Sara Knightly

Tell us a little bit about yourself, your hobbies and interests.

Hi! I'm Sara Knightly, author of The Everlight Series. It's a ya fantasy trilogy that combines all the things I love: adventure, nature, friendship, and magic. When I'm not writing, I'm reading, spending time with my family, or exploring.

When and why did you start writing books?

I've always been a reader, but when blogs became a thing, I started one to just write musings. I started seriously writing my last year attending Portland State University. We had to write a short story for our final project and I loved the story so much I decided to turn it into a novel. Ten years later, The Everlight Series was finished!

What made you decide to tackle writing as a career?

I've tried so many careers before I stopped listening to everyone who said writing wasn't a real job! I went to college for Radiology but quickly realized it was not for me. Then I became the front desk manager at a Day Spa. I loved the calm atmosphere so I got my Aesthetic license and did facials for 5 years. I loved the quiet because it gave me time to dream up stories. Then I went back to school and got a Bachelor's degree in Communications. I started writing on the side as I worked in Marketing. Being an Author has always been the only thing I wanted to do. I'm so glad I followed my heart and settled on what I loved.

Which one of your books or characters is your favourite?

I have to say, Secrets Ever Green, because it's my debut novel. I love the lush green atmosphere and small-town feel. The world just feels cozy and safe. I do love the second book too . . . and the third is taking me on my own adventure, so gosh, I love them all! :) It's hard to pick one because I love them each for different reasons!

Which one of your books was the hardest to write and stretched you the most as a writer?

The second book, Castle Ever Dark. I wrote it before I learned about the craft of writing. I revised it countless times, over many years, changing the main characters, names, and the title. I even changed it from third to first-person narration. When it finally clicked where the story wanted to go, it came so easily, but that was after eight years of struggling and putting it aside to write two other novels. I'm so proud of how far this book has come!

Who is your favourite author and book?

That is an impossible question! So many authors have created so many books that I love to read. Some of my favorites are Jane Austen, Christelle Dabos, Adrienne Young, Charlaine Harris, J.K. Rowling, and Sarah J. Maas.

What book are you reading right now?

I just finished The Mirror Visitor Series by Christelle Dabos. I loved it! It was so original, light, mysterious and fun. I love the magic system and the characters.

Where do you get your inspiration for your books?

For me, there's nothing more inspiring than exploring a new place. Whether it's a city street or a dirt path through the woods, I just love being somewhere new. I can draw new ideas from stones covered by moss, magical forests, wide open fields . . . but I get a special sort of thrill walking down a city sidewalk, passing fancy little shops, standing beneath towering stone buildings, or peeking through an old iron gate to spy the estate inside.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Reading. Writing. Exploring. Dreaming.

Do you have any new books in the works?

Yes! 2024 will be busy! Secrets Ever Green just launched. Book two in the series, Castle Ever Dark, launches 6/24. And the last book will be out by the end of the year!