Author Interview + Contest: Sara Bennett-Wealer

Here today to answer some questions over her upcoming release Rival is Sara Bennett-Wealer. Rival is about two girls who are not only enemies, but now rivals in the same singing competition. Stick around after the interview for your chance to win a Rival themed necklace!


What hobby/activity was your biggest one as a teen, and did you have any major rivalries with it?

It’s probably no surprise that my biggest activity was music. I loved to sing and perform, so I was in the show choir, the honors choir, the school musicals and school plays. Any time you have people who are striving to be their best while competing for a limited number of opportunities, you’re going to have heightened emotions. Add the complications of friendships and falling-outs—your typical high school drama—and the atmosphere is ripe for rivalry. It seemed like there were a few people who had rivalries going on at one time or another, and I experienced my fair share of that. But nothing as intense as what my characters in RIVAL go through!

If Rival was made into a movie, what would it's tagline be?

Best friends, bitter enemies, and one life-changing competition

Describe Brooke and Kathryn in 5 words each.

Brooke: Imposing, Driven, Misunderstood, Lonely, Noble Kathryn: Quiet, Driven, Misunderstood, Blessed, Hopeful
If you could pair Brooke and Kathryn with any character from any book, what would be your pick for each?

I think Kathryn would really hit it off with Blake from LK Madigan’s “Flash Burnout” Not sure if it would be a romantic thing, but I think they’d make great friends at the very least.

As for Booke, I think she’d be great with Tiny Cooper from “Will Grayson, Will Grayson.” I *know* that wouldn’t be romantic, since Tiny’s not into girls. But he is into musicals and performing, plus he’s bigger than life, and Brooke is, too—in her way.

What kind of plant would you describe yourself as?

I’m think I’m like one of those weeds that has a pretty flower. A gardener might mistake me for a legit plant, or even let me stick around because I look good. Those who try to pull me will find that I have really strong, really long roots. I’m basically harmless—just trying to make the world a little nicer to look at, but I can be stubborn. I don’t give up without a fight.


Thank you for those awesome answers, Sara! Especially the last one... very creative answer.

Now for your chance to win a Rival inspired necklace (silver star pendant to the right), fill out THIS form.

Contest is US only and ends February 8.