Sailing Into Adventure With Sarah Branson

Hey there, book lovers! In this episode of the Connecticut Book Festivals Podcast, we had the pleasure of chatting with Sarah Branson, a talented author hailing from Southington, CT. Sarah is the mind behind the exciting "Pirates of the New Earth" series, which has captivated readers near and far. We kicked things off by discussing Sarah's latest YA novel, "Unfurling the Sails," which just earned finalist recognition from the Independent Author Network. This thrilling adventure follows the story of 14-year-old Gray, the daughter of the series' adult protagonist. Gray finds herself shipwrecked with her arch-enemy, and the two must learn to put aside their differences and work together. As Sarah shared, crafting an authentic teen voice was a bit of a challenge, but she was able to tap into her own memories of that tumultuous time to bring Gray to life in a relatable way. Readers are sure to be drawn into Gray's journey of self-discovery and friendship. But that's not all! Sarah also gave us the scoop on her middle-grade novel, "A Pirate's Pact," which follows the adventures of Gray's twin brothers, Kick and Mac. These two young pirates-in-training stumble upon a treasure map and embark on an exciting quest that helps them grow closer as siblings. Throughout our conversation, Sarah's passion for storytelling and her characters shone through. She spoke about the joy of "listening" to her characters and letting their voices guide the narrative, even when it takes unexpected turns. If you're a fan of high-seas adventures, engaging characters, and imaginative worlds, be sure to check out Sarah's books. You can find them and learn more about this talented Connecticut author at her website, sarahbranson.com. Happy reading, book lovers!