Quick Q&A with ‘Hourglass’ author Myra McEntire

Myra McEntire’s debut novel “Hourglass” comes out Tuesday, June 14. Her story follows 17-year-old Emerson Cole, who has spent the past couple years seeing what isn’t there — swooning Southern Belles; soldiers long forgotten; a haunting jazz trio that vanishes in an instant. All she wants to be is normal. So when her well-meaning brother brings in a consultant from a secretive organization called the Hourglass, Emerson’s willing to try one last cure. But meeting Michael Weaver may not only change her future, it may change her past. Myra was kind enough to take a minute and answer a few questions for Cracking the Cover. Check them out below.

Have you always wanted to write? Why?

Yes! I love telling stories, and I decided to stop telling them in my head!

Why write for young adults?

Everything is fresh, unchartered territory.

Do you have any rituals? Do you write all day?

I have kids, so write now I write whenever I can!

Where did the idea for “Hourglass” come from?

Emerson showed up in my head, and I started following her story.

How long did you work on “Hourglass”?

For two years, roughly. That includes editorial revisions.

What were the challenges working on it? And conversely, the highlights?

Getting the world right was a challenge. Highlights? When I make myself laugh.

You’ve sold the sequel to “Hourglass,” is it finished? How has working on/toward your second published book differed from the first?

It’s just past the first draft stage. SEQUELS ARE HARD. For reasons I can’t even explain!

Looking back, how has your writing evolved from when you first started working seriously until getting published?

I’ve learned to push through when things aren’t working. I’ve also learned to step back when things aren’t working. That was helpful, huh? Listening to my gut about what to do next is important.

Did you have a favorite book or book that really resonated with you as a young reader? The Wizard of Oz!