In this timely, heartfelt debut, It Happened On Saturday, author Sydney Dunlap tells a story of a middle-school girl who narrowly escapes becoming a victim of human trafficking and must find her way toward hope and healing after this traumatic event.
Hi, Sydney! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
Hi! Thanks so much for having me on The Nerd Daily! It’s an honor to be here!
I’ve lived most of my life in the Washington, DC area but am currently in Houston for my husband’s job. After teaching elementary school for a long time, I now tutor kids of all ages. I love animals and have a houseful of dogs and cats. Some things I enjoy include running, yoga, horseback riding, and volunteering, especially in the fight against child trafficking.
When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?
I have a very specific memory from when I was nine years old, in fourth grade. It was SSR (sustained silent reading) time at school, and I was totally mesmerized by Beverly Cleary’s amazing character, Ramona. I couldn’t wait for school to be over so I could go home and keep reading that story!
Quick lightning round! Tell us the first book you ever remember reading, the one that made you want to become an author, and one that you can’t stop thinking about!
The first book I remember reading was a very simple one called The Rabbit. It had lots of pictures of a cute brown bunny, and even though there were hardly any words, it was such a great feeling of accomplishment when I finished! Katherine Paterson’s heart-wrenchingly honest The Great Gilly Hopkins made me want to be an author. One that I can’t stop thinking about is Dan Gemeinhart’s beautiful The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise.
Your debut middle grade novel, It Happened on Saturday, is out February 21st! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Journey from darkness into light
What can readers expect?
It’s a fast-paced story of a 13-year-old girl who narrowly escapes becoming a victim of human trafficking and must find the courage to speak up and share her experience with her friends so none of them end up becoming victims too. Many changes are going on in Julia’s friendships and with her family, and she meets someone online and is lured into a very dangerous situation. The first part of the book takes the reader through her abduction and escape, and the second part follows her journey through the aftermath, including her participation in a therapy group for other kids her age who’ve experienced trauma.
Where did the inspiration for It Happened on Saturday come from?
It grew out of my work with child trafficking survivors and my realization that kids need to know about this so they can be careful and aware, especially as they go online and on social media. I learned that thousands of youth under the age of eighteen are lured or forced into trafficking in the United States alone each year, counting toward a current worldwide total of about a million young trafficking victims, and many of them are in middle school. That’s why I decided to write a book that introduces this topic—in a kid-friendly and age-appropriate way—before or during the time readers are most vulnerable.
Were there any favourite moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
I love horses and, like Julia, my first job was working in a barn in exchange for riding lessons. So all the scenes at the stable were very enjoyable for me to write. A favorite moment for me is when Julia walks into the barn for the first time after everything that’s happened, and it’s just her and the horses in there. She is so relieved to be back with the animals she adores. She says “Hi everybody!” and a lot of the horses poke their heads out over their stalls with their ears pricked forward, showing that they’re glad to see her, and one of them nickers. I was recently meeting someone at a stable, and I got there first, walked in, and experienced a moment just like Julia’s. It was so amazing to feel like I was living out a scene from my book.
My other favorite part is when Julia and her best friend Nori finally both let their guard down and are completely honest and vulnerable with each other, and they realize that the friendship they share is pretty much the most important thing in the world. I’ve had the same best friend since elementary school, and every time I read this part, I tear up a little bit, thinking of the bond we share.
Can you tell us a bit about your journey of getting It Happened on Saturday published?
Sure! I began working on It Happened on Saturday after we’d been in Houston for a couple of years. Once I’d finished the first two drafts, I realized it was time I brave the traffic to go to an SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) event and get to know other writers in the area. Well, the first chapter meeting I attended featured agent Ann Rose as the guest speaker. It was serendipitous because I later had an opportunity to pitch my book to her, and it turned out that we were a great match. She helped me get the book ready for submission, and I ended up adding on the second part to make the story accessible to anyone who has experienced a traumatic event.
Do you have any advice for those who may have set some writing resolutions for the new year?
I know that some people suggest trying to find a time to write every day and sticking with it, even if you just aren’t feeling it. I will offer a different perspective. Instead of trying to balance writing time with other things each day, maybe try just going for it if the ideas are rolling! And then you can make up for whatever else didn’t get done during a time the ideas aren’t flowing as well. When I’m stuck for ideas, I’ve found that my most interesting thoughts come first thing in the morning when I’m not quite awake and not quite asleep, or when I’m on a walk. I recommend writing down any compelling thoughts or ideas while they’re fresh in your mind. I always think I’ll remember things later, but then I don’t! So I try to have a notepad and pen handy at all times!
What’s next for you?
I’ve got my first school visit and SCBWI speaking event booked, and I’m very excited for both of those and hopefully lots more! I’m currently finishing up another upper middle grade novel that also touches on a serious issue. I’ve also got some picture book ideas—a narrative nonfiction one that I’m working on with another writer and a fun fiction one, as well as an idea for a spooky story—so lots of ideas brewing!
Lastly, are there any 2023 releases our readers should look out for?
So many! I’m in a 2023 middle grade debut group, and I’ve already gotten to read a lot of the other authors’ books, and they are absolutely amazing!! I can’t choose just one, so I’ll share a link to the MG ’23 debut website!
You can learn more about Sydney at her website.
