We chat with debut author Hillary Yablon about Sylvia’s Second Act, which follows Sylvia, age 63, with her best friend, the glamorous older widow Evie, live out the adventures and experiences usually saved for protagonists in their twenties. Think ‘Grace and Frankie’ meets ‘Sex and the City’
Hi, Hillary! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
I was born in Chicago and raised in Highland Park, IL. My mother, in her spare time, wrote children’s poems as a hobby and was always reading to my brother and me. I knew I wanted to be a writer and was interested in all kinds of genres. I attended college at Princeton University and majored in English with a focus in Creative Writing, poetry. I earned my Master’s at John Hopkin University’s The Writing Seminars program for poetry. I also hold a Master’s degree in literature from Boston University. I currently live in Los Angeles with my family.
When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?
When I was six years old, I entered my first writing contest and knew this was what I wanted to do.
Quick lightning round! Tell us:
- The first book you ever remember reading: Piggle Wiggle
- The one that made you want to become an author: All of them!
- The one that you can’t stop thinking about: Bridget Jones’s Diary
Your debut novel, Sylvia’s Second Act, is out March 12th! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Chance to do it again!
What can readers expect?
Fun, adventures, laughter, friendship, love
Where did the inspiration for Sylvia’s Second Act come from?
I’ve always loved the theme of it’s never too late. I also, upon reflection, think a lot of what inspired this book has to do with my mother. Due to her battle with Parkinson’s, which she was diagnosed with in her early 60’s, she never got to live the next chapter she had wanted to live.
Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
I loved writing about Sylvia and Evie’s friendship.
This is your debut published novel! What was the road to becoming a published author like for you?
It was a wonderful and rewarding and “beyond my wildest dreams” kind of ride!
What’s next for you?
My next book! I’m currently at work.
Lastly, are there any book releases that you’re looking forward to picking up this year?
So many! If I name any, I might leave something off.
