Just River received a 4+ star review, making it an IndieReader Approved title.
Following find an interview with author Sara B. Fraser.
What is the name of the book and when was it published?
Just River; November 24. 2021
What’s the book’s first line?
“The End”
What’s the book about? Give us the “pitch”.
The Otis, an inconsequential river–not the Hudson–flows through Wattsville, a small city a few hours north but a universe away from the real City, capital C. You might think the everyday people who live here, in this land of scarce opportunity, are also inconsequential. Until you meet them.
Sam, a cross-dresser with a voice like Tina Turner’s and his best friend Carol, a cashier who stress eats, prove their mettle when Carol’s daughter Garnet is imprisoned for defending herself against a violent boyfriend. Sam and Carol’s plots to save Garnet have consequences, however. An innocent boy is blamed for their actions and kidnapped, a dog gets poisoned, and Garnet’s life is imperiled as parole becomes a distant dream. In the end, it’s the river that offers up justice for these heroes-at-heart. But they will need to be able to swim.
What inspired you to write the book? A particular person? An event?
A passing encounter with a person I never even spoke to. He entered my imagination and became a character.
What’s the main reason someone should really read this book?
Hopefully to be entertained by a good story.
What’s the most distinctive thing about the main character? Who-real or fictional-would you say the character reminds you of?
Hmm. It seems very obvious I suppose as the main character is a man who dresses like a woman, which is pretty distinctive. But I’m going to say that the most distinctive thing about him isn’t that–it’s his determination to be exactly who he is, no matter what anyone might think. Weirdly, he kind of reminds me of Susan Sarandon, though I’ve never met her.
When did you first decide to become an author?
I’ve always tried to write, since I was a kid. I guess I can finally say I’m an author as I’ve published two novels. But I still have a bad case of imposter syndrome.
Is this the first book you’ve written?
No, it’s my second. Long Division came out in 2019
What do you do for work when you’re not writing?
I teach high school Spanish.
How much time do you generally spend on your writing?
Anywhere from 2-10 hours a week during the school year, except for school vacations, when I try to write for a few hours a day if possible. Summertime, a lot more.
What’s the best and the hardest part of being an indie?
Hardest is that bookstores don’t want to carry the book because, being print-on-demand, it’s difficult to stock. But the creative autonomy is the best.
What’s a great piece of advice that you can share with fellow indie authors?
I get more advice from them than I think I can offer!
Would you go traditional if a publisher came calling? If so, why?
Of course, even though I know it wouldn’t make me a happier person.
Is there something in particular that motivates you (fame? fortune?)
Not fame or fortune, though those would be cool. Integrity and being respected are better.
Which writer, living or dead, do you most admire?
Gosh that’s a tough one! Toni Morrison has been a lifelong idol.