Get ready to learn more about the book The Rookie in this discussion with sapphic author S R Silcox.
Join us for an exclusive peek behind the scenes as we quiz S R Silcox about The Rookie, writing, reading, and more.
This book is part of the Second Chance category in the 2025 IHS Reading Challenge.
Why did you write The Rookie?
Football (soccer) has been a big part of my life for decades, and I’m not sure why it’s taken me so long to write a soccer book! Friends and family (and readers!) have been asking me when I’d be writing one, and I finally found a nugget of a story that I thought would be fun to explore. I’m also grappling with knowing my body is much too broken to continue playing, so the thought of a comeback has been front and centre in my mind. What better way to explore those feelings than through writing a book about them?
Who is your favorite character in the book?
Meg is my favourite character in the book because of her endless enthusiasm, and her continuous positive energy. You can’t get away with being a grump with Meg. She is the opposite to me in that respect – I have been known to be a grumpy coach and captain (sort of like Lindsay).
What was the biggest challenge writing this book?
Finding the right direction for Lindsay and her story. I started with one idea, and worked hard with my editor on a massive change that totally changed the back half of the story for the better.
What part of The Rookie was the most fun to write?
Not giving away spoilers, but my favourite part was the junior clinic chapter. For all sorts of reasons, but kids tend to put competitive sport into perspective, and I had some fun making that point in this chapter with a little character called Lucy.
What is your favorite line from your book?
“The number one rule of goalkeeping… Is to not get hit in the face.” (Said by Lindsay when put on the spot to say something inspirational to a bunch of kids).
What is your writing process like?
I am a plantser, so a bit of both. I need to have a good handle on the story in my head at the very least, but I do like to have a start-to-finish arc written down, though I don’t tend to follow it. I just need to know it’s there in case I need it, and to keep me heading in the right direction. But I need enough wiggle room and space for the story to take shape as I write it. The final book quite often changes from the first messy drafts.
Is there a particular genre you would love to write but only under a pseudonym?
I would love to write crime/mystery with a snarky, female cop or ex-cop. I actually have a character exactly like that with a few scenes already written, but I’m just not sure I can keep a mystery or crime story straight enough to be able to write it without too many gaping plot holes. I actually really love the character, and even went so far as to send some snippets to an author mate of mine (Cheyenne Blue) to ask her opinion on whether they could be a romantic lead. My character was a little too dark and snarky though to do romance.
What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing, and by whom?
“Write with your mouth open” was a piece of advice given to me by Layce Gardner over a decade ago. I am prone to headaches, particularly tension headaches. I mentioned it once in an author group, and Layce said to let my jaw hang loose and open when I write, which would stop me from tensing my jaw, which would stop most of my headaches. She was right. I went from only being able to write a few hundred words a day to being able to write a few thousand (on a good day), and I now have a routine where I loosen my jaw before and after every writing session.
Do you feel bad putting your characters through the wringer?
Yes!! I actually stalled badly when writing the third Alice Henderson book because I knew I had to cause tension between Alice and her best friend Charlie, and I didn’t want to do that to either of them. In the end, I just had to grit my teeth and get through it. The story would not have been the same otherwise.
What books did you grow up reading?
I grew up reading Choose Your Own Adventure books, and I think this is now why I have trouble with endings. I start with one in my head when I begin a project, but by the time I hit the half-way mark, I have at least three different ways a story can end, and then have to decide for myself, or talk to my editor about which one would be the best for the story.
Do you only read books in one genre or do you genre hop?
I tend to genre hop depending on my mood. Middle grade stories are what I read when I need some serious resetting emotionally, particularly those about identity. Middle grade tends to be more whimsical, and I love how some of my favourite authors in that age range handle big feelings. And of course, I also read sapphic books, mostly lighthearted romances or fun stories, and mostly written by my Aussie author mates. When I’m in the mood for something different, I love a good mystery/crime fiction story.
