ask the author

Me: Many of the characters in the book face significant challenges and obstacles. Is there a particular message or theme you hope readers take away from their journeys?

​Author: Absolutely, Becky! In Spark, I aimed to ensure that you and your companions faced external and internal challenges, reflecting real-life experiences' complexities. Throughout your journey, I wanted to mirror the adversity that many individuals confront in their lives. Crafting characters that readers could relate to was crucial for grounding the story in authenticity. I portrayed you, Becky, as the main character, with deliberate flaws and questionable decisions, illustrating the human capacity for imperfection. Your brother Tommy's struggles with addiction and mental illness, using sarcasm as a coping mechanism, were meant to show the multifaceted nature of personal battles. Despite the conflicts between you and Tommy, I wanted to highlight the deep bond and care you both share. Additionally, your friend Connor serves as a stabilizing force, offering rationality and support amidst the chaos of your journey.