‘To My Last Friend’ tells the story of two adolescent friends who reunite after a separation, only for the protagonist to make an upsetting discovery about his friend. The aim of the book is to be thought-provoking and to target an intriguing issue sensitively; I was inspired to write about the central theme for the book having not been able to find many empathetic portrayals of the scenario I present in ‘To My Last Friend’ already out there.

Tell us about this central theme. We hear it’s a little controversial.
I can’t give too much away about the theme because I don’t want to give away the story, but really I tackle this by giving all the characters a fair chance to express their point of view and explain their actions. I don’t like to try and lead my readers down a certain path; I like them to be able to form their own opinions about the characters and what is happening, rather than trying to argue that something is right or wrong when it clearly isn’t to them. I know that not everyone would agree with my personal opinions and so I keep them out of the story; this is another way in which I attempt to tackle the issue. I don’t want to be accused of supporting something that could be seen as wrong in the eyes of some people; my only aim is to highlight the issue rather than argue a point.

What can you tell us about the book?
I would categorize the book as drama or family life; it is down to earth but at the same time it is heartfelt and poetic. It appeals to those who want to read about the extraordinary lives of everyday people; although void of glamour and glitz it still manages to be full of intrigue.

Tell us about your central characters.
Out of Jordan and Jon I think Jon is the more obviously sensitive character, although definitely not any more complex. He is a naturally intelligent college student and would otherwise be successful if not a prisoner of his own mind, and therefore a recluse.
Jordan is drawn to Jon because he is different and endeavors to understand him, but he is comparatively lazy and has little aspiration for his future. Although this is not necessarily recognized by his peers, he recognizes traits in Jon in himself more than he would like to admit.

Have you written any other books that we should read next?
‘To My Last Friend’ is my debut book; however I am already pulling new ideas together and before long there should be many more releases! You won’t get rid of me that easily!

Great. Tell us more about yourself.
For an author I admit I am still quite young, and this confines me because I don’t have a lot of life experience yet. In some ways though, I am finding this a good thing as I have to be innovative with my work even though my options are limited.  I was once told by someone wise never to give up writing and for that reason I will never stop aspiring to success. I write for the love of writing, as people like to say, and again I stress that you are not going to be rid of me!

Now it’s beginning to sound like you’re accusing us of trying to get rid of you!
Have you got a website?
I have a blog where I document my journey from the conception of an idea to when it is finally published. I also review authors on there that I find inspirational and share any other relevant experiences. Find a link to my blog below:

http://sarahswainson.blogspot.co.uk/

What about social media?
Follow me on Twitter: @SSwainsonWriter

How easily do new storylines come to you? If we give you four random words – Man, Woman, Airport, Darkness – can you give us a brief storyline?
Let me see…

A man and a woman board a plane at an airport.

They soon find themselves being plunged into darkness, the only survivors of a terrible plane crash. They are stranded in an unknown location; they bond to survive but quickly find themselves in increasingly desperate circumstances. When the pair run out of water and food sources the woman resorts to unthinkable strategies in order to ensure that she is the one who makes it out of the ordeal…

What’s next?
I am currently working on my next book; it is very early days at the moment so I can’t give you any more than that yet!