Sean Eads confronted tensions over his “literary homecoming”

Sean Eads grew up in Kentucky, but has called Colorado home since 1999. He has a masters degree in English literature from the University of Kentucky and a masters degree in library science from the University of Illinois. He’s been a reference librarian with the Jefferson County Public Library since 2002. His first novel, “The Survivors,” was a finalist for the Lambda Literary Award. His third novel, “Lord Byron’s Prophecy,” was a finalist for the Shirley Jackson Award and the Colorado Book Award. “Confessions” is his fifth novel and was also a finalist for the Colorado Book Award.

SunLit: Tell us this book’s backstory. What inspired you to write it? Where did the story/theme originate? 

Sean Eads: Well, the high school teacher Sarah Lawrence is based on…