For local author Gail Pate, the beach and the yearning to write something for her niece resulted in a young-adult novel about a 16-year-old girl who goes on a trip to the beach with her aunt and has an experience she will never forget.

“The Light” has the right ingredients for a young-adult novel, from romance to science fiction to mystery.

And Pate isn’t finished with the main character’s story just yet. She’s working on a sequel, “Halo,” which will be released later this year. “The Light” was Pate’s first published book.

“(‘The Light’) takes the reader alongside the main character on her quest for answers to questions she never knew existed,” Pate said.

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Inspiration for the young-adult novel came from Pate wanting to write something for her niece Aubrey and their love of the beaches in South Carolina, which is where the book is set. Pate said her favorite genres are science fiction and fantasy novels.

“It all came together in the ‘The Light,’” she said.

Q: What’s your day job?

A: I am retired from PNC Bank, where I worked at the Nashville drive-thru for almost 23 years.

Q: What are your connections to Brown County?

A: My husband was born and raised in Brown County, and my family moved here in 1976. We both graduated from Brown County High School and have made our home here since we married 38 years ago. We have made many lifelong friends and have some of the best neighbors anyone could want.

Q: What’s your writing ritual? In what environment do you work best?

A: Well of course, I am most inspired when we are at the beach. That’s a big hint to my husband. The ocean has that effect on all of us. But the serenity of Brown County is not too bad either. I take the quiet moments and write down my thoughts until the story unfolds much like a movie in my mind then.

Q: What’s the last book you read? Do you have a favorite?

A: I loved the “Twilight” series. Those are the last books that I’ve read.

Q: Where can people buy this book, and for how much?

A: “The Light” is available locally at The Fallen Leaf Book Store and online at Barnes & Noble and Amazon. The cost is $12.95 for paperback and $27.95 for a hardcover copy. We are working with local Barnes & Nobles to stock it in store. It is also available on Google Play, Nook and Apple iBooks.

Q: Do you have any booksignings or related events planned?

A: I am excited that we will be at the Greenwood Barnes & Noble for a book signing on March 11 from 2 to 4 p.m. I will be participating at an upcoming author event at the Bloomington Barnes & Noble, but the date has not yet been confirmed.

Q: Anything else you’d like to say that I haven’t asked?

A: I just want to thank everyone for their support and encouragement. I am deeply grateful and humbled by it.