It was my way of communicating what I’m seeing as a teacher, namely, how social media has influenced the lives of teens. It is truly a project from the heart. It came to me all at once and literally poured out.

Tara Hodgson – 31 July 2025

The Back Flap

In the tumultuous world of high school, Emma grapples with a devastating breakup, a damning social media scandal that threatens her reputation, and an overwhelming sense of isolation. Her parents are distant, she has no true friends, and her despair deepens with each passing day.

One fateful night during a sudden snowstorm, Emma forges a connection with Sarah, a girl who navigates the treacherous high school terrain of 2001. In this improbable friendship, they bond through the digital ether, supporting each other’s struggles at the same school, in the same town, while separated by two decades.

The friendship becomes a lifeline for both girls. Their lives bear striking similarities, yet the differences are equally profound. While Sarah is spared from the perils of social media, she gains self-assurance and begins to discover herself. In contrast, Emma’s struggles intensify as she faces dire consequences for her actions online and misguided romantic entanglements.

Sarah watches helplessly as Emma’s life unravels, yearning to help but bound by the constraints of time. Emma’s perilous descent accelerates, and the danger of not receiving the help she desperately needs looms large. Sarah, trapped twenty years in the past, must find a way to intervene before it’s too late.

This gripping tale of bridging the gap between eras explores the enduring power of human connection, the complexities of teenage life, and the lengths to which a stranger will go to save a life.

About the book

What is the book about?

Chasing Through Time is my debut novel. It tells the story of two high school girls, Sarah who lives in 2001, and Emma who lives in 2022. During a freak snow storm, their paths inexplicably cross and they become each other’s confidants as they navigate the challenges of being in high school. Through this friendship, they see how similar their lives are, yet at the same time how different due to the added pressures of social media. As things in Emma’s life escalate, Sarah becomes the only one she can confide in. Unfortunately, the constraints of time prove to be difficult for both to deal with as they can’t be there for each other in a meaningful way.

When did you start writing the book?

I started writing the book in the fall of 2022.

How long did it take you to write it?

My first draft was completed in six months – I’m a full time teacher, so this was a miracle. With editing, I was done in almost exactly one year.

Where did you get the idea from?

It was my way of communicating what I’m seeing as a teacher, namely, how social media has influenced the lives of teens. It is truly a project from the heart. It came to me all at once and literally poured out. My hope is that it connects with both adult and teen readers and sparks important conversations.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

I found authentic dialogue challenging at first, especially trying to make it realistic to how teens speak today versus how they spoke twenty years ago.

What came easily?

I love bringing emotions to life on the page and the more I wrote, the easier this became. I wanted to make readers feel what the characters were feeling and make those raw experiences believable.

Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?

These characters are fictional; however, they also draw on elements of real people. Sarah definitely draws on qualities I see in myself as I reflect on my high school self. Emma is a massive collection of students that I have come across throughout the years.

We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?

I am a voracious reader and have a long list of favourite authors. Some YA authors who inspire me are John Green, Laura Nowlin, Kathleen Glasgow and Jennifer Niven.

Do you have a target reader?

Chasing Through Time started out as a book for YA readers but has become so much more. I have had so many women my age, both parents and not, reaching out to say how much the book resonated with them. Because of the dual timeline, both teen and adult readers can connect with the characters. I also think counselors, teachers, and parents can take away a lot from this book due to the timely issues that are represented.

About Writing

Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?

I start with an idea in my head and then see where it goes. Even on days I’m not sure what to write, I force myself to and sometimes I end up in places I never could have imagined. When I’m stuck, I walk and ideas tend to come to me then.

Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?

I do outline, but it’s pretty basic. I have headings and points, but sometimes when I start writing and get in the flow, my mind takes me somewhere I didn’t even anticipate. This is my favourite part about writing.

Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?

I am constantly rereading and editing. I always read the last few pages I wrote the previous day before continuing to write. I find that I am able to really flesh things out this way and make tweaks as I go.

Did you hire a professional editor?

I do. A dear friend of mine, Jacqueline Austin, who also used to be a teacher, became a professional editor. She works with me every step of the way.

Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?

I am so inspired by music. In fact, my second and third books have their inspirations deeply rooted in songs. I love Taylor Swift – yes, I am one of them. Her words are incredible to me. I have also been listening to a lot of Hazlett, Noah Kahan, and David Kushner.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

I did submit to agents, but not many. I gave up on the process pretty quickly.

What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?

It turns out that I’m incredibly impatient! I want my work out in the world as soon as I can get it. I love this aspect of indie publishing. I also like having full control over my content.

Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?

My first and second covers have been done professionally. I do not have the artistic eye or skill set to bring my vision to life.

Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?

I am working with a publicist and that has been a game changer in terms of marketing. However, I am completely winging the social media side of things. Marketing your book about the dangers of social media on social media is incredibly ironic, but I have embraced it!

Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?

If you really want to do it, just do it! Self-doubt and imposter syndrome are inevitable, but don’t let that hold you back. It is fun and rewarding. I am so glad I just did it and wish I had started writing sooner.

About You

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in rural Alberta, Canada.

Where do you live now?

I live about 15 minutes away from where I grew up on a beautiful acreage.

What would you like readers to know about you?

I come from a long line of artists in my family. My great grandma was a famous artist, as well as my grandpa. My aunt is an author as well. I always thought the artistic genes skipped me until I started taking my writing seriously. It turns out I have some talent as well!

What are you working on now?

I am working on publishing my second YA contemporary novel which will hopefully be out in the world in the fall. I am incredibly excited about sharing it! I am also halfway through the first draft of my third book which is an adult contemporary. I am excited to see where this leads!

End of Interview:

For more from Tara Hodgson, visit her website and follow her on Facebook, Threads, and Instagram.

Get your copy of Chasing through Time from Amazon US, Amazon UK, or Indigo.