Interview with Sandra Boyle, Author of The Forgotten Self

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Forgotten Self (Echoes of the Forgotten Book 2)?

Always liked science fiction. I admire those who create entire civilizations, planets, and languages.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of The Forgotten Self (Echoes of the Forgotten Book 2), what would they be?

Elara Vale — “Dream On” (Aerosmith, 1973)

Elara’s core is resilience wrapped in doubt. “Dream On” captures her slow-burning determination to reclaim her memories and her identity, even when the world tells her she’s a ghost. The lyric “Half my life’s in books’ written pages, lived and learned from fools and from sages” could be her thesis statement — someone who has been rewritten but still insists on authorship.

Milo Vance — “Who Are You” (The Who, 1978)

For a man who questions every reflection, this is spot-on. “Who are you? I really wanna know.” fits Milo’s moral and psychological struggle — he’s both protector and possible saboteur, haunted by what he’s done (or been programmed to do). The raw guitar energy mirrors his volatility and buried guilt.

Maren Ishida — “Edge of Seventeen” (Stevie Nicks, 1981)

Maren is steel wrapped in silk — fiercely loyal, constantly underestimated. The pulsing rhythm and whisper-to-wail vocals of “Edge of Seventeen” reflect her independence and that aching drive to keep going, no matter the loss. She carries the story’s emotional grit.

What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

Fiction, some fantasy. I write nonfiction, contemporary romance, and science fiction.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Brandon Sanderson and Dean Kunz.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

None, really. I’ll write anywhere I have my computer.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

You can do anything you want if you want it badly enough.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

Memory is fallible — but empathy and intent are what make us human.

Sandra Boyle is the author of the new book, The Forgotten Self (Echoes of the Forgotten Book 2)

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