Welcome to Author Spotlight! Each week will feature a different author. We’ll get the scoop behind their writing life and dish a little. The authors will also be giving away a copy of their latest book. FUN.
The winner from last week’s Author Spotlight with Regina Jennings is Mippy! Please email my assistant Amy with your mailing address. (amy@litfusegroup.com)
This week Kim Vogel Sawyer is in the Spotlight! To win a copy of her book, Song of My Heart, leave a comment on this post!
Share a little bit about yourself. Married with kids? Empty nester? Do you work full-time and write when you can squeeze it in?
I’m wife to recently retired-military husband Don, mom to three adult daughters, gramma to nine of the most adorable children to ever grace the world, and official petter of four demanding cats. Writing is my full-time ministry, which is the fulfillment of a childhood dream, so I consider myself blessed in numerous directions.
And share something about your writing. What’s your genre(s), your areas of interest…
I write predominantly historical fiction, which correlates nicely with my previous occupation of history teacher. Climbing through a porthole into past decades is so much fun. But I also enjoy the occasional contemporary story incorporating my Mennonite heritage. Let’s face it–I just flat-out like to write. :o)
After you started writing seriously–how long was it before you were published?
Sometimes I hesitate to answer questions like this because I never want my reply to be a discouragement to prospective writers, but in all honesty I began writing seriously in the early 1980s after years of dreaming of becoming an author. I submitted my first manuscript in 1992 (not including the one I sent in 1972…I was only 11 *grin*) and played the send-it-out/get-it-back game with publishers for two years. The rejection eventually crushed me and I stopped submitting until 2002, when my dad insisted I needed to try again. Still reluctant to face more rejection (rejection hurts, you know!), I dragged my feet, so he contracted with American Christian Writers Press to self-publish my first novel. The reader feedback gave me encouragement and I began attending writers’ conferences. I secured an agent in 2003, signed ten contracts between March and November of 2005, and I resigned my teaching position to write full-time in May of 2006. So it wasn’t a short journey, but when the time was right, God pretty much drop-kicked me into writing. I try very hard to perform this task to the best of my ability to honor Him for the wonderful doors He opened for me.
Aside from a cup of good, strong coffee, what helps you get all of your “brain cylinders” firing so you can write well? Do you have any favorite places and routines when you write? How many hours a day do you spend writing?
I would have to say 1) Bible study and prayer before opening my computer screens; 2) chocolate close at hand for a quick flavonoid boost; and 3) a purring cat on my lap providing company. I do my best writing in my wonderful office, probably because I’m very structured. When I used to step into my classroom, I went into “teaching mode.” Now I step into my office and go into “writing mode.” I spend as many hours a day in my office as I did in my classroom. The difference is no grading papers in the evening!
Is the “writer’s life” what you thought it would be? (Explain your answer)
There are so many things that weren’t what I expected. I assumed I would write the book, turn it in, it would be printed just as I submitted it, and my part of the work would be done. There’s much more to writing than writing! There’s editing, and marketing, and networking, and speaking, and teaching, and….. I was surprised by how much of my time was consumed by things other than adding words to a manuscript. It’s definitely a balancing act, but I’ve come to enjoy every aspect of publishing.
What was one of the best moments in your career and what was one of the worst?
The best moment was being able to call my dad and tell him I’d secured a contract–such a dream-come-true moment for both of us. A close second was receiving word that Janette Oke had agreed to endorse my first historical from Bethany House. I literally forgot to breathe for several seconds when that news arrived. :o) Worst moment? Losing Mom Sawyer before the release of the book (Song of My Heart) where “she” appeared briefly as a very secondary character. She would have gotten such a tickle at seeing her name in the story, and I wish so much I’d shared the manuscript with her before she passed away.
What advice would you give to new writers?
Think P-P-P. First of all, be professional in your dealings both face-to-face and on-line. Even before you’re published, you’re developing relationships in the publishing world and you want people to think of you favorably. One never regrets behaving professionally but one can certainly regret not doing so. :o) Second, be patient. This industry moves slowly, and it can be frustrating to wait in this “hurry up and get it now” world, but practicing patience will serve you well in the long run. Third, and most important, be prayed up. Publishing is demanding and can take a real toll. You’ll need strength to meet the responsibilities, so learn to lean into His strength and write for Him first. You’ll be a better writer (and Christian!) because of it.
What’s on the book horizon for you?
This summer, my first contemporary with Bethany House, When Hope Blossoms, will release. I’m excited about it and hope readers will enjoy it. Two more historicals–A Home in Drayton Valley and Sweet Sanctuary–will follow. Beyond that…I’m waiting to see what God has planned. :o)
Last question, how can readers find you and your books?
Feel free to pop by my website (www.KimVogelSawyer.com) for information and purchasing links. And of course ask at any local bookseller!
Thank you for sharing your writing life with my bleaders! (blog + readers = bleeders)
Thank you for the opportunity!
I would like to win Kim's book! Historical Fiction is my favorite. I will look forward to her contemporary tho'! Thank you for the opportunity to win, and I like to hear about her further adventures. Nine new ones! Maybe one will be a mystery thrown in after their move! "Write on," Clyde Whiskers would say!
lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net
I'd love to win this book… Kim, I really enjoy your novels…
Blessings,
Lee
I would love Kim's new book. I have read her other novels. Thank you for the wonderful and informative interview.
jody rigle
jodyr444comcast.net
I have read all of your books and have really enjoyed them. Please enter me in the contest.
Thanks for the opportunity for a great contest.
Jane Reeves
I love Christian Fiction Books! I have never won a book. Have a blessed day.
Love Kim!! Hope to win this one!
Love Kim's books. Great blog!
I would love to win Kim's book, she's an amazing writer who keeps her readers captivated during and leaves them wanting more at the end! Good luck to everyone! God Bless 😀
While I have no aspirations to write, beyond the arduous task of a grocery list that is, I love hearing the stories of my favorite authors. I've read several of Kim's books, my favorites would be "My Heart Remembers" and "In Every Heartbeat". Loved those characters and their stories.
"Song of My Heart" sounds like a great addition to my "to-be-read" list!!
Maribeth
fullerton.rnm@gmail.com
I have read a lot of Kim's books and loved every one of them. Would love to win a copy of her new book. Thanks
I forgot to leave my e-mail ejs8741@hotmail.com and i also shared this on facebook.
This is a great opportunity to try another type of book (historical fiction) and expand my horizon (which can never be expanded far and wide enough)! Thanks for the opportunity!
lcenlow(at)sit-co(dot)net
Great interview! LOVE Historical Fiction! Glad you kept at it! I follow you on the writes of passage blog. 🙂
I've heard great things about Kim's book Song of My Heart. Thanks for a chance to win a copy with a great giveaway! 🙂
I've heard your interview with Kim before and was excited to know she is a Kansas girl. That is where I've lived my entire life. I hope to get started reading her books and reading about the places in Kansas she writes about.
Kim Vogel Sawyer is one of my favorite authors. Every time I think of her I think "purple". 🙂 I would love to win this book…I haven't had the chance to read it yet! God bless! †
I love to read Kim's books. Thanks for doing the interview.
gloria
gholmes@nc.rr.com
I really enjoy reading Kim Sawyer's books!!
Please include me!!
Thank you,
Lisa Nelson
storyreader612(at)yahoo(dot)com
I just finished Kim's Sommerfeld Trilogy and loved it! I would really enjoy winning her new book.
catnippin@aol.com
Nice interview. Would love to win. jlscott49 at roadrunner dot com
I love Kim's work and would love to win her new book:)
Loved "My Heart Remembers" and would love to win "Song of my Heart" which I have on my wish list.
Enjoyed the interview ladies and so glad you did not give up Kim.
Thanks for the opportunity to enter giveaway.
misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com
I really want to win this one…..I'm currently reading her book "A Seeking Heart"
I would love to win this book. Thanks for the opportunity.
Lisa
mmorphies@aol.com
Wanting muchly to win this book. Thanks…sans753@gmail.com…sandi You know…i don't think the robot could read those words either…I couldn't tell you how many times I have to try… .
What a refreshing interview. i loved it. So you've got cats…only 4? Of course, if you have more you need space, and the cats i've got are barn cats, so saying we have a dozen doesn't count. i am looking forward to your novel….Thanks for the interview and opportunity to win.
mitzi underscore wanham at yahoo dot com
Kim, you are an amazing writer . . . be blessed!
– Orpha Yoder
Great interview. I love Kim's books already, but would love to get her new one to read
Hi Suzanne and Kim ~
I just had to comment and say how encouraged I was by this interview. Kim, your tenacity through rejection and years of working towards your dream is so inspiring. Every time I hear stories like this, it makes this writer's heart smile.
I don't need to be entered into the contest (I'll buy the book anyway), but I just wanted to tell you both how much this blessed me today. Thank you for writing for your readers (me!) and encouraging aspiring Christian authors at the same time (me too!)
Kristy
Would love to win this book. I love your books and would love to add this one to my collection. Thanks for the opportunity and the great interview.
Sounds like a very interesting book! Haven't read any by this author yet…
`I'd love to win this book!
Kim, I would love to win your book. I just finished reading Amish Knitting Circle series #10. I loved them. Will you write anything else with Granny in it? I really enjoyed her wisdom.
Alecia Ernst
greatdane@citlink.net
I love historical fiction so will check out Kim's books. Thanks for introducing me and thanks for chance to win her book.
I would love to win a copy of the new book. I'm always looking for something new to read!
I loved this book. I purchased it as soon as I was able to. I love your books and this one was great.
HI Kim, thank you for the Interview, i loved it just like I love your Books, I haven't read them all yet but I try to do my best, I just got done reading "My Heart remembers" and I absolutely loved it.
Please add me to your Contest I would love to win your Book.
Blessings to you all
ingrids62448(at)yahoo(dot)com
Wow! Writing seems demanding. Lots of behind the scenes stuff that no one thinks about. I'm a librarian and that happens to me too. People think I can read for pleasure all day. I think not. Also, they ask why I have a masters degree. Sigh. kristiedonelson(at)gmail(dot)com Thank you.
I really enjoy your blog. Would love to win a copy of Kim's book! Blessings,
Kathy
khsa[at]hotmail[dot]com
Hooray!! Love your books!!
enjoyed reading the interview with Kim Vogel Sawyer… I have read several of her books…would be nice to win her new book.
Sally smsror@gmail.com
I love reading Kim's books.
O Norman
onorman@wilkes.net
I would love to win a copy of Kim Sawyer's new book…historical fiction…its hard to put down………babyruthmac16@yahoo.com
I would love to win this book of Kim's. Would be my first of her books. Glad to be in this contest. Don't ever know when you might just get lucky!
Maxie ( mac262@me.com )
I love historical fiction!
felecia@twinoaksfl.org