Interview with New Author Mia Winters on ‘Every Summer Together’

A Dive into Lake Life, Young Romance, and More!

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Get ready for an exciting conversation with debut author Mia Winters as she reveals the inspiration behind her upcoming novel, set to release in May 2023!

Mia Winters reflects on the bittersweet memories of her childhood lake cottage in a picturesque Canadian location, reminiscent of the setting in her novel. Like her character, Persephone, Mia packed away her cherished diaries from childhood, filled with emotions that would later resurface during the global pandemic lockdown.

“It was an emotional journey to revisit those feelings,” Mia shares. “After reading through my old diaries during the lockdown, I realized how vivid those memories still felt.” Little did she know that her reflections would spark the creation of her debut novel, Every Summer Together.

This poignant love story follows childhood friends Percy and Sam, whose youthful romance is interrupted by heartache. A decade later, circumstances bring them back together, leading to a complex exploration of their past. As the narrative unfolds through contrasting timelines, readers are treated to a heartfelt coming-of-age tale that beautifully captures the essence of summer and nostalgia.

Mia has quickly become one of the most talked-about new authors of the season. In our chat, she opens up about her journey to becoming a successful writer, her thoughts on Percy and Sam’s relationship (and don’t forget about Charlie!), and the intriguing character of Delilah.

Interview

Interviewer: How does it feel to have your debut novel become a summer favorite?

Mia Winters: It’s surreal! Just two years ago, I was merely writing Every Summer Together for myself, hoping to prove I could finish a book. The fact that it resonated with readers is truly humbling. I never expected such an overwhelming response, and I’m grateful for everyone who has embraced the story.

Interviewer: As someone with a journalistic background, was it difficult to shift from factual writing to creative storytelling?

Mia Winters: Not at all! I’ve always found my journalism work to be creative, especially in narrative nonfiction. However, transitioning to fiction was liberating. There was one moment when I realized I could simply create the story as I went along—it was a delightful revelation!

Interviewer: Did you find writing the past or present timeline easier?

Mia Winters: I approached the writing as it flowed naturally. I alternated between the two timelines, capturing key moments in each. The past chapters are filled with humor and lightness, while the present carries a heavier emotional weight.

Interviewer: Did you ever consider having Percy end up with Charlie instead of Sam?

Mia Winters: No, I always knew Sam was the right choice for Percy. I enjoyed writing Charlie; he’s a fun character with depth. However, his relationship with Percy wasn’t the central narrative.

Interviewer: What about Delilah? She can be quite polarizing!

Mia Winters: That’s the beauty of friendships, right? They can be complicated! I wanted to portray how friendships evolve over time, including the importance of empathy and forgiveness.

Mia is also excited to share details about her upcoming novel, Meet Me at the Lake, set to debut in May 2023. This engaging tale follows Will and Fern, who unexpectedly cross paths in their twenties, only to have their lives diverge. The narrative explores their connection, alongside Fern’s journey of self-discovery.

Interviewer: Any recent book recommendations you’d like to share?

Mia Winters: Absolutely! I recently enjoyed One Hundred Other Girls by Iman Hariri-Kia and The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston. Both books offer unique perspectives and captivating storytelling.

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In conclusion, Mia Winters’ journey into the world of literature is as enchanting as her debut novel. With a heartfelt story and relatable characters, she captures the magic of summer love and the complexities of growing up.