We are honoured to work with as many authors as we do at Pegasus Publishers – each with their own stories to tell. Their worlds are singular, their characters are relatable, and their creativity truly knows no bounds.

This is Author Life, a feature on the Pegasus Blog, that opens the door to each of our author’s creative process and previous literary experience, offering you – the reader – an opportunity to learn a little about the mind behind the novel.

This is Author Life with Rosie Sanderson, author of ‘to be Normal’.

What are the three most important things you have accomplished, aside from publishing a book?

1. Beating neuroblastoma gave me a story I am proud to share, I hope to use my experiences to inspire and empower others.
2. I am lucky enough to be studying at the perfect university for me and my future career.
3. I have the most amazing group of friends and family behind me, who both push and support me, I think that's what I'm most proud of.

In your own life, what influences and inspires you to write?

I have always had stories in my head, always making up characters and plotlines. As I grew up, my feelings about my previous cancer came to the surface, and I knew that this story was too powerful to not be shared. I realised that there are so many people who live in darkness, I want to share stories that bring light to people who feel forgotten. I write because I am not scared to share the stories that so many people keep hidden.

Which book or author has had the biggest impact on you, and why?

The author who has had the biggest impact on me is without a doubt John Green. His stories are so impactful that it is hard to not be affected by his words. John Green inspired me to face the hard feelings and I am grateful for his tales.

How would you summarise your book in as few words as possible?

"To Be Normal" is an ode to normalcy, it follows an anonymous teenager who is living with the knowledge that they will die. But life doesn't just stop when you have a terminal diagnosis, the protagonist will learn how to live not just exist. Going back to school throws up challenges that most people wouldn't even consider, and the protagonist needs to learn more than just the curriculum.

What were your first experiences with writing?

My first experiences with writing is my English Language GCSE, this is actually where I came up with the protagonist in "To Be Normal". I had to learn writings techniques for the extended writing section of the exam, making me look at words in an entirely different way. I was exposed to many different types of writing in my GCSEs and I'm grateful for the strategies that I learned.

In your opinion, what are the key ingredients for a good story or novel?

In my opinion, the key ingredients for a good story is true emotion. This powers the novel, the storyline is also important but if the emotions aren't there then the whole story falls short. A good novel needs to touch readers' hearts through the page, and the best examples of this are when the author pours their feelings into the words.

How long do you spend writing every day?

When I was writing "To Be Normal" I was in sixth form, so I would write on the bus on my way in and on the way home again, each way being about 45 minutes. Then if I hadn't reached my word goal for that day which was usually around 1000 words a day then I would continue for another half and hour or so.

How long did you spend writing this novel?

I wrote the first draft of "To Be Normal" in around 82 days. When I started writing it I quite literally couldn't stop! From there I edited and wrote the second and third drafts by July. 

What was the most challenging part of writing this book, and what did you learn from writing it?

The most challenging part of writing "To Be Normal" was confronting my own emotions. My own experiences with cancer influenced the storyline of "To Be Normal", there were lots of moments where I didn't think I would be able to finish it. But I knew that this story needed to be shared so I confronted them head on and I think I've come out better for it.

What did you find most helpful when writing your book?

My friends and family provide a backbone to my life, none of them cared if I couldn't finish writing, they were just so proud of me for trying. Their constant support helped me publish this book and I know that if I ever need anything they would bend over backwards to provide it, and I would do the same for them.

What writing advice would you offer to your younger self?

Just try. Nothing will happen if you don't write that story, but you never know what will happen if you do. Who knows, maybe you could be a published author at 18 too!

to be Normal is available now.