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 Brock and Bodie Thoene is Ava Pennington! Please email my assistant Christen with your mailing address. (ckrumm@litfusegroup.com)
This week please welcome Sarah Ladd in the spotlight! To win a copy of her new book The Heiress of Winterwood (Thomas Nelson, 2013) , 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 am married to a wonderful, supportive man, and I am mother to a sweet little girl. I work in marketing during the week, so I do most of my writing at night or on the weekends. (And occasionally, I write VERY early in the morning!)
And share something about your writing. What’s your genre(s), your areas of interest…
I write books set in Regency England, but as far as reading goes, I like to read books that take place in a wide variety of historical settings.
After you started writing seriously—how long was it before you were published?
I have always dabbled in writing short stories, but The Heiress of Winterwood was my first full-length novel. While I had the idea for the book many, many years ago, I didn’t seriously begin writing it until November of 2010.
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?
I am pretty much a creature of habit! I like to write in my home office or at my kitchen table, but sometimes I go to a coffee shop for a change of scenery. I almost always have a cup of coffee when I sit down to write, and I often listen to either classical music or movie soundtracks when I am working.
What has been the biggest help to you in the journey to publication? Writers’ conferences? Writing groups?
Before I “officially” started writing The Heiress of Winterwood, I attended the American Christian Fiction Writers conference. I didn’t know anyone, but I had an idea for a story and a passion for writing. At the conference I met other people who were “like me”. I joined a critique group and found a supportive group of ladies who encouraged me. I would have to say that getting involved and connecting with others who were on the same journey impacted me significantly.
What are your biggest distractions?
Facebook. And email. And my phone. I get distracted easily. ☺
What was one of the best moments in your career?
If you would have asked me that question two weeks ago, I would have said the day I received my contract. I don’t think my feet touched the ground for weeks after that happened! But just a few days ago I received my first “official” copy of The Heiress of Winterwood and held the finished work in my hands. WOW . . . amazing.
What is the role and importance of an agent?
I am thrilled to be represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency. She has supported me and advised me through every step of my publication journey . . . Tamela is such a blessing!
What advice would you give to new writers?
My first piece of advice would be to write every day. Even if it is just for 15 minutes a day, write! Like every discipline, writing improves and gets stronger with practice. Secondly, I would suggest joining a writer’s group. If you write Christian fiction, American Christian Fiction Writers is a great place to start. Get involved with other writers in your genre or in your state . . . the encouragement and support will be a blessing to you on your writing journey.
What’s on the book horizon for you?
I am currently working on edits for my second book in the Whispers on the Moors series and I am writing the third . . . and I LOVE doing it! As far as what is on the reading horizon, I am re-reading The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte.
Last question, how can readers find you and your books?
Here are few places where readers and I can connect:
Facebook
Twitter
Goodreads
Website
And here are a few places where readers can find The Heiress of Winterwood:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Christian Book Distributors
Thomas Nelson
I would enjoy reading this one. Like to read about the English moors and sea captains.
I can’t wait to read this book 🙂 I have only heard good reviews…. I read the preview chapters of the book earlier this year and cannot wait to finish the book! And the cover is beautiful! 🙂 congrats on the first book!
I am hearing rave review for Sarah’s book, it sounds wonderful. Thanks for a chance to win it!
Thanks for the interview! Sounds like a great book!
I’d love to win this book – it sounds very intriguing! Congrats on getting your book published! Even if I don’t win, I’m sure to buy it!
I have been looking forward to reading this book – maybe I can win it!
I love Regencies and look forward to reading this one! Sarah, what is your favorite Jane Austen novel? If you have seen the films/mini-series based on Jane Austen’s novels what is your favorite out of those? My favorite novel is Pride and Prejudice and favorite film version P&P 1995 with Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle. I’ve seen almost all the available film versions of Austen’s novels with the most recent being S&S from 1971! Aunt Gardner from P&P 1995 is Elinor in this version. By the way, your hair in your author photo reminds me of Marianne Dashwood’s hair in S&S 1995. 🙂
Sylvia, I just read your post and got so excited! We are big P & P fans! My daughter and I have read the book together and have seen every version of the movie! Our favorite is also with Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth. When my daughter left for college this fall, she asked for two things…A dvd player and her own copy of this version of P & P!! We have even downloaded the soundtrack! I do have to say that although this is my favorite of Jane Austen’s books, I truly enjoyed Emma also. It was a very easy read and fun!
I also read the preview chapters earlier, and have eagerly been awaiting this book. Unusual for a woman to propose! The cover is also wonderful.
Would love reading her new book!
I am excited to read this book. I have only recently started to read books based in Europe. And Historical fiction in the 1800’s is my favorite genre. The cover is stunning.
would love to read this! looks so great!
Thanks for the tips for writers. I also get distracted easily… it is nice to know I am not the only one. Beautiful cover. 🙂
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Great interview! Your book sounds very interesting and I would love to win it!!!
I would love to read this! Thanks for the chance to win!
I cant wait to read this book!!!
awesome to have a chance to win some great reading; thanks.
Hi! Nice interview. Thanks! mickinakm@gmail.com
Wonderful interview. Would love to read your book. Rhonda
rhonda_nash_hall@comcast DOT net
Thanks for highlighting other Christian Fiction authors! I love finding new authors to read. This book looks really good, I’d love to win a copy. 🙂
I would love to read this book! The older I get, the more I like historical books of all kinds. Add a little bit of romance, and I am a very happy woman! My mom worked in a Christian bookstore when I was growing up and she would “surprise” me every once in a while with a great book. I have had a great love of books since I very small. My three kids all have more books than they should, but my middle daughter is just like me, she is a lover of reading…After I find this one in the nearest bookstore, we will both enjoy it, I am sure!!!
Love the cover … I love historical books.
I would love to read this book
would love to win.
I love meeting new authors and I know I’d love this book. I would love to win it…thanks and God bless.
Would love to win this book.
I would be grateful to receive a copy of this book. Thank you for offering it!
ahhh to sit in the stillness of the eve, book in hand, tea close by….off to my grown up “Neverland”……..
Would love to win!!! Thanks!
Thanks for introducing us to new authors. I’d love to win this book!!
would love to read this one!
Love the cover. I want to read her book. It sounds like a wonderful book. Thank you for the opportunity to participate in your giveaway.
Barbara Thompson
barbmaci61(at)yahoo(dot)com
I’d like to read this one. I really enjoy historicals. Dana McNeely, Dana.McNeely@yahoo.com
I enjoyed the interview and I’m so excited for Sarah to have gotten her first book published! I am looking forward to reading The Heiress of Winterwood.
Suzanne, thank you so much for having me for a visit! I have so enjoyed it!
Sylvia, to answer your question, my favorite Jane Austen book is Emma. 🙂 Also, I LOVE the movie adaptations, but I have to say my favorite is the 2009 BBC version of Emma, followed closely by the 1996 version of Sense and Sensibility. 🙂 (And thanks for the comment about Marianne’s hair … that made me smile. 🙂 )
Nice interview. Love to find new authors to read. This book sound like a wonderful read!
I would love to have this book for my library !
I would like to win a copy of this book!!
I really like the cover!!
I like reading historical inspirational fiction!!
I have read three books by Jane Austen, my favorite is Pride and Prejudice.
I like Persuasion, I haven’t read the book, but I really enjoyed the last movie.
This is the 3rd time I am trying to post a comment but what happened to the other two? I am intrigued by the title most of all and find it alluring and mysterious in a way! I would love to win this book because I love new authors and now with Suzanne and your interview I feel I know some things about you. I especially appreciate when you write where and when you like to write. Thanks for this contest ! blessings to you!
My new homemade mantra: ” I love and appreciate authors.”!!!
my post went up above and left my name and address. Mary Lou K !
Oh I so want this book! It looks really great. I saw it at Sam’s Club and placed it on my Amazon wish list. I pray I win.
would love to win to read this summer!!
Love books set in England and these books sound great! I’ve never read anything by this writer but that will be remedied VERY soon!
I love reading books by new authors…a lot of them have become favorites
A wonderful post and a fascinating novel. Best wishes.
Love, love, love Regency romances!! Thanks for the opportunity to be chose. Regardless of a win or not, I look forward to reading this one!! 🙂
Blessings!
Debbie
I am always looking for new authors! Thanks for the chance to win a book!
It’s always neat meeting authors! Thank you for the chance to win Sarah’s new book! 🙂
Loved reading this book. So well written as well as exciting.
Love Historical fiction and can’t wait to read this. Also love to find a new author to read.
I would love to win a copy of this book! I’d read it over and over again as a “go-to”. It’s really good!
i would love to read The Heiress of Winterwood!!!
please enter me for the giveaway……..thank you!!!
Thank you, Suzanne, for this wonderful interview! I love historical fiction and love hearing about new authors and look forward to reading Sarah’s book.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book and it is sooo good! Would love to win a copy. Please enter me.
I would love to read this book. Sounds like a book I would enjoy.
I am so interested in Christian historical fiction. I have not read any yet. I would love this book.
Loved your interview . Congratulations on your first book. It sounds so good . Would love to win . Thanks and Blessings,
lizd225(at)gmail(dot)com
I would love to read this book. Thanks for the tips for the aspiring authors!
I’ve read great reviews on this book. Please enter me in this contest.
Thanks much, Judy
Love the cover. Thanks for the advice for wannabe writers and the trivia about Sarah!
Would love to read the book and love the cover of the book. Hope to read it one day
I totally get distracted by facebook too. Great interview and this is going on my to read list!
This book looks great! I have a weak spot for Regency books and this is one I’ve been looking forward to reading for a while! The cover is breathtaking, the story sounds amazing, and I have it on good authority from a writer friend that the book is excellent! Good luck to everyone! Whoever wins this book is one lucky contestant!
-Jessica P.
I have wanted to read this book!
Thank you Suzanne for such a great interview. I found out so much about this new author to me and would love to read her book. I became very interested in the regency era through Julie Klassen books. It is a very unique culture with such different rules in society, etiquette etc…
I have just started reading Heiress of Winterwood, courtesy of our local library, and am racing through it at an embarassing rate. All too soon I will be finished and left wanting to read Sarah’s next book, which is going to be about William Sterling. I would definitely love to have this permanently on my bookshelf.
I love the cover! So beautiful!
I would love to win a copy of this book! Looks so interesting!!!
would love to read this book Sharma Darby rdarby@roadrunner.com
this looks like a great read, would love to win.
Thanks Suzanne for having Sarah as your guest. I have tried before to win her book. Maybe this time. Can hope anyway. I am glad you are both my friends. MAXIE mac262(at)me(dot)com
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