Sarah Chen is the bestselling author of the "Midnight Chronicles" series, which has sold over 2 million copies worldwide. Her latest novel, "Shadows of Tomorrow," debuted at #1 on the New York Times bestseller list. We sat down with Sarah to discuss her writing journey, creative process, and advice for aspiring authors.

The Beginning of a Writing Career

Interviewer: Sarah, when did you first know you wanted to be a writer?

Sarah Chen: I've been making up stories for as long as I can remember, but I didn't seriously consider writing as a career until my late twenties. I was working in marketing at the time, and while I enjoyed the creative aspects of that job, I felt like something was missing. I started writing my first novel during my lunch breaks and on weekends.

The Writing Process

Interviewer: How has your writing process evolved over the years?

Sarah: In the beginning, I was a complete pantser—I'd just sit down and write whatever came to mind. Now I'm much more structured. I spend weeks outlining before I write a single scene. I create detailed character profiles, plot out major story beats, and even write sample dialogue to get a feel for each character's voice.

Advice for Aspiring Writers

Interviewer: What advice would you give to someone who's just starting their writing journey?

Sarah: First, read voraciously in your genre and outside of it. You can't be a good writer without being a good reader. Second, finish what you start. It's better to have a completed, imperfect novel than a perfect first chapter. Third, find your writing community—whether that's online forums, local writing groups, or critique partners. Writing can be lonely, and having people who understand the journey is invaluable.

Sarah Chen's latest novel, "Shadows of Tomorrow," is available in bookstores and online. You can follow her on social media @SarahChenAuthor for writing tips and updates on her upcoming projects.