Unraveling 'All These Threads of Time'

A Conversation with Sarah Crowne

Photo by Mikhail Pavstyuk on Unsplash

Hey Readers!

Thanks to everyone who sent in questions on All These Threads of Time. I hope you enjoy this deeper dive into the behind the scenes of this novel. Also, checkout the recent article in the The Bulletin which was later picked up by Yahoo Entertainment celebrating my debut. It was such an honor to be featured in these publications!

Also, before we get going on the interview, stay tuned for the next The Write Life, coming next week. In celebration of ‘Back to School’, this writer was a schoolteacher. Can you guess who it is?

Till Next Time,

Sarah

AKA A Busy Lady

Unraveling ALL THESE THREADS OF TIME

With Sarah Crowne

1. What was the most challenging part of writing All These Threads of Time?

The most challenging part of writing ATTOT was in the planning. I did an extensive amount of research on time, time travel, serial killers (who they are, why they do it, news stories on past crimes, etc.), watched several films to study story structure (Shadow of a Doubt was a reoccurring favorite), discussed with writer mentors, etc. I plot all of my books before writing. For ATTOT, I had to not only plan out my opponent’s plan, each crime, the clues leading to the truth, but also had to think about the implications of time travel, how it might affect the story, the characters, etc. Also, I spent some time looking at pop culture to stay true to the 80s. Even though I lived that decade, I didn’t want to rely on my memory. I wanted to be sure I was accurate in the popular culture of 1987 specifically.

Once I figured all of this out, the book wrote itself.

2. What’s the best piece of writing advice you’ve ever received?

Oh, I’ve received so much valuable advice, I don’t think I could ever pick just one piece of advice.

Some favorites: Never give up, write about what obsesses you, don’t worry about if people will like it (your book will not be for everyone and that’s okay), let the process do the heavy lifting, know your opponent’s plan (the opponent drives the hero!), Unless you are Mozart, you will not get it perfect first time out. Use sensory in writing. Show don’t tell. And everything John Truby ever said or wrote about story structure.

I also love reading the advice of historic writers–especially Emerson, Frost, Thoreau—not just on writing but on life. I find a lot of inspiration by visiting historic writer homes and learning about their lives.

3. Why did you become a writer?

I never decided to be a writer, I was born one. I’ve always had a passion for storytelling from a young age. Before I could write or read, I recorded stories on my mother’s radio, acted out plays for my family, and told stories to my stuffed animals. My first “published” novel was in 5th grade when my teacher gave me special permission to type my story on the Apple Computer (we only had one in the entire grade back then, with dot matrix printing paper and large floppy disks) and put it in the school library.  

In high school, I became a more formal published writer as I gained recognition in various national poetry journals, and also won a national poetry contest. One national journal published my work twice, so they ended up asking for a photo of my entire English class reading my work, which they also published. My high school English teacher, Mrs. Rose, who I thank in my acknowledgements in ATTOT, was the first person to encourage me to submit my work.  

I continued writing throughout college and eventually began my study at the UCLA Writers Program where I mentored under NYT Bestselling author, Caroline Leavitt. It was through the UCLA Writers Program I became aware of Hollywood story structure guru, author, and screenwriter John Truby. I’ve studied under Truby for the past 8 years, two of which have been under his personal mentorship in his Writers Room Program.

Creating stories is the one thing I’ve always done and will always do—whether or not I am published. Stories are the way I make sense of the world. Sharing my work, whether novels, short stories, poetry, creative nonfiction, etc. with readers brings me so much joy. Stories connect us. If I can inspire, give hope, encourage problem solving, give voice to the characters/stories that otherwise may not be told . . . that’s what is most important to me.

Photo by Patrick Fore on Unsplash

4. Will you write a sequel to All These Threads of Time?

When I first planned out the plot to ATTOT, I did so, thinking it would be a single book. After ending it, I thought about writing a sequel, maybe two. A lot of readers have asked for a sequel. I have some ideas for one!

5. What inspired you to write a time travel story set in the 80s?

I have always been obsessed with time. Like Sylvie in the book, I asked my own father about time once or twice. Time travel movies and stories have always been a favorite of mine. As a child, I would frequently stand outside my house at dusk, after taking out the trash, and peer through the windows from the yard at the illuminated rooms, observing my family living their lives inside. Those moments mesmerized me (okay, I guess I was a weird kid lol). I always felt moved by knowing that those moments would pass and never come back. I wanted to soak them all in and, I suppose, being a writer, I often felt like I was on the outside looking in.

When Covid happened, I became intrigued by time once more. I was so used to life being so fast-paced. I had every moment planned, right down to the very last second. For example, I knew I had to leave for work at exactly 6:22 am to arrive at 7:30 am. That it would take me 3 minutes and 32 seconds to walk three flights of stairs to my cubicle (I hate elevators). As an attorney and a mom, I planned out much of my life in perfect calendar squares. But then, the world shut down. Leaving at 6:22 was no longer important. It felt like time was standing still. It flowed different.

Then, I read The Order of Time by: Carlo Rovelli. That book really inspired me as I learned about the history of time, how it became standardized, the physics behind it.

I had the idea of a murder mystery and I thought adding the ability to time travel to it would make it more interesting.

Also, there were many reasons I set the story in the 80s, but mostly it was because:

 1. Serial Killers were their most active (based on my research) during the 70s and 80s.

 2. I planned it at a time just before DNA and other investigative technologies were available that made it easier to catch serial killers; and 

3. The 80s were my childhood. The book is a love letter to that time where everything felt possible.

6. What are the central themes of “All These Threads of Time,” and why are they important to you?

The central themes in ATTOT are loss, grief, and the moral implications of altering the past. These are important to me because they resonate with universal human experiences.

We’ve all faced moments where we wished we could go back and change something, whether it’s undoing a mistake or save someone we love.

The novel explores how we cope with the things we can’t change, and what happens when we’re given the power to rewrite our own stories. It also delves into the idea of fate versus free will—whether we can truly change our destinies, or if certain events are predetermined, regardless.

Also, this is unlike other time travel stories in that there is no “time machine.” Rather than focusing solely on the mechanics, I delved into the personal impact of being able to change the past. For Sylvie, time travel isn’t just about correcting mistakes—it’s about confronting her fears and her grief. Ultimately, the book is about sacrificial love, overcoming trauma, and learning to let go.

7. How has the response been from readers? Any memorable feedback?

I’ve received such great feedback from readers—both from printed reviews, in person events, emails, etc. Readers have told me that the story’s twists and turns captivated them, and many have said they found themselves deeply invested in Sylvie’s journey.

My favorite review said it was “unlike any time travel novel I’ve read. It felt influenced by a mix of Back to the Future, Loki tv series, and a little Marvel multiverse blended with a TGIF teen show all wrapped up in a small town murder mystery. “If you’re asking, ‘Is that a good thing?’ you bet it was.”

One piece of feedback that really stuck with me was from a reader who said the book made them reflect on their own life choices and the “what ifs” that we all carry with us. That’s exactly what I hoped to achieve—to create a story that entertains but also makes people think about their own lives in a new way.

8. What’s next for you as an author? Any new projects in the works?

I’m currently working on a couple of new projects, including a new thriller about a pop star and a mind-controlled killer. I’m also thinking about a sequel to “All These Threads of Time” as well as a middle grade novel series inspired by my favorite children’s stories, such as the Lion Witch and the Wardrobe.

All these stories have themes of family, loss, and the consequences of our choices. I’m excited to continue exploring these complex, emotional narratives in new and creative ways for readers of all ages.

9. What do you hope readers take away from “All These Threads of Time”?

I hope readers come away from the book with a sense of reflection—thinking about how their own choices shape their lives and the lives of those around them.

I also hope they feel a connection to Sylvie and her family. Most of all, I hope they enjoy the ride—getting lost in the story and feeling the thrill of adventure, the weight of the stakes, and the depth of the characters.

Photo by Aziz Acharki on Unsplash

10. How do you balance being a writer with your day job as a lawyer?

There is no simple answer to this. Balancing writing with a demanding day job as a lawyer is nothing short of challenging. I have found that both roles complement each other in surprising ways. My work as a lawyer involves a lot of critical thinking, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of human motivations—all skills that are incredibly valuable in writing.

I carve out dedicated time for writing, usually early in the morning or late at night, when I can immerse myself fully in my creative projects. I enjoy writing in the early morning best because that way, no matter what the world throws at me, I can end the day knowing I showed up for myself and my dreams first. As a friend once told me, “You’ve got to fight for your dreams.”

It requires discipline and careful time management, but my passion for writing drives me to make it work. Plus, writing provides a creative outlet that balances the more structured aspects of my legal career.

Bonus Question: Can you talk more about the main character, Sylvie? Do you have a favorite character in the book?

Sylvie is a complex character who’s driven by a deep love for her family and a desperate need to right the wrongs in her life. After her sister’s murder and her father’s disappearance, she feels lost and alone, but when she discovers her ability to time travel, she sees a way to take control of her destiny.

I think what makes her compelling is her resilience—she’s willing to risk everything, even her own future, to save her loved ones. But she’s also deeply human, making mistakes along the way and struggling with the consequences of her actions.

I love all the characters, but have to say, I have a special place for Sebastian. He’s a super important character to this story, if not the most important character in many ways. I love the dynamic between Sylvie and Sebastian. I also have a soft spot for Jodi.

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