BETWEEN THE SUN AND RAIN
Winner of the 2026 IndieReader Discovery Awards in Mystery/Suspense/Thriller, Fiction
What’s the book’s first line?
“He probably didn’t take me because I’m such a tomboy.”
What’s the book about? Give us the “pitch”.
One summer night in 1985, twelve-year old Julia Pemberton disappears without a trace from a backyard birthday party.
What inspired you to write the book? A particular person? An event?
A party I went to when I was twelve
What’s the main reason someone should really read this book?
This book is for people who like coming of age or suspense stories that are character driven
What’s the most distinctive thing about the main character? Who-real or fictional-would you say the character reminds you of?
This story is told from three main characters. One of the main characters is a twelve-year-old tomboy who reminds me of Scout from To Kill a Mockingbird.
Is this the first book that you’ve written?
It is the first book I have published
How much time do you generally spend on your writing?
10 hours a week
What’s a great piece of advice that you can share with fellow indie authors?
To be passionate and persistent. Also, I would remind them of the philosophy, “art for art’s sake”. Whether you have an audience of 10 or 10,000 it is all worthwhile. Creating something is about connecting with yourself and connecting with others, which is why we are all here.
Is there something in particular that motivates you (fame? fortune?)
I think most writers, myself included, are motivated by something deep inside us that compels us to create. It is in our DNA and fame and fortune are extraneous.
Which writer, living or dead, do you most admire?
Elizabeth Strout (living) or JD Salinger (dead)
Which book do you wish you could have written?
Commonwealth by Ann Patchett