Between the Pages: Interview with Sarah Matthews from “Chasing Shadows”

To really kick off the release of “Chasing Shadows,” I wanted to give you an idea of Serimone and the characters, aside from what you’ll read in the book. As a reader, I always wonder what it would be like to live in the fantasyland, and I’ll ask myself how my favorite characters would act outside of the pages on which they live. But for you “Chasing Shadows” fans, wonder no more! I’m going to take the next, well, however long I want to discuss the book, its characters, and the things that are closest to my heart as a writer. So keep checking back each Friday for these posts, and also during the week for whatever other crazy escapades I’m up to.

Today, meet Sarah Matthews, the heroine of “Chasing Shadows”!

I appreciate you letting me steal you away from homework and for taking the time to join me today, Sarah! . . . Why the grin?

“Nothing. I’m just beginning to realize how much time matters right now.”

That brings me to my next question: Is traveling through time the most exciting thing that has ever happened to you?

Laughs. “Yeah, you could say that.”

Was getting sucked back a thousand years all pure adventure and fun, or did you have any doubts?

“To be honest, I was pretty freaked out. I was sitting in my room one minute, and the next my sister and I were in the forest, dumped right in the middle of a misguided witch-hunt a millennia before. I was also a little worried I’d grow an extra toe or lose a limb.” Chuckles. “Don’t look so surprised! Time travel isn’t as easy as you think—you know, being dissolved and reassembled, and all.”

Interesting. But you did meet your best friend, Karen, because of it.

Nods. “I don’t know if it was because she was my ‘ride home’ or if we bonded over having to rely on one another, but Karen is my best friend now. That’s part of the reason why I traveled back this last time—well, yeah, I wanted to stop a deranged killer from striking twice, but I also wanted to see her again.”

And Will Taylor, of course.

Sarah grins slowly. “Yes, and Will. I haven’t seen him in a long time, though.”

Why is that?

“… Um, I’d rather not say.”

But you are in love with him.

“I’d like to be the first to tell him that.” Eyes wide, she hurries to add, “I’m not saying that I am or that I’m not. I’m just … not saying right now.”

Not even a little hint whether you’re in love with him or not?

Grins. “You clearly are.” 

Touché. Okay, moving on. If you could live in any classic novel, what would it be?

“Quick change. Thanks. Well, I’d have to say Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. After meeting Cadius, I feel like I have a lot more experience with monsters.”

Interesting choice, also one I applaud. Favorite color?

“Blue, but lately I’m becoming fond of green, too…”

Favorite subject in school?

“My medieval history course at OSU seems to be a lot more valuable and . . . relatable these days. I think when I travel back to Serimone for a certain wedding, all I’ve learned will be helpful.”

A wedding?

“Yeah, the—“ Raises brow. “Nice try. It’s a bit of a secret right now, so you’ll just have to find out for yourself.”

Can’t blame a girl for trying. What do you like to do in your free time?

“Lately? Well, right now I’m slammed with schoolwork, so I don’t have a ton of free time. I guess reading crime novels and watching period pieces? I also like eating my mom’s cinnamon rolls and matchmaking.” Sighs. “Maybe I should find some hobbies that really interest me.”

Will seems to interest you quite a bit. Do you think that you two can work things out?

“You mean the whole ‘he’s been dead for a thousand years where I come from’ situation? Um, yeah, we’re still working on that. But Karen told me to fight for what I want, so I’m choosing to hope! It’s just going to be a teensy bit awkward to introduce him to my parents, if it comes to that.”

 Understandable! Though I’m sure they’ll appreciate his manners. Sarah, thank you so much for joining us today. I just have one final question before we let you go: As a time traveler, any advice for our readers?

“Never trust an informant or a guard. Believe me; I’ve had experience. Also, keep track of your time watch and don’t forget that messing with the past has consequences.”

 … Oddly specific and yet somehow entirely vague, but I’ll keep it in mind! I’ll let you get back to class with Professor Demetrius, now, before you have to enroll in summer school and miss the wedding. But feel free to stop by next week, where I’ll be pulling Will into the future to interview him. I promise not to steal him away from you, though. *wink wink*

Frowns. “Yeah, not even funny.”