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 the last Author Spotlight giveaway is SALLY DAVISON! Please email info {at} suzannewoodsfisher {dot} com with your mailing address to claim your prize.
Welcome Sarah Price, author of First Impressions, to Author Spotlight! Leave a comment below for the chance to win a signed copy of First Impressions and Sarah Price wristbands!
Share a little bit about yourself. Married with kids? Empty nester? Do you work full-time and write when you can squeeze it in?
Define little bit (ha ha). Let’s see . . . I’m an animal-loving, high-energy mother of two that has found the secret to living 25 hours a day! I write as often as I can: if I’m out of the house for more than two hours, my laptop travels with me.
My family heritage is Anabaptist and Native American. My father was raised Mennonite, but when I was younger, we moved to a different state that does not have Mennonite churches. So I attended a Methodist church with my family.
When I was in my twenties, I went through an identity crisis when it came to religion. I spent years visiting different churches, talking to pastors, priests, and preachers. I finally joined a Presbyterian Church where, when my children were younger, I taught Sunday School.
Unfortunately, my heart and method of worshipping is more align with the Mennonites. I’m happiest worshipping with the Mennonites and Amish. Even my husband loves the Mennonite church service! Over the last year, because of cancer, I haven’t been to Lancaster as much and I miss those worship services very much.
How did you get started writing? Did you have a dream of being a published author? After you started writing seriously–how long was it before you were published?
Ever since I was eight years old, I wrote. At first, I wrote in little bound journals, stories about gnomes and animals. When I was twelve years old, my parents purchased a Selectric typewriter for me to begin typing my stories. I spent all of my allowance on purchasing ribbons and reams of paper. And white out.
Most people thought it was “cute” to see a little girl who wanted to be a writer. Once I gave a manuscript to someone to read and, two months later, I found it under that person’s bed with two inches of dust on it. I took it back and no one ever inquired about the missing manuscript.
After that, I became a closet writer and didn’t share my work with anyone.
I did, however, try to find a publisher. Rejection letters were bad, unsigned photocopies in those days.
My first Amish romance novel, Fields of Corn, was rejected by publishers in 1988. I was told no one would ever want to read a romance about the Amish. In 2009, with the encouragement of my husband, I self-published the manuscript and, frankly, forgot about it. The next thing I knew, people began requesting for a sequel. Hours and hours of hard work made that happen and, slowly, the snowball continued. When I hit Amazon’s Top 100 Authors for the first time, I cried.
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 spend anywhere from zero to twelve hours a day writing. It just depends on my mood. I don’t force it.
Favorite place to write? After eighteen years in my home, we finally built the library of my dreams. It’s private with pretty arched windows that spill morning light onto the hardwood floors. The best part is the ceiling-to-floor bookshelves! My husband calls it my “receiving room.” There was an awful lot of hard work and sacrifice that went into building this room.
In the mornings, I read my bible while drinking coffee in this room. It preps me for the day.
What has been the biggest help to you in the journey to publication? Writers’ conferences? Writing groups? Your mom as your first draft reader?
Well, obviously my parents for buying me that Selectric typewriter!!!
Seriously, the biggest help to me is my husband for brainstorming, editing, proofing, and pushing me. He tolerates my moods (sometimes). He was also the first person to really take my writing seriously and encourage me to challenge myself.
Finally, I would be remiss if I did not mention that no writer can do this alone. I call everyone who helps produce the final product Team Sarah (and no, I don’t mean a “street team” which sounds very sinister to me). Cover designers, pre-readers, proofreaders, publicists, spiritual mentors, fellow authors, confidantes . . . It’s a tight-knit circle of trusted people who I can count on along the way.
Is the “writer’s life” what you thought it would be?
Yes and no. Let’s start with “no” first. I’ve always been a writer. I used to write until two or three in the morning and then get up for school at six o’clock! So, in that regard, my life hasn’t changed at all.
As for “yes” . . . being a published author with such amazing and caring readers humbles me every day. I feel very blessed by their love and support, especially when I was going through breast cancer surgeries and chemotherapy. I hadn’t wanted to tell my readers. It leaked out. My fans truly cheered me with cards, prayer blankets, devotionals, pink stuffed animals.
What are your biggest distractions?
Social media and time. I have always lived a 25-hour-a-day type of life. Unfortunately, I have an addiction to social media. I want to start a Social Media Anonymous Group. That being said, I have been training myself to back off a bit.
Of course, on a more fun level, my biggest distractions right now are my daughter’s two kittens from Lancaster: Blue and Blossom. They have a habit of sitting on my laptop while I’m writing. They’re so cute that I can’t tell them “No!”
What was one of the best moments in your career and what was one of the worst?
The best moment in my career was when I realized people truly enjoyed my writing. The fact that people invite me into their lives through my books . . . that I can touch them . . . is amazing. It’s a honor that truly humbles me.
The worst . . . I’m a glass is half-full kind of person. I’d rather not think about the worst moments. Focusing on the positive is more my style. 😉
What do you least like about being a writer? Most like?
In the beginning, when I would tell people that I’m a writer, their immediate response was either “I always wanted to write a book” or “I have a great story for you to write.” Writing is not easy. It takes focused discipline, hard work, and constant sacrifice. I truly believe that people think I just sit down and wave a magic wand and POOF! there’s a book.
To do anything really well, a person must sacrifice. I miss out on sitting by the pool, going to the beach, attending social events, you name it.
What advice would you give to new writers?
Read. Anyone with a passion to write needs to read. Period.
Prepare for hard work. It’s not easy. And being a writer is different than being an author, in my opinion. For authors, writing is just part of the picture. If you don’t like the other parts, well . . . you get the picture.
Finally, accept criticism. Use it as a learning moment . . . whether you agree or not. Listen to it and decide later. Don’t argue about it.
Pretend I’m a customer at a bookstore looking for a good book. Give me a one or two sentence promo to convince me to buy your book.
Sarah Price’s novels blend her Mennonite family heritage with her experiences living among the Amish to provide readers with an authentic literary journey.
What’s on the book horizon for you?
Great question. And I have a very full horizon. Most of my readers know that I’m a very prolific writer. Even during my dance with breast cancer (last year to . . . ?), I self-published a lot of books. This year has seemed slower.
Earlier this year, my first book of the Amish Classics Series, First Impressions, was published by Realms, an imprint of Charisma House. The story is an Amish adaptation of Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen. The next two books in the series will be published in 2015 with the Matchmaker, an Amish adaptation of Jane Austen’s Emma, already available for pre-order.
Additionally, An Amish Buggy Ride is going to be released this November 4th by Waterfall Press. That, too, is available for pre-order.
Finally, and this is my super de duper secret big announcement saved for your readers, I am publishing my first Young Adult (YA) novel in time for Christmas. I am bursting at the seams to say more, but . . . I can’t. (sad face) While the setting is very, very different than Amish, my existing readers will definitely like this series . . . especially if they liked my Plain Fame Trilogy. The reaction from my pre-readers has been tremendous.
Last question, how can readers find you and your books?
Twitter (@SarahPriceAuthr) is my new preferred social media, mostly because it allows me to to interact on a more immediate level with my readers, especially when I’m on the road.
Instagram (@SarahPriceAuthor) and Pinterest (@SarahPriceAuthr) are fun for photos and pins.
Facebook is another fun way to connect with me as well as on my Amazon Author Page.
[Tweet “Read. Anyone with a passion to write needs to read. Period. @SarahPriceAuthr #amwriting”]
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I would love to win one of your books too read
oh.hello.hiya@gmail.com
Have loved the books of Sarah’s that I have read although I’ve just scratched the surface. I think three or four, so far. On my list to read yet is Fields of Corn. I’ve only heard good things about it so I look forward to reading it 🙂
The book sounds intriguing, and I just love these interviews!
I absolutely love reading about the Amish. I would so enjoy this book.
I really enjoy reading Amish fiction and am sure I will love this book.
Sarah Price is awesome. This was a great interview. Thanks for doing this, Suzanne. You are super fabulous as well. It is always a pleasure to learn and read more.
Love Sarah Price books and would love to read this one !
I haven’t read any of Sarah Price’s books yet but certainly would love to! Thanks for a chance to win this contest.
Sounds wonderful. She sounds like a great person to take to lunch! Best wishes.
I have read all of Ms. Price’s books my library has and am begging them for more. She was 40 miles from my home this past Saturday and I was unable to go see her. Big time bummer but I did notify my friends at the Oxford Library and hopefully some made it to see her. Keep writing and I will stay on my library to get more books.
I dooon’t think I have read any of her books before but she sounds like an interesting writer and the book sounds good too, I would love to win one
oh dear, I should have proofread first, I know that don’t only has one O
I would so love to read this book. Love all of Sarah’s books.
I love getting up close and personal with authors. Amish is my favorite subject of books. Being a minister’s daughter, I can relate to these books because I see some similarity to my upbringing. Thank you for spending the time and love for writing these books.
I have been wanting this book since I first saw the cover, the story sounds great! I’ve seen the second book and I’m really looking forward to reading this series.
wfnren(at)aol(dot)com
I love Amish Fiction. Would love to win.
Love interviews with my favorite authors — nice to learn new things about them. This sounds like a very interesting read, Please accept my entry. Thank you.
It’s interesting that Amish romance wasn’t popular back in the eighties but now it’s huge! I’m so glad since I love reading the books by so many talented authors 🙂
thanks for the giveaway!
What an intriguing life! Thank you also for giving aspiring authors hope, amongst a lot of rejection. I also find it interesting how nobody supposedly was interested in reading Amish romance, yet look how popular it is now! Thank you for the giveaway!
Would so love any of her books.
Great interview!! I have not read any of her books-but after reading this interview,I’d like to add her to my to read list!! Would love to win!! Thank you for the opportunity!!
I love to read Amish and Christian Fiction? If I could 25 hours of my day!! It makes me feel like I could be living it when I read your books. I lived in Pennsylvania for a while, near Punxytawney and watched how they lived personally. The love and care they put into the things they make and the way they care for each other and their strong faith!!! God Bless You and I hope that I win the giveaway!
Hope to win. I would like to read this book.
Thanks for sharing and a chance to win. Would love to win this book!
I appreciate your kindness in having a giveaway. I do enjoy reading about the industrious Mennonite and Amish ladies.
This was a great interview! I have read almost all of her books and love her style of writing! She is also one of my favorite authors! My first favorite author of course is you Suzanne!
I have read a few of your books and have enjoyed them. Would love a copy of this book
I really loved this interview. I’m so sorry to hear about your cancer, Sarah. It doesn’t sound like you’re cancer free… yet, so I’ll be praying for you. It amazes me that you were able to get so much done even while fighting cancer. Simply reading your interview made me want to read your books, but First Impressions does really look good and I would love to win a copy. May God bless you. 🙂
I got introduces to the Amish books back in 2007 when I was recovering from an aneurism and spleen removal. Then God had me go through prolapse surgery then a 2nd prolapse surgery 1 1/2 years ago .. The doctor found a tumor on my bladder that was cancer.. As of March 2014 I am cancer free.. Praise God for answers to Prayer.. Oh would love to win a new book to start this fall. while our special needs son is at his program during the day ..when I have to rest from my fibromyalgia .. God Bless you and your ministry..
I love these writer/author interviews! I also love to read Amish fiction.
I have not had the opportunity to read one of Sarah’s books, but I would love to. I read mostly Amish fiction books!
susanlulu@yahoo.com
When I’m reading a good Christian book, amish, or family type books, I get so into it, that I’m almost living it while reading it. It a very beautiful thing to be so into the story, This is my world, my vacation, my get away. Thanking all the authors who put in their time and effort into making for us reader to enjoy it.
I love to hear about new to me author’s and their books! Thanks for the interview!
This is my first time here. Can’t wait to read some of your books.
I love to learn more about the Amish. I would love to win this book.
I have never read any of Sarah’s books, but I will be adding her to my preferred author list!
I love Sarah’s books.I would love to win this one.Thanks for the chance
I would love to read any of Sarah’s books. This was a wonderful interview and she sounds like such a down to earth person.
Love, love, love to read Amish fiction, especially romance!
I’m so sorry that you had to go through and still cancer. I’ve had a couple scares myself over the years. Plus while I was married to my ex his mother and sister went through breast cancer. My heart goes out to you.
I love reading your interview because you can learn about the author. I’d love to your book “First Impressions”! I don’t get to buy very many books because I’m disabled and not much money, so I have to win most of my books to read. One thing what I read in your interview was about writing. I was living in a nursing home for four months and would love to write about my experience in there but I wouldn’t know where or how to start.
Your next books that are going to be coming out sound really good.
I’ve loved the books by Sarah that I have read. Have a couple more on my kindle that I need to read. Suzanne, you are one of my very favorite authors.
Thank you so much Suzanne for having the author spotlight on Sarah Price. I liked the interview on how she began her writing career. I also enjoyed playing on an old typewriter growing up and using white out. Now those are days of the past since we have gone to computers. I also enjoyed learning about her family and how her faith evolved. I would love a chance to win a copy of First Impressions. It looks really good.
I have read, The Devine Secrets of the Whoopie Pie Sisters, Amish Faith, The Plain Fame Series, and The Amish Lancaster Series. I love each and every one of them. Your characters are so well developed, it’s almost if I am reading about someone real! The stories always draw me in too, they have little twists and turns, just like real life, and are not formulaic. I have a feeling that these characters, and their stories, are born of your heart, and just flow from your fingers to their book homes. It is clear God has gifted you with a wonderful gift in the form of your writing. I am so glad we can enjoy this gift, and be blessed by it. Best of luck with your newest work, I can’t wait to read it! It would be nice to win it, but I will read it regardless 🙂
I see another Heidi here upon looking back at the comments. I guess I will be Heidi2, since I came here second 🙂