Sarah Easter Collins: 'I’m fascinated by the whole idea of sisters and sisterhood'
BY Emily Powter-Robinson
18th Jun 2024
Sarah Easter Collins studied on our three-month online Writing Your Novel course in 2021 during which she worked on her debut novel Things Don't Break on Their Own. The novel is out on 20 June with Viking, Penguin Random House.
We spoke to Sarah about the inspiration behind her debut novel, setting clues and building tension in your story, and working with her Curtis Brown Literary Agent, Felicity Blunt.
You studied on our three-month online Writing Your Novel course in 2021. How did studying with us impact your approach to writing?
I found the course hugely motivating, and it made the writing of Things Don’t Break on Their Own an absolute joy. The course materials were stunningly good, and they really focused my mind in terms of thinking about my opening and the beats of my plot. Sharing extracts from our works in progress was really useful too, and all that critical thinking definitely made me reflect how to hone my own writing. Then, towards the end of the course, having the opportunity to discuss my work with the team from Curtis Brown was, literally, life changing.
Many of our students find lifelong writing friends on our courses. Are you still in touch with anyone you met on the course?
I count myself so lucky to have found myself in a group of such perceptive, spirited and supportive fellow writers. I remember being blown away by the quality of their writing, and we began conversations on the course that have been ongoing ever since. Given we were an online group, we are scattered geographically, but despite that, a number of us still manage to meet up in person every now and again, and it has been truly brilliant to celebrate everyone’s milestones and successes.
Your debut novel Things Don’t Break on Their Own is a psychological thriller and coming-of-age novel following investigations into the truth behind Laika Martenwood’s disappearance. Can you tell us a bit more about the book and the inspiration behind it?
I had the opening scene (that is, the one set in Robyn’s family home) in my mind for a long time, but I wasn’t sure what to do with it. Then, after going to a supper party during which a certain guest dominated the conversation throughout the entire meal, it occurred to me how, at a gathering like that of strangers and friends, everyone is bringing their own unique stories to the table, whether we uncover them or not. And then I started to wonder what would happen if some of those hidden histories were to collide. And suddenly I realised I had an entire story.
Carefully unfolding mysteries and shocking reveals are integral to successful psychological thrillers – do you have any advice for budding writers looking to set clues and build tension in their work?
I think readers are generally pretty clued up on how thrillers work, and so will be actively seeking out all those little hints you put in place. But you can play with that expectation! At one point in Things Don’t Break On Their Own, I suggest something in such a way that I hope will make a reader think I am deliberately trying to hide it, if that makes sense.
You’re represented by Felicity Blunt at Curtis Brown – how did you know you’d found the right agent for your work?
I knew it the moment we started talking. She’s a rare force! She has such a phenomenal insight into publishing and storytelling. It is an incredibly powerful and motivating thing to know I have someone on my side whose vision I absolutely trust and respect. That relationship made making changes to my work a whole lot easier, and I should say that, thanks to her advice, some of those were quite substantial.
Female friendships are at the core of your novel, particularly the bond between sisters. What initially drew you to writing a story about strong female relationships?
I’m fascinated by the whole idea of sisters and sisterhood, and especially those relationships that have been forged over a lifetime of shared experiences. My friendships with women are both vital and sustaining, and I am so grateful to have a group of female friends that I know I can trust with anything. For me, stories about women who are supportive of each other ring far truer than those in which they are depicted in jealous opposition.
What books have you enjoyed reading recently?
I’ve just finished You Are Here by David Nicholls and it was so brilliant I can hardly begin to tell you. I absolutely loved it. A huge recommend! Other recent reads which I’ve adored are Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver and The Perfect Golden Circle by Benjamin Myers.
Finally, what’s next for your writing journey?
I’m currently stuck into writing my second book for PRH. I can’t say too much at this stage, but basically it’s about a mother and her daughter who are on the run together, and I’m really enjoying being in their world.
Things Don't Break on Their Own is out on 20 June! To celebrate publication day, we're giving away multiple copies of the book across our social media channels! For your chance to win, follow the links below:
The books linked in this blog can be found on our Bookshop.org shop front. Curtis Brown Creative receive 10% whenever someone buys from our bookshop.org page.