speaker, Piper Kerman. I’m also excited to see my fellow authors from my publishing company, along with the other writers and members of the bookstore community I’ve come to know.

SJF: What advice would you give to a new writer in San Diego?
SL: Tap in to the city! Bookstores are willing to put your book on the shelf and host your first reading. It’s scary, but it’s important to get out there!

SJF: Many thanks, Sam!

Learn More about Sam Ledel
Visit her on twitter

Learn More about Susan J. Farese of SJF Communications