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 of Shadowed by Grace is BARBARA GAUTHIER! Please email info@suzannewoodsfisher.com with your mailing address to claim your prize.
This week we are featuring Sarah E. Ladd! To enter to win a copy of her book, The Headmistress of Rosemere (Thomas Nelson), leave a comment on this post.
Tell us a little about your book.
In each of the books of the Whispers on the Moors series, I tackle the following question: What would a woman in the Regency period not do? In The Headmistress of Rosemere, the heroine, Patience, assumes the role of headmistress after her father, the headmaster of The Rosemere School for Young Ladies, passes away. In an era where a woman’s main goal was often to marry well, this is an unexpected decision!
Those who read the first book in the Whispers on the Moors series – The Heiress of Winterwood — have already met the hero in The Headmistress of Rosemere. The hero is William Sterling, Graham Sterling’s brother. Here is a quick overview of the novel:
At twenty-five, Patience Creighton is already a spinster. The busy headmistress of Rosemere always expected a dashing man to sweep her off her feet and take her away . . . but that man never came. And since her father’s death, keeping the school running and her mother happy has been plenty to keep her occupied.
William Sterling dallied his way into financial trouble and mortal danger. When he is assaulted by his creditors’ henchmen on the road home from a tavern, he guides his horse to the doorstep of his tenant, the Rosemere School for Young Ladies. After being tended to by Patience, the wounded William rides off into the dawn—but makes a point to learn more about the lovely headmistress.
As he spends more time at Rosemere, something delicate begins to develop between William and Patience. But that will not deter William’s creditors. With little money to repay his debts, and less for the upkeep of his estate, it becomes clear that sacrificing Rosemere may be the only way to preserve his legacy. But it may also cost him his happiness.
How can readers find you and your books?
I can be found online! I am on Facebook, Twitter, and I have a website. My books can be found on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Christianbook.com, and most places books are sold.
Anything new for you on the book horizon?
Right now I am working on the edits for the third book in the Whispers on the Moors series, which is titled A Lady of Willowgrove Hall. It will release in October 2014.
Why do you write?
I write because I love it! That might sound a bit cheesy, but it is true! Honestly, it started as a hobby and eventually grew to something that I took very seriously.
If you could wish one thing for your future, what would it be?
I hope for continued happiness and health for my friends and family!
Best author moment?
Probably holding the first official copy of my first book, The Heiress of Winterwood, for the first time.
Worst author moment?
The first time I read a not-so-great review. Yikes!
If you weren’t able to write, what would you do?
I assume we are talking professionally! In addition to being an author, I also work in marketing and strategic brand management. So, if I wasn’t an author, I would most likely continue on with my marketing profession.
Describe your ideal circumstances to write.
I love to write when it is raining or snowing. So cozy! I am an early bird, so I like to write in the morning.
How would you describe your writing style to a reader?
One of my greatest influences on my writing comes from my love of British literature – especially British literature from the Romantic Era (Jane Austen, the Brontës, etc.) – so I like to think that my style is reflective of that influence.
If you could write any book – on any topic – and be guaranteed a publishing contract, what topic or genre would it be?
I love the Regency period, so of course, that is my favorite genre! I am blessed to be writing what I love.
Ever had a bad review? How did you handle it?
Yes, I have had a bad review. Of course, bad reviews sting, but it is important to remember that reviews are subjective. Not everyone is going to like every book, and that is all right! I have found that there is usually at least one nugget of truth to take away from a review, even the bad ones. So even though bad reviews can be rough, it is important to look for that nugget of truth and figure out how to use that to help strengthen the writing.
What’s one think you learned about the publishing industry in the last five years? Last year? Last six months?
I have learned that there are so many wonderful people in the publishing industry! I have been humbled and blessed by the number of kind and helpful people I have met on my publication journey.
How do you solve a grammar dilemma?
I usually either research it online or ask a friend . . . fortunately I have friends who are much better at grammar than I am!
Are you in introvert? Extrovert? In between?
It probably surprises some people, but I am actually an introvert.
Do you enjoy public speaking as an author? Why or why not?
I have not done a lot of speaking as an author, but I don’t mind it. I like being able to connect with readers in a different way!
Can a person make a living as a writer?
I think it is definitely possible to make a living as a writer! It is not something that will happen overnight, but with hard work and dedication, I think it is possible.
What are you working on now? Newest release?
Right now I am working on edits for the third book in the Whispers on the Moors series, which is titled A Lady at Willowgrove Hall. This will release in October 2014.
Any last thoughts to share?
Thank you so much for inviting me to be here today!
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More About the Sarah E. Ladd:
Sarah E. Ladd received the 2011 Genesis Award in historical romance for The Heiress of Winterwood. Her latest release is The Headmistress of Rosemere. She is a graduate of Ball State University and has more than ten years of marketing experience. Sarah lives in Indiana with her amazing husband, sweet daughter, and spunky Golden Retriever. Connect with her online! Visit her website, like her on Facebook, or follow her on Twitter.
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I can’t wait to read this book. It has a long waiting list at our regional electronic library!
Thanks for the fun interview…I love her past books and can’t wait to get my hands on this one! Thanks for the chance to win and good luck everyone!
Great interview, and the book looks very interesting…thank you for the giveaway! Connie
chendryx(at)nctv(dot)com
The books sounds very interesting…I would love to win. God bless
Really enjoyed Heiress of Winterwood and have been waiting for Sarah Ladd’s new book. Thank you for the giveaway.
This sounds like a great book would love to read it Thanks
Looking forward to reading these books.
This sounds like a good book I would like to read. I would like to read the entire series.
Can’t wait to read this book. I love reading books set in the past era’s.
Thank you
great interview – Sarah sounds like a dedicated and realistic writer – love her stories!
Can’t wait to read it!
I enjoyed this author spotlight with Sarah Ladd and would love to win a copy of her newest release! Thank you so much for the opportunity.
Thanks for the great interview Sarah, you are a new author to me and I would love a chance to win a copy of your book. ~ Blessings ~
I’ve been reading lots of good things about this book and really look forward to reading it!
I love British-inspired historical fiction, and I write book reviews. I would love a copy of your novel to read and review!
I have not read any of her books but would love to. thanks
The Headmistress of Rosemere sounds wonderful, romantic with some suspense. Please include me!
worthy2bpraised at gmail dot com
I love the idea of spinster schoolteacher romances. Reminds me of Laura Ingalls Wilder.
Would love to read this book. I have never won a book.
Being drawn to British literature and the Regency period, I have added your books to my list of must reads!
Sounds like a good book. Looking forward to reading it.
Thanks for this wonderful post and giveaway.
Suzanne, Thank you for featuring Sarah. Her book sounds fantastic and I am looking forward to reading it. Love the cover!
Thank you
i have never read Sarah books, looking forward to it.
I would love to read this.
Thank you for the opportunity to win this! I love to read especially wholesome, Christian books!❤️
It sounds like a good book!
I love the cover of the Headmistress Of Rosemere. I am actually entering for my little sister. She loves stories like these and loves to get new books. Thanks for this opportunity!
Sounds like a great book I would love to own and read.
I love Author’s Spotlight. Love the cover….sounds like a book I would enjoy. Thanks for the opportunity to win and meet new authors…Linda
This looks like a wonderful book..I would love to win it..Thanks
I would love to win this book! It sounds like it has a bit of suspense to it as well as some romance which in my book makes a good read!!!
Your book sounds good! Great interview from a pretty lady! Love to win your book!
You really make it appear so easy along with your presentation but I in finding
this matter to be actually one thing which I
feel I might never understand. It kind of feels too complicated and
very huge for me. I’m having a look ahead to your subsequent publish, I’ll try to get
the cling of it!
I loved Sarah’s first book and I can’t wait to read this new one!
This book looks so good, can’t wait to read it! Thanks for such good clean books! Blessings…..
I am a fan of Sarah’s and would love to win this book. It sounds really interesting. I love all things historical!
Love, love, love!!
I am wanting to read this book. Thank you for this interview and giveaway.
I would love to read this book!
sounds great
I have not yet read any of her books yet but look forward to.
Thanks for sharing with us. I would love to win your book!
I love reading your books and really would love to win this one!
I would love to read this book. I have never read any of Sarah’s books, but will have to add her to my preferred author list.
Thanks for the giveaway and for the post about the new book–I’m really looking forward to reading it!
Great interview, I really enjoyed reading it. I would love to win a copy of your book “The Headmistress of Rosemere”! Thanks for the awesome giveaway!
I love Christian fiction!
What a great interview! I am intrigued and can’t wait to read her books. Thank you so much for introducing me to another author to add to my list. And thank you for holding this contest too!
would love to win
I really enjoyed your interview, and learning more about you and your writing, Sarah! I love the story line of”The Headmistress of Rosemere”, it sounds like an exciting and romantic book! Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy!
I would love to win Sarah’s book. I have tried so many times, but never won yet. Will just keep trying. Her stories sound so interesting. Please put my name in for the drawing. And, I wouldn’t mind if my name was picked.
Maxie
Sounds like an exciting book..always look forward to reading new ones. Would love the chance to win a copy. Thanks Suzanne for the opportunity to win a copy.
I’ve not read any of your books, but certainly plan to after reading your interview. They sound great!
Thanks for the giveaway.
Oh Dr. Google. I’m horrible with grammar and knowing when to end a sentence, use a – or a ; and keep it going. Good to know I’m not the only one that turns to the net to solve what they should remember from grade school!
I love your books and would really love to win, thank you
Shirley B jcisforme@aol.com
I love Christian historical fiction set in different time eras, this sounds really interesting! Thanks for the opportunity…btw, that is an interesting combination of careers for a writer (to be also in the marketing/brand management areas)!
Interesting interview, this looks like a great read, trying to enter the contest, just in case this counts as entry!?
I have never read one of Sarah’s books. I would love to win this one.
sounds like a good read!
I really enjoyed the author spotlight with Sarah Ladd. I am looking forward to reading her book. Thank you for the giveaway.
melback at cebridge dot net
would love to win this new book
This book is on my TBR list – I would really love to win a copy 🙂
Wonderful post. the novel sounds captivating. best wishes.
I started to read this book online to see if it was a good book to pick up and got hooked in the first chapter to find out it was a preorder and had not been released yet. I was so upset I couldn’t keep reading. Definitely want to finish Sarah Ladd’s book. Can’t wait to get my hands on it.
Would love to win and read this Regency Romance. I also have not read any other books by this author and excited to read her book. sharon
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