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 Jody Hedlund is Elaine Jordon! Please email my assistant Christen with your mailing address. (ckrumm@litfusegroup.com)
This week Sarah Sundin is in the spotlight! To win a copy of her With Every Letter, 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?
Married with kids beginning to empty the nest—two teens at home and a son away at college. I work one day a week as a hospital pharmacist, which lets the creative part of my brain recharge.
And share something about your writing. What’s your genre(s), your areas of interest…
My novels are historicals set during World War II, with a blend of romance and action.
How did you get started writing? Did you have a dream of being a published author?
Like most little girls who loved to read, I dreamed of being an author and made several little books with crayon illustrations. But I knew I had as good a chance at getting published as I did becoming a professional ballerina. When I discovered I loved science, I followed that path. Not until my thirties did the writing bug bite again.
After you started writing seriously–how long was it before you were published?
Ten years and two months. I started writing in January 2000, started submitting in 2003, received my first contract in 2008, and my first novel was published in March 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? How many hours a day do you spend writing?
I prefer quiet, but I’ve written everywhere, from the sidelines of soccer games to the DMV to the karate studio. Now I do the bulk of my writing at my wonderful desk. The past few years I’ve been able to put in forty hours a week, primarily when the kids are at school.
What has been the biggest help to you in the journey to publication? Writers’ conferences? Writing groups? Your mom as your first draft reader?
All of the above! My mom was my first reader and cheerleader. When I’d been writing a whopping three months, she bragged about “her daughter the writer” at the bowling alley. Well, one of the ladies on the other team was Kathy Collard Miller, a multi-published Christian author! Kathy gave my mom her phone number and endured a barrage of my newbie questions. She strongly encouraged me to join a writers group and attend conferences. I did both. The writers group (Diablo Valley Christian Writers Group) taught me and encouraged me, and at conferences like Mount Hermon, I learned from phenomenal writers and met editors and agents.
Is the “writer’s life” what you thought it would be? (Explain your answer)
Less writing than I imagined, and far more publicity/social media. The nice thing about five years of rejection letters was it gave me time to learn about industry expectations, so it wasn’t a rude shock when I got a contract.
What are your biggest distractions?
Oh, Suzanne, you know the answer. My biggest distraction is an absolutely adorable, highly intelligent yellow lab named Daisy. But unlike your guide dog puppies, Daisy wants to play, play, play all day, and eats random household objects when I don’t do so. She is vastly improving with age, and I’m learning to tire her out early in the morning.
What was one of the best moments in your career and what was one of the worst?
I’ve had so many wonderful moments—from the “we’d like to offer you a contract” e-mail (squeal!), to the first time a reader who wasn’t my mom said my characters were like friends, to the sweet lady who told me A Memory Between Us was on her father’s nightstand when he died. I can’t pick a worst moment. The rejection-letter years were hard, but the Lord used them to teach me, so I certainly wouldn’t wish them away.
What do you least like about being a writer? Most like?
The least favorite part for me is writing marketing plans. They sound smarmy to me, but that’s the nature of the beast. I love almost everything else—playing with a new idea, getting to know new characters, the rough draft, writing a sentence that surprises you, research, editing, and most of all, getting to know my readers. I’ve met some fascinating people.
What is the role and importance of an agent?
My agent (Rachel Kent with Books & Such) does so much more than just sell manuscripts. She helps me craft proposals, reads my stories—she has a great eye for what works and what doesn’t, serves as a sounding-board for new ideas, guides my career, answers my stupid questions, and calms me down when I get antsy. An important role an agent plays is also to serve as intermediary between author and publisher when issues arise—not really a problem with Revell for a publisher ☺
What advice would you give to new writers?
Be teachable and persistent. That combination will take you far. Learn about the craft and the industry at conferences, writers groups, and from organizations like American Christian Fiction Writers. Don’t submit until you’re ready—with a polished, completed manuscript. When you do submit, be persistent. Keep learning, keep submitting, and keep praying.
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.
With Every Letter is about a World War II flight nurse and an aviation engineer who start an anonymous correspondence, like in You’ve Got Mail. When they’re both transferred to Algeria, they have to decide whether to reveal their identities—or remain hostage to the past.
What’s on the book horizon for you?
The second book in the Wings of the Nightingale series, On Distant Shores, comes out in June 2013. I just turned that in to my editor. Now I’m working on the third book in the series (June 2014).
Last question, how can readers find you and your books?
Please visit me on the web at http://www.sarahsundin.com, on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/SarahSundinAuthor, or on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/sarahsundin
Also, I’ll be hosting a Facebook party and a fun giveaway (enter and RSVP today!!) on the 27th of this month. I’d love it if all your readers came as well!
Thank you for sharing your writing life with my bleaders! (blog + readers = bleaders)
Looks like an interesting book !!
Thanks, Jane!
This book looks very interesting! I love the uniform the woman on the cover is wearing. I love finding new (to me) authors & would love to read this book!
Thanks, Shelley! I’m thrilled with the uniform. The photographer had to do a lot of work to locate it – and it’s just right!
Beautiful Cover Photo!
Isn’t it gorgeous? I’m thrilled with the work he did!
I love historical fiction, and as a retired Marine, if it involves the military, even better! Would love to read this book.
I guess I need to say, “Semper Fi!” 🙂
I love the cover, and sounds like a great story–this book is now on my list as a must-read.
Thanks, Melinda! And I love the cover too. They really captured the feel of the story.
Suzanne Fisher is a very great writer.I would love to win a copy of her book. I love the picture on front of book….
I love Suzanne’s books too!
I would love to win a copy, love the cover art on this book! Thank you for the giveaway!
Thank you, Carmee! I’m so pleased with my publisher’s work on this cover.
Would love to win ! I love to read books and this book sounds like it would be wonderful to read .Blessings Thank you for the contest .
Thanks, Dana! Blessings back to you!
I want to read this book! It looks riveting! On this Constitution Day, I am very thankful for our men and women in uniform who protect it.
Denise – thank you for the Constitution Day reminder. 225 years is monumental, and we have so much to be thankful for.
The cover alone makes me want to read this book. But the story line shared her really makes me want to read it.
I would love to be entered in this giveaway.
Thank you, Donna! I hope the story lives up to the cover 🙂
Looks like it would be a good book.. I love to read..
Thanks, Cheryl!
awesome is all i can say right now!
Love it 🙂 Flashing back to my Valley Girl youth in SoCal.
So excited for the opportunity….this looks like a great book!
Thank you and Blessings*S*
Kellie
Thank you, Kellie! Blessings to you too!
I would love to read this book!
Thanks, Carol!
Love your books, would love to read your suggested author as well!
Thanks, Michele! I love Suzanne’s books too. And she’s a dear friend.
Looks like a wonderful book to read, I love that the cover art looks very similar to the Army’s Class A’s that are still worn besides the dress blues today. 🙂
Good eye 🙂 The photographer had quite a job locating this uniform! The Class A “dress blues” were worn by the Army Nurse Corps for only a few short years, then were replaced with olive drab. Plus the earliest flight nurses adapted the uniform to meet their needs – swapped the skirt for trousers, cut down the jacket to waist-length. They eventually got their own uniform – which is even harder to locate!
Would love to win
Thanks, Debbie!
*squeals* I love Sarah Sundin! WWII + romance = a happy me 🙂
Squealing back! Happy reader = happy writer!
Looks like a great book. I would love to read while the hubby is on orders soon.
Thanks, Jodi!
Please enter me ! I would feel blessed & honored if i received a copy of your book.
Thanks, Connie!
I love discovering new authors! It sounds interesting.
Thank you, Kathy!
I love everything you’ve written and I know this book will be another winner.
Thanks, Jettie! I’m so glad you’ve liked all the books.
Looks like a book I would really like to read.
Thanks, Bonnie!
I love the cover jacket. My mother served in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War conflict. She showed me the love of reading. I would be honored to receive this book in my mothers memory. Your book sounds like a true love story in a time of hardships with the war. ♥
Thanks, Joannah! I love the jacket too. The photographer went through a lot of effort to locate the authentic uniform.
We have a black lab named Lucy. She is older, but still likes to play all the time. She loves to run really fast around the yard. I would love to win your book. ejs8741@hotmil.com
Have read her other books and would love to have this one. It is sure to be a keeper as her others I have read are.
My daughter bought your first book because she babysat for you years ago and we both love reading. We loved the first series. I went to buy it for a friend’s birthday and saw your second series had started. I bought my daughter your newest book and she consumed in in two days and gave it back to me to read. I loved it too. Now I am on the hunt for the old movie mentioned in the book.
Deolinda – I’m thrilled you and your daughter both like the books! And you’ll love The Shop Around the Corner – you can’t go wrong with Jimmy Stewart!!
Thanks, Ladonna! I’m so glad you liked the series!
What a great sounding book. I love getting to “meet” the authors.
Thanks, Lindy!
Sarah is one of my favorite authors! I would love to win a copy of her latest book.
Thanks, Kelly! What a sweet thing to say!
Sounds like a wonderful book! I would love to win it so I can read it!
Book looks interesting, I would love to read it!
Thanks, Kathy!
Awesome! I LOVE Sarah’s books, and I’m so looking forward to reading this one! You’ve Got Mail is one of my favorite movies, too, btw. 😉 Thanks for the chance to win it!
Hi Elyssa! Fancy seeing you here 🙂 I’m a big You’ve Got Mail fan too. Sooo romantic.
Can’t wait to read this book- it looks wonderful! Beautiful cover too!
Thanks, Jenny! And I’m thrilled with the photographer’s and cover designer’s work!
My daughters and I have fallen in love with Sundin’s books! Would love to have another to add to the “S” section of our home library:)
Thank you Trudi! I’m glad you and your daughters like the books.
Have never read a book by Sundin, but would enjoy doing so. This book looks like it would be very interesting a even hard to put down once starting to read it.
Thanks, Mary! That’s what I aim for 🙂
I just saw this book in a CBD magazine the other day and am now really intrested in this author!!!!! PLEASE PICK ME!!!
Thanks, Angelique! And I love CBD 🙂
Looks like a great book! Thanks for the chance to win it!
Thanks, Amanda!
sounds very interesting, would love a chance to read it, thank you and God Bless
Thank you, Carol!
Great post. Love finding out about new to me authors. The book sounds great, love the cover. Thanks for the giveaway and the chance to win.
Thank you, Chris! I’m thrilled with what my publisher did with the cover.
Love the cover & I know I will love the content! Would love to win a copy…blessings to you!
Thanks, Connie! The photographer did a fabulous job, didn’t he?
This looks like a very interesting book. Please enter me in the contest.
Thank you, Barbara!
I am an Army Wife, my husband has been in the service for 17 years, we have 4 kids and 2 dogs.
Given my background I would love to get a chance to read your book.
Anna Sanford
anicka2178@gmail.com
I’ve not read any of Sarah’s book yet – this looks good. Maybe I’ll win!
Thanks, Jody!
Looks like a very good book. Will definitely read.
Thanks, Michele! I hope you like it.
I can not wait to read this book!
Thanks, Amy! I see you commenting everywhere – only a matter of time … 🙂
Hey Sarah!!! Thanks for the giveaway! I just finished A Memory Between Us…took me all of one day! Loved every minute of it! Can’t help but hope there are actual guys out there like the Novak boys…*sighs* Can’t wait to keep going…and eventually get to your new one! I’ll definitely be reading it ASAP! ehehe! I’m entering this giveaway for a friend, though…so crossing my fingers!
Hi Emily! I figured if Elyssa was here, you’d be coming soon 🙂 I’m glad you’re enjoying the Novak boys and their stories!
I’ve never read any of Sarah’s books, but I’ve heard a lot of good things! Love the WW2 setting…I can’t get enough of that time period. Thanks for the giveaway!
Thanks, Debbie! WWII is so fascinating, isn’t it?
I’m entering for my daughter….Thanks for the giveaway. The interview was very interesting! Love to see that Sarah’s mother was a big support!
Thanks, John! And I know you and your wife are having just as wonderful of an influence 🙂
would love to win,
Thanks for coming by, Angela!
This book looks interesting. Count me in, please.
Thank you, Linda!
This sounds wonderful! Thank you for the opportunity to win it!
Thanks, Karen!
What a great interview – your book drew me in but your own story sounds equally as interesting! My mom, sister and I are all writers and avid readers and when we find authors we love we pass around the books to each other and beyond. Can’t wait to read this one! Love the era and have not read any of your other books yet…looking forward to it! God bless.
Isn’t that fun to share? My mom, sister, and I still pass around books although we live hundreds of miles apart.
Ever since I read about your book, I have been entering every contest that I can find for it. I love historical fiction set in the WWII period. My father, two of his brothers and two of my mother’s brothers served in different branches of the militiary then.
Hi Carol! If I haven’t told you, I keep a running updated list of giveaways in the sidebar of my blog – as well as posting them to FB/Twitter. You’re sure to win at some point 🙂
would love to recieve a copy of your book, looks really good. thank you
Thank you, Connie!
This book looks very interesting! Have not read any of your books but would love to have another new author to read. Love these kind of stories. Also read alot of amish stories.
Thanks, Marilyn! Helmets and jeeps rather than bonnets and buggies 🙂
I love historical fiction and I am excited to read With Every Letter.
Thanks, Debra!
Looks like a great book. I am eager to read this. I love the story line.
Neat that you are from our part of the world. I totally relate to your dog. We have a lab that would play til he drops.
Suzanne is sooo wonderful.
Labs. If I had the tiniest fraction of my Daisy’s energy – well, Starbucks would go out of business. And yes, Suzanne is definitely wonderful!
Love historical fiction and stories with a WWII setting are my favorite. Can’t wait to read this book.
Kathy Faberge
Thanks, Kathy! It’s always nice to meet someone else who enjoys the 1940s.
sounds great!
Thanks, Nat!
Sounds like a good book. Maybe I’ve found a new author.
I hope you like it!
Would be thrilled to add this book to my collection. Looks like a very interestig read and I love the cover. Thank you 🙂
Thanks, Mary Ellen! I’m thrilled with the cover work too.
I just love it when my favorite authors recommend a new book that I end up loving! I’m really looking forward to exploring your body of work, Sarah Sundin! The big bonus is that this is a historical novel…I love it!
Thanks, KD! I hope you enjoy it!
My wife was a history major in college and would love your writings. I loved your interview. Encouraging to someone kicking around the idea of writing.
Thanks, Daniel! I’m glad my story encouraged you.
The premise of the book sounds very interesting and unlike any I have read so far. I love historical and this book looks to be a fantastic read. The illustration on the front is beautiful. This is definitely a plus!
Thanks, Corinne! I’m so pleased with the cover art!
Great giveaway! I’m entering for my daughter who loves Sarah’s books! Thanks for the chance to win it. =)
Thanks, Ira! What a great dad 🙂
Oh, awesome! I’m looking forward to Sarah’s latest… her books are great! And the time period is one of my favorites to read about. =)
Thank you! It’s always nice to meet someone else who enjoys the 1940s.
Thank you for this post! I would enjoy winning this book so thanks for the opportunity also. 🙂
g.gclermont AT gmail DOT com
Thanks, Ganise!