Ever since I can remember, I’ve been inspired to write. In high school, my English teacher didn’t love the assignment I turned in. I thought it was perfect—just what she was looking for. It wasn’t.

The assignment was to describe a house. I wrote that the door was red. My teacher didn’t like just red. She wanted to really “see” the red. It was a turning point for me. Instead of being a chore, writing was something I enjoyed. It was an art to me.

Every time I read a good book, I get inspired to write. Great characters and twisting plots motivate me to craft my story—to take it to the next level.

Aftermath started when the character of Ben Parker came to life. About five years ago, I had a very vivid dream of a train derailment. Railcars tumbled off a ridge, landing on top of each other in a ravine. In my dream, there was a young man that appeared untouched by the accident. Once everything settled, he pulled the victims from the crash site and escorted them to the afterworld. I still remember waking up, my heart pounding in my chest.

Who is your most meaningful character and why?

That’s a really tough question… like asking a mom to pick her favorite child!

I really enjoy all of my characters (even the dark ones), but if I had to pick just one, I’d choose Ben as the most meaningful. He spent decades searching for the love of his existence, so his dedication and perseverance is remarkable to me. As an agent in the Afterworld’s Bureau of Investigation, he proved himself loyal and committed. Overall, he’s just a good guy—someone you’d want on your side.

How has this story touched your life?

In Aftermath, Emma Bennett experiences the loss of a parent and is faced with moving to another state to finish high school. I had a similar experience growing up, although I was much younger than Emma. Nonetheless, I could relate to the feeling of abandonment and starting over that Emma faces.

What do you think makes a good story?

For me, a good story is about great characters and a good plot. Personally, I love twist in the storyline, to keep me on the edge of my seat. But having a character I can relate to is important.

If you could pick one actor to play a character in your book in the movie version, who would it be?

It’s interesting that you ask that question. I think many authors picture a model or actor for our characters as we write the story. In my case, I started writing a few years ago, and those actors are now too old to portray a high school student. But I always pictured Kelly Preston as Barb Carmichael—Emma’s aunt.

What song best describes your book and why?

Breakeven by The Script.  It doesn’t really describe the story, but it was on my playlist when I conceived the series, and it gave me the sense of what Ben was feeling, having lost his wife decades earlier.

What age group do you think best describes your reader and Why?

Since my characters are high school students, I would say the target age would be anyone 15 and up. When I wrote the series, I kept adults in mind, too. Ben has existed decades and has a more adult attitude compared to his peers, so I think anyone would enjoy it.

Where did you get ideas for your books?

That’s an excellent question. I’ve always believed in heaven—that there was something beyond the world we knew. The concept for character, Ben Parker, came to me in a dream several years ago. I had a very vivid image of a train derailment and one man that appeared untouched by the accident. In my dream, he pulled the victims from the wreckage and escorted them to heaven. I began to think, “What if there are angels among us… right beside us and we didn’t know it?” I ended up writing several short stories and eventually Ben and his agents came to life.

Title: Afterlife (The Afterworld Saga #2) by Sandy Goldsworthy
Published by: Clean Teen Publishing
Publication date: August 29th 2016
Genres: Paranormal Romance, Young Adult

Synopsis:

Afterlife is the highly anticipated sequel to Aftermath by Sandy Goldsworthy. This exciting Young Adult mystery romance is a must-read.

Everything seems perfect for Emma Bennett—she has a new set of friends she adores and a boyfriend she is crazy about. But when Emma sees a picture of her hunky boyfriend kissing another girl, she begins to question if his love for her is real. As she searches for the truth, will Emma be exposed to the dangers of another world?

Ben Parker enjoys the role of high school student and boyfriend to the love of his existence. Juggling his social life with his job in the Afterworld’s Bureau of Investigation is supposed to be easy for the decorated undercover agent. But when some kid captures a photo of him in a precarious position, he’s faced with lying to his girlfriend or erasing her memory. Instead, Ben makes the worst decision of his career. Now, forced to face the consequences, he loses the only thing that matters to him—Emma.

When seemingly insurmountable obstacles separate the lovers, will the two soul mates be able find their way back to each other?

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About Sandy Goldsworthy