Arts
Sarah Ockler writes fiction for young adults. Her latest, THE SUMMER OF CHASING MERMAIDS, is a contemporary retelling of The Little Mermaid, with nods to both the Hans Christian Andersen tale as well as the Disney version. We talk about her protagonist, who is black, and the issues of diversity in YA fiction as well as writing outside your own culture and immediate experience. The book looks at ways people -- especially young women -- lose their voice, both literally in this story, as well as in the deeper meanings beneath that idea suggests. Sarah also tells the exciting story about how she landed her first book deal in 2009. If you're a writer, you should hear it. It's pretty cool. The Summer of Chasing Mermaids is available in paperback beginning June 7. PRODUCER: EVAN JAMES