Picture a storyteller who swapped opera dreams for crafting heartfelt young adult tales—meet Sara Bennett Wealer! This American author weaves stories that celebrate the messy, beautiful bonds of female friendships, proving there’s more to teen life than romance. With a knack for capturing high school’s highs and lows, Wealer’s novels like Rival have carved a unique spot in YA literature.
The Making of Sara Bennett Wealer
Born and raised in Manhattan, Kansas—the charming 'Little Apple'—Sara Bennett Wealer grew up surrounded by music and words. As a teen, she sang in choirs, starred in plays, and penned articles for her high school newspaper, hinting at her future as a storyteller. At the University of Kansas, she initially pursued vocal performance, dreaming of opera stardom. But the pressure of hitting high notes led her to journalism school, where she thrived as a reporter covering everything from local fires to Hollywood premieres. This blend of music and writing shaped her creative path, though it took years of rejection before her first novel saw the light of day.
Sara Bennett Wealer’s Unforgettable Stories
Wealer’s debut, Rival (2011), is a gripping tale of two high school singers, Brooke and Kathryn, whose friendship crumbles into a fierce rivalry over a prestigious music scholarship. Told through alternating perspectives and timelines, the novel dives deep into betrayal, envy, and redemption, with music as its heartbeat. Her sophomore novel, Now & When (2020), blends romance and sci-fi, following Skylar as she navigates a mysterious app that reveals her future—a life tied to her academic rival, Truman. Wealer’s latest, Grave Things Like Love, introduces Elaine, a funeral home heiress, whose ghost-hunting adventure with newcomer Xander sparks both romance and self-discovery. Wealer’s style shines with authentic teen voices, complex relationships, and a focus on friendship over romance, setting her apart in a genre often dominated by love triangles.
Her love for music infuses every story, from the operatic drama of Rival to the emotional chords of her characters’ journeys. Wealer writes from her Cincinnati couch, sipping green tea (a switch from coffee due to health reasons), balancing her writing with her day job in marketing and event scripting. Her ability to juggle motherhood, music, and storytelling reflects the determination that fuels her narratives.
Why Sara Bennett Wealer Matters
In a YA landscape filled with dystopian epics and swoony romances, Wealer’s focus on female friendships feels refreshingly real. Her stories resonate with teens navigating the social tightropes of high school, where loyalty and rivalry often collide. By exploring themes like betrayal, ambition, and self-discovery, she offers readers a mirror to their own experiences. Wealer’s persistence—turning rejections into published works—also inspires aspiring writers to keep pushing forward. Her work, praised for its depth and authenticity, reminds us that friendships can be as epic as any love story.
- Birthplace: Manhattan, Kansas
- Key Works: Rival (2011), Now & When (2020), Grave Things Like Love
- Fun Fact: She sings with the May Festival Chorus, tied to the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.
Ready to dive into the drama of teen friendships? Grab Rival and discover Sara Bennett Wealer’s vibrant YA world!