Sarah Pekkanen's Blog
February 2, 2025
Dear Reader
Dear Reader,
Locked wards are fortresses, with countless rules, regulations and security measures. Outsiders generally are never permitted entry. But in order to write my new novel - to collect authentic details to populate its pages and understand what my characters were experiencing - I knew I had to somehow find a way to get inside one.
Finally, I found someone in a city hundreds of miles from my own who agreed to bring me in for a visit. I learned there are stringent rules for visitors:
*No jewelry so you won’t be choked with your own necklace.
*No cell phones, pens, or purses – all are potential weapons.
*Dark, plain clothing only with no lettering or logos to avoid triggering a resident.
*If a resident approaches, never show fear.
*Don’t maintain prolonged eye contact.
During my visits, I experienced everything my characters did. Once, as my escorts and I began to enter the series of secure doors to the ward, guards began rushing past us. There was about to be a “take-down” for a resident who’d attacked another man and was threatening more violence.
When the agitated resident caught sight of me, he began banging on the thick plastic security wall, trying to get to me.
"He smells fresh blood,” a nurse commented – a phrase that made it into my novel.
Some of the residents of locked wards are accused of pathological stalking, assault, even murder, which is one reason why I was drawn to set this novel in one. I’ve explored the concept of evil and its source in several novels, but never have I plunged in as deeply as I did in The Locked Ward.
I hope you enjoy stepping into the surreal setting of a locked ward, where it may seem as if the world has tipped on its axis. After my last visit, I left the hospital and sat down on a bench for an hour, unable to move. Then I went to my hotel and began to write. This book is the result.
Sincerely,
Sarah Pekkanen
Locked wards are fortresses, with countless rules, regulations and security measures. Outsiders generally are never permitted entry. But in order to write my new novel - to collect authentic details to populate its pages and understand what my characters were experiencing - I knew I had to somehow find a way to get inside one.
Finally, I found someone in a city hundreds of miles from my own who agreed to bring me in for a visit. I learned there are stringent rules for visitors:
*No jewelry so you won’t be choked with your own necklace.
*No cell phones, pens, or purses – all are potential weapons.
*Dark, plain clothing only with no lettering or logos to avoid triggering a resident.
*If a resident approaches, never show fear.
*Don’t maintain prolonged eye contact.
During my visits, I experienced everything my characters did. Once, as my escorts and I began to enter the series of secure doors to the ward, guards began rushing past us. There was about to be a “take-down” for a resident who’d attacked another man and was threatening more violence.
When the agitated resident caught sight of me, he began banging on the thick plastic security wall, trying to get to me.
"He smells fresh blood,” a nurse commented – a phrase that made it into my novel.
Some of the residents of locked wards are accused of pathological stalking, assault, even murder, which is one reason why I was drawn to set this novel in one. I’ve explored the concept of evil and its source in several novels, but never have I plunged in as deeply as I did in The Locked Ward.
I hope you enjoy stepping into the surreal setting of a locked ward, where it may seem as if the world has tipped on its axis. After my last visit, I left the hospital and sat down on a bench for an hour, unable to move. Then I went to my hotel and began to write. This book is the result.
Sincerely,
Sarah Pekkanen
November 16, 2022
ARC Giveaway!!
Head over to the page for my new novel, GONE TONIGHT - my publisher is giving away 100 copies! Colleen Hoover raves, "It's riveting, original and powerful." And Harlan Coben calls GONE TONIGHT "Jaw-dropping."
Enjoy and good luck!
xxoo
Sarah Pekkanen
Enjoy and good luck!
xxoo
Sarah Pekkanen
June 24, 2022
Writing Visually
I tend to see scenes playing out like little movies when I write, which means I'm highly visual. When I sit down in front of my computer, I tend to describe are colors and facial expressions, little gestures and mannerisms. It’s an effort for me to remember to welcome my other senses into the scene. So now after I write, I go back over my words and search for spots where I can inject sounds and tastes and the feel of certain objects. If my protagonist is sipping a glass of wine, instead of just having her lazily circle a fingertip around the rim of the glass, I try to describe the sweet burn of the wine sliding down her throat. If my character is stressed and upset, instead of having them always unconsciously clench and unclench a fist, I imagine their muscles tightening, their breath coming quicker, and their cheeks growing hot.
One of the things I constantly remind myself to do is to read through my manuscript with different lenses. Pulling in all of the senses helps make my scenes spring off the page.
Are you a visual reader or writer, too?
One of the things I constantly remind myself to do is to read through my manuscript with different lenses. Pulling in all of the senses helps make my scenes spring off the page.
Are you a visual reader or writer, too?
March 20, 2022
Sarah's writing tips
Did you know that Stephen King threw away the first draft to CARRIE? His wife fished the typewritten pages out of his trash can and told him to keep going. That novel was his first big hit, but he was convinced it was terrible. The moral of the story: Don’t trash your early pages, even if you’re convinced they are terrible. Set them aside and get some perspective before you re-read them. Or better yet - get a second opinion.
February 12, 2015
SKIPPING A BEAT is $1.99!
Skipping a Beat (an Oprah magazine pick) is on sale for Kindle and Nook for just $1.99 today! Hope you get a chance to pick it up before the price rises - and I'm always happy to autograph your ebook via author graph!
http://www.amazon.com/Skipping-Beat-N...
"In her second novel, Pekkanen (The Opposite of Me) offers a wonderfully compelling, compassionate, and complicated portrait of the marriage of Julie and Michael Dunhill. Meeting in high school, the two were both determined to leave their hometown behind and make something of their lives, contrary to how they were raised. With Michael’s colossal and unpredicted financial success, these once loving sweethearts drift apart and find different foci for their passionate energies—Michael is completely absorbed in his DrinkUp company and Julie in her party-planning business. When Michael collapses on his office floor and dies for four minutes and eight seconds, their whole world changes, and both are left to reevaluate what they thought was important in life. For Julie though, this is a struggle to overcome the disappointment, sense of abandonment, and misunderstandings she’s harbored against her husband for years. VERDICT: In this compelling and satisfying read, Pekkanen offers relatable characters that move you and an ending that surprises and pleases. Highly recommended." —Library Journal, starred review
“A two-hanky weepy… A tragic turn of events redirects what could have been a predictable romance into a drama on the fragility of love and marriage.” —Kirkus
“An insightful examination of a marriage. The moving story and bittersweet ending will draw in readers” —Booklist
"This portrait of a couple forced to take responsibility for the breakdown of their relationship is at once heartbreaking and familiar." —People
“Intelligent and entertaining.” —The Washington Post
http://www.amazon.com/Skipping-Beat-N...
"In her second novel, Pekkanen (The Opposite of Me) offers a wonderfully compelling, compassionate, and complicated portrait of the marriage of Julie and Michael Dunhill. Meeting in high school, the two were both determined to leave their hometown behind and make something of their lives, contrary to how they were raised. With Michael’s colossal and unpredicted financial success, these once loving sweethearts drift apart and find different foci for their passionate energies—Michael is completely absorbed in his DrinkUp company and Julie in her party-planning business. When Michael collapses on his office floor and dies for four minutes and eight seconds, their whole world changes, and both are left to reevaluate what they thought was important in life. For Julie though, this is a struggle to overcome the disappointment, sense of abandonment, and misunderstandings she’s harbored against her husband for years. VERDICT: In this compelling and satisfying read, Pekkanen offers relatable characters that move you and an ending that surprises and pleases. Highly recommended." —Library Journal, starred review
“A two-hanky weepy… A tragic turn of events redirects what could have been a predictable romance into a drama on the fragility of love and marriage.” —Kirkus
“An insightful examination of a marriage. The moving story and bittersweet ending will draw in readers” —Booklist
"This portrait of a couple forced to take responsibility for the breakdown of their relationship is at once heartbreaking and familiar." —People
“Intelligent and entertaining.” —The Washington Post
July 19, 2013
THESE GIRLS is a $2.99 Kindle deal!
Happy to announce that my third novel, THESE GIRLS, is a Kindle deal for just $2.99 right now! People, Entertainment Weekly, and Jodi Picoult all recommend it - hope you'll enjoy! - Sarah Pekkanen
http://www.amazon.com/These-Girls-A-N...
http://www.amazon.com/These-Girls-A-N...
June 22, 2013
The Today Show's Hoda Kotb picks THE BEST OF US as her "favorite" beach read!
I'm thrilled to announce that "Today Show" co-host Hoda Kotb has selected THE BEST OF US as her "favorite thing" of the week!
"I'm flying through it!" she said as she held up a copy of the book during a segment that aired Monday, June 17. "It's good, juicy fun. It is FUN!"
She later tweeted: GREAT BEACH READ #TheBestofUs
To learn more about the book, click here: http://www.amazon.com/The-Best-Us-A-N...
"I'm flying through it!" she said as she held up a copy of the book during a segment that aired Monday, June 17. "It's good, juicy fun. It is FUN!"
She later tweeted: GREAT BEACH READ #TheBestofUs
To learn more about the book, click here: http://www.amazon.com/The-Best-Us-A-N...
April 28, 2013
My estories are FREE on Kindle now!
Hello friends,
My first two e-stories are available for FREE on Kindle right now!
The first story, ALL IS BRIGHT, is about a woman named Elise who comes home for the holidays after breaking up with her long-time boyfriend, Griffin. Saying goodbye to him was hard, but saying goodbye to his mother - who served as Elise's surrogate mom after the death of her own mother - is even more difficult. The second story, LOVE, ACCIDENTALLY, tells the story of Ilsa, who falls in love with Griffin - and must contend with the fact that everyone in his family (even him!) expected him to marry Elise. You can also give these stories as gift to anyone you'd like - just click on the "give as a gift" button!
http://www.amazon.com/Love-Accidental...
http://www.amazon.com/All-Is-Bright-e...
My first two e-stories are available for FREE on Kindle right now!
The first story, ALL IS BRIGHT, is about a woman named Elise who comes home for the holidays after breaking up with her long-time boyfriend, Griffin. Saying goodbye to him was hard, but saying goodbye to his mother - who served as Elise's surrogate mom after the death of her own mother - is even more difficult. The second story, LOVE, ACCIDENTALLY, tells the story of Ilsa, who falls in love with Griffin - and must contend with the fact that everyone in his family (even him!) expected him to marry Elise. You can also give these stories as gift to anyone you'd like - just click on the "give as a gift" button!
http://www.amazon.com/Love-Accidental...
http://www.amazon.com/All-Is-Bright-e...
April 6, 2013
The Best of Us
Dear Friends,
About a year ago, I was feeling exhausted – that chronic, washed-out, coffee-swilling-to-keep-my-eyes-open phase we’ve all gone through at one time or another. So I started dreaming about a vacation. But not just any vacation. I wanted to design the trip of a lifetime, a fantasy journey for the weary. My trip would be to the gorgeous island of Jamaica, I decided. I’d stay in a private villa with my closest friends, and we’d have a personal chef to prepare gourmet meals. There would be massages on the beach, many fruity rum drinks in hollowed-out pineapples, snorkeling trips… and did I mention the kids would stay home with babysitters?
I knew I couldn’t take that kind of trip, so I created it for the four main characters in my new novel, The Best of Us. I can’t tell you how much fun it was to send four stressed-out women and their spouses – friends since college – on that journey. But it couldn’t be all lazy naps by the pool and late nights in the hot tub. What these friends don’t know is that as old and new tensions are rising inside the villa, a powerful hurricane is bearing down on the outside.
The Best of Us will be in stores on Tuesday, April 9! Here are a few early reviews:
PEOPLE Magazine, 3 ½ out of 4 stars: “Just the book to banish the last of your winter blues.”
GLAMOUR magazine: “Reading this BFF-getaway-gone-wrong novel is like a vacation without leaving the couch.”
Publishers Weekly STARRED review: "“Lovably flawed, realistic characters and a fast-paced story make this a deeply enjoyable page-turner.”
I hope you all have a glorious, relaxing spring. Here’s to the best of us!
xoxo,
Sarah
About a year ago, I was feeling exhausted – that chronic, washed-out, coffee-swilling-to-keep-my-eyes-open phase we’ve all gone through at one time or another. So I started dreaming about a vacation. But not just any vacation. I wanted to design the trip of a lifetime, a fantasy journey for the weary. My trip would be to the gorgeous island of Jamaica, I decided. I’d stay in a private villa with my closest friends, and we’d have a personal chef to prepare gourmet meals. There would be massages on the beach, many fruity rum drinks in hollowed-out pineapples, snorkeling trips… and did I mention the kids would stay home with babysitters?
I knew I couldn’t take that kind of trip, so I created it for the four main characters in my new novel, The Best of Us. I can’t tell you how much fun it was to send four stressed-out women and their spouses – friends since college – on that journey. But it couldn’t be all lazy naps by the pool and late nights in the hot tub. What these friends don’t know is that as old and new tensions are rising inside the villa, a powerful hurricane is bearing down on the outside.
The Best of Us will be in stores on Tuesday, April 9! Here are a few early reviews:
PEOPLE Magazine, 3 ½ out of 4 stars: “Just the book to banish the last of your winter blues.”
GLAMOUR magazine: “Reading this BFF-getaway-gone-wrong novel is like a vacation without leaving the couch.”
Publishers Weekly STARRED review: "“Lovably flawed, realistic characters and a fast-paced story make this a deeply enjoyable page-turner.”
I hope you all have a glorious, relaxing spring. Here’s to the best of us!
xoxo,
Sarah
November 21, 2012
Hello! How are you?
Dear Friends,
Wow, it has been a while! Come on over here and let me pinch your cheeks and tell you how much you've grown!
I know I haven't been in touch for a few months, and let me explain why: I'm always trying to find the right balance between updating you on interesting events in publishing and my new book releases, while not bombarding you with too many messages. Because between those incessant calls from "Rachel from Card Services" (do you guys get those too? If not, count yourselves among the luckiest people on the planet) and all the politicians who suddenly seem to have my home number on speed dial, and emails from organizations I've never heard of but who want me to sign up for their amazing and limited time offers, I know what it's like to be bombarded. Sometimes I'm like, "Can I please just sit here and read Perez Hilton in peace, Rachel from Card Services? And oh, Rachel from Card Services, have you seen those shirtless pictures of Channing Tatum and his abs?"
But lots has been going on behind the scenes. I'm in the midst of writing my fifth novel, which of course doesn't have a title, since I'm horrible at coming up with titles. So we're calling it "Book Five," which reminds me a bit of George Foreman naming all five of his children George Foreman, Jr., which effortlessly trumps Apple Paltrow in the weird celebrity naming category ("I'll take Prince 'Blanket' Jackson for $1,000, Alec.")
I'm also getting ready for the Nov. 27 release of my new novella, titled "Beginning Again," which tells the story of a woman named Corrine Brown who flies to her hometown to attend her little sister's wedding - while dealing with her own very recent, very painful divorce. If the sisters' names sound familiar, you might recognize them from my previous short stories "All Is Bright" and "Love, Accidentally" - this new ebook is a continuation of those tales. If you haven't read the previous stories, don't worry. It isn't necessary to know their history to read this novella.
I hope you'll consider downloading "Beginning Again," because it's a pretty good deal - it's just 99 cents, and it's a nice lengthy read, about 1/5 as long as a traditional novel. Plus, there's a good chunk of my next upcoming book attached at the end. If you don't have an ereader, you can still download books easily onto your computer. Shoot me an email at sarah@sarahpekkanen.com and I'll walk you through it.
Let's see, what else? My copy editor saved me from a completely humiliating mistake in the latest book I turned in: I had a character covering her hand with her mouth. It's physically impossible - trust me, I've tried, and my efforts weren't something I'd ever want to see turn up on Youtube.
Okay, time to get back to writing the book. But I just want to thank you all so much for taking the time to read this (Wait your turn, Rachel from Card Services! They're busy with me now!) and for reading my books and short stories. I'm thrilled to say my novels are now being published in 10 countries - China, Russia, Poland and Italy among them - and I'll be writing a book a year, under contract with Atria/Simon & Schuster, through 2015. I've dreamed of being a writer since I was a scabby-kneed little kid, and it's because of you that I get to do it.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
xoxo,
Sarah
Wow, it has been a while! Come on over here and let me pinch your cheeks and tell you how much you've grown!
I know I haven't been in touch for a few months, and let me explain why: I'm always trying to find the right balance between updating you on interesting events in publishing and my new book releases, while not bombarding you with too many messages. Because between those incessant calls from "Rachel from Card Services" (do you guys get those too? If not, count yourselves among the luckiest people on the planet) and all the politicians who suddenly seem to have my home number on speed dial, and emails from organizations I've never heard of but who want me to sign up for their amazing and limited time offers, I know what it's like to be bombarded. Sometimes I'm like, "Can I please just sit here and read Perez Hilton in peace, Rachel from Card Services? And oh, Rachel from Card Services, have you seen those shirtless pictures of Channing Tatum and his abs?"
But lots has been going on behind the scenes. I'm in the midst of writing my fifth novel, which of course doesn't have a title, since I'm horrible at coming up with titles. So we're calling it "Book Five," which reminds me a bit of George Foreman naming all five of his children George Foreman, Jr., which effortlessly trumps Apple Paltrow in the weird celebrity naming category ("I'll take Prince 'Blanket' Jackson for $1,000, Alec.")
I'm also getting ready for the Nov. 27 release of my new novella, titled "Beginning Again," which tells the story of a woman named Corrine Brown who flies to her hometown to attend her little sister's wedding - while dealing with her own very recent, very painful divorce. If the sisters' names sound familiar, you might recognize them from my previous short stories "All Is Bright" and "Love, Accidentally" - this new ebook is a continuation of those tales. If you haven't read the previous stories, don't worry. It isn't necessary to know their history to read this novella.
I hope you'll consider downloading "Beginning Again," because it's a pretty good deal - it's just 99 cents, and it's a nice lengthy read, about 1/5 as long as a traditional novel. Plus, there's a good chunk of my next upcoming book attached at the end. If you don't have an ereader, you can still download books easily onto your computer. Shoot me an email at sarah@sarahpekkanen.com and I'll walk you through it.
Let's see, what else? My copy editor saved me from a completely humiliating mistake in the latest book I turned in: I had a character covering her hand with her mouth. It's physically impossible - trust me, I've tried, and my efforts weren't something I'd ever want to see turn up on Youtube.
Okay, time to get back to writing the book. But I just want to thank you all so much for taking the time to read this (Wait your turn, Rachel from Card Services! They're busy with me now!) and for reading my books and short stories. I'm thrilled to say my novels are now being published in 10 countries - China, Russia, Poland and Italy among them - and I'll be writing a book a year, under contract with Atria/Simon & Schuster, through 2015. I've dreamed of being a writer since I was a scabby-kneed little kid, and it's because of you that I get to do it.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
xoxo,
Sarah
