PSB: Boston Edition and GrubStreet are delighted to present the latest installment of the Grubbie Debut event series, featuring Sandy Speers Markwart! Join us for a celebration of her book I Want You To Know on Wednesday, January 29 at Porter Square Books: Boston Edition. Writer Jennifer Crystal will join Speers Markwart in conversation, and the author talk will be followed by a signing line.

We had a chance to ask Sandy a few questions about her debut book:

GrubStreet: Can you share your book pitch and what inspired you to bring it to life?

Sandy Speers Markwart: My book pitch is - A nineteen-year-old dies suddenly and then watches the lives of those he left behind fall apart, narrating omnisciently through very real and raw occurrences.

I had been writing off and on for years about the subject matter of my book, with no specific goals initially, other than processing. In 2015, I signed up for Jennifer Crystal’s "Writing To Heal" class at GrubStreet, and I recall feeling so at ease with the people in the class – each of us sharing equally emotional stories – exposing our vulnerabilities, all within the safe space that Jennifer adeptly insures. I had always dreamed about writing a book, but never really took it seriously until I was inspired and motivated by Jennifer and my classmates to bring my story to life.

GS: GrubStreet is all about supporting writers through all stages of their writing journey. How has GrubStreet supported or shaped the writing journey with your debut?

SSM: One of the main ways in which GrubStreet helped shape my writing journey is simply by providing classes and a writing community in which I could have my writing workshopped. Due to the fact that my debut story is a very personal one, I found the process of having people who initially didn’t know anything about my story, read portions of it and then write comments detailing their responses to my words, an integral part of advancing my writing farther.

GS: Writing a book can be a life changing experience. Looking back, were there any standout moments — a challenge and breakthrough, or a surprise — from the process of writing your book?

SSM: The biggest breakthrough for me is that I know I can do this again and I have two other books I am working on!

GS: One of the great benefits of a writing community like GrubStreet is the opportunity for learning and feedback from so many different perspectives. Was there a specific piece of advice or workshop experience at GrubStreet that significantly changed how you approach writing, either creatively or practically?

SSM: That I am kind to myself as a writer. The process of writing about a subject that is so fraught with emotional demands takes effort to not get stuck on the difficult subject matter. In "Writing To Heal" Jennifer taught us that when encountering such content, it is often necessary to move away from your writing – both physically and emotionally. And this requires that we as writers have an arsenal of practices that can help us process what it is we are trying to say, as well as help us move through whatever is blocking the words. I now take my time spent walking my dog, going to the gym or simply sitting and enjoying a cup of coffee as essential to my writing process. Learning how and when to move away from writing has become some of my most productive times – allowing me to have a different point of view, which can be very freeing.

GS: Aspiring authors often wonder how to take that first big step. What’s one piece of advice you would offer to writers preparing to take on their first book?

SSM: Try and enjoy each and every step! I loved writing my book – I rejoiced in every single word – even the sad ones. Find a mentor/community – people who believe in your story. You will edit your book more times than you can imagine, but don’t get hung up on the words that get cut. I fretted over publishers and agents and all of the rejection letters – I wish now that I had kept a binder. Let yourself have a break from the process when you require it – sometimes your book needs to go on the shelf and simply sit for a while. Keep going!!!

Join us on Wednesday, January 29th from 7:00 to 9:00 pm at the Center for Creative Writing in the Seaport for "Grubbie Debut: Sandy Speers Markwart, author of "I Want You To Know", in conversation with Jennifer Crystal." RSVP here.