Q&A with Eliza Stopps
A few days ago, I launched The Disappearance of Susannah Dane on Kindle Vella. This is a brand new platform, so I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the response has been awesome! I’ve had quite a few emails and questions from readers, wanting to know more about the story. If I didn’t answer your question here, please email me, comment on this post, or @ me on Twitter and I’ll try to answer it in my next Q&A.
If you want to know more about my experience launching the series, you can read my post on that here!
- Is Ecola Bay a real place?
Ecola Bay is not a real place. It is a fictional place that I created by combining names of other places in that area. It takes place on the Oregon coast, an area that I have spent a lot of time in. I didn’t want to base my book in any specific real life city, because I wanted the story to center around corruption without making any specific area feel called out. I took inspiration from cities along the coast, from Astoria to Newport to Long Beach, WA.
- Is this a true story?
The Disappearance of Susannah Dane is a fictional story with fictional characters.
- Will Paige and Owen end up together?
I was seriously surprised to be asked this question! At the beginning of this story, Paige does not really like Owen because he is like a third wheel. Zeze has been dating him for years and Paige has not grown to like him any more in that time. But after that night they spent cuddled up together, maybe things will change… You’ll have to read the upcoming episodes to find out!
- Are the characters based off of real people?
The characters are not based off of real people. However, I did take my own experience of having a trans teacher and the issues that it raised amongst my classmates as inspiration to include that in the story. While society is more accepting of trans rights, small towns tend to be a step behind. I wanted to include that dynamic for Paige because it seemed like it would be a good way to show her tendency to defend others and stand up for them. She does this regardless of whether Beekman seems to need to her assistance or not. The character of Beekman also exposes Sierra’s issues and that creates conflict between her and Paige that extends outside of their rivalry over Zeze. The character of Beekman is entirely fictional, however, and any other similarities are purely coincidental.
5. Which character is most like you?
I think every character probably has some piece of me. Paige’s mom, Ruby, is very similar to me in that she loves yoga and wants to do things like go kayaking and hiking, even if she is completely new to these activities. I relate to her desire to protect her daughter while trying not to stifle her creativity.
I wish I could say I relate to Paige, but she possesses more guts than I do. I have faced so many “creepy” moments like she does with Jim, the bus driver, and said nothing. Paige reacts in the opposite way and immediately tells an adult. She’s not afraid to stand up for herself at all and I certainly want to be more like that!
6. When will the story be available internationally?
I believe Kindle Vella will probably be available in other countries at a later date. I’m not sure when, though, so we will have to just keep our ears to the ground on when/if that happens!
- How did Paige’s dad die?
Paige’s dad dies from cancer, while Zeze’s dad dies from suicide.
- Does it cost money to read this book?
The first three episodes are free and if you are able to unlock the 200 free tokens, you will be able to read all the existing episodes for free.
9. What type of content should parents be aware of within this book?
This book is a murder mystery. There are some descriptions of blood, descriptions of violent events, and emotional turmoil.
The characters in this book are seniors in high school and many of them are sexually active. There are some sexual scenarios or innuendos in this book. While I do not cross the line into erotica at any point, there are scenes where it you can read between the lines about what comes next.
There are also some characters in this book that use drugs (weed) and smoke (cigarettes.) There is some underage drinking.
If you aren’t sure if this story is right for your child, I suggest reading the episodes yourself and deciding from there.
- Are you still writing this book?
I am still writing this story! I will continue to release episodes every week until the story is done. There will be approximately 33 episodes in total. Episodes 12 and 13 are available today!
Though I am a grandmother, I am enjoying the story. Will you consider writing a mystery like this for older people?
I’m glad you’re enjoying the story! The book is YA, but I do try to include some characters that older generations can relate to. There will be more chapters with Mrs. White in the future, so keep an eye out for those!