Interview and Giveaway with Sarah Sundin

     

Author Sarah Sundin is back to visit and celebrate her latest book with a giveaway. Be sure to check out the giveaway details below!

     

      Welcome back to Write Now, Sarah! It's great to see you again. Congratulations on your new book, On Distant Shores! With five wonderful books to your credit, is there anything you wish you had known before you started on your novel writing journey?    

Actually, no. God had me on a “need-to-know” basis, and that was best.  If I’d known how much work went into writing, researching, and editing a novel, I might not have started. And if I knew how being a published author is a truly full-time job (more than  full time, in fact), I might have hesitated in pursuing publication. But I love the whole writing process, and I have room in my life for full-time work at this point, so I’m glad I didn’t know!

There's a whole lot to writing and being published, that's for sure. I know you do extensive research for your books. How do you sift through the info and decide what to use in the story?

When I first have a story idea I want to work on, I do some baseline research to make sure the story works historically. During the plotting phase (I outline heavily before I start writing), I let the story guide the research and try to focus only on resources relevant to my plot. Then I also do spot research during the rough draft and edit for minor points. When I’m going through a research book or perusing a website, I try to keep my story in mind to avoid wasting too much time on rabbit trails. But often something I’m reading will inspire plot or character ideas—or completely new story ideas—so I don’t mind occasional rabbit trails. 

      Your focused efforts aren't wasted, they add so much to your stories. What do you like to read in your spare time? (If you have any spare time, that is.)

I always have one research book and one novel going at a time. I love to read novels—which is why I write them! I enjoy historicals, women’s fiction, the classics, and the occasional suspense story.

      What's on the horizon for you - I believe I've heard something about a new series?

Yes! I’m so excited. I recently signed another three-book contract with Revell for a series tentatively called Waves of Freedom, which follows three American naval officers based in Boston in the early years of World War II.

Congratulations! I look forward to reading them. Thanks again for joining us today!

Thank you, Karen, it's been a pleasure! :)

My Review

Lieutenant Georgiana Taylor is looking forward to the end of World War II, for she’ll be able to return to her boyfriend in the states and build the life she’s always dreamed of. Sergeant John Hutchinson is anxious to return to his fiancée in the US and get on with his life as well. Their positions, Georgie’s as a flight nurse and John’s as a pharmacist throws them together often. They find they enjoy common interests and build a careful friendship. Unexpected changes arise on the home front for them both which yields further challenges. What happens next? I’ll never tell, but if you enjoy historical fiction, you just might enjoy their story.

I appreciate that On Distant Shores, Book Two in the Wings of the Nightingale series, stands alone. Readers do not need to read the first book to understand what’s happening. It is another success “story” to Sarah Sundin’s credit. Her attention to historical detail is wonderful; it adds layers to the plot that you don’t often see. This, combined with realistic, likeable characters offers a great reading experience. I’m now looking forward to Book Three!

Find more info about Sarah and her books on her website or blog.

Visit her on Facebook or Twitter.

Purchase On Distant Shores here.


Giveaway Details:

• You must be a Google Friend Connect follower and leave your email address with your comment. 

• Gain bonus entries (+1 each) by posting this on Facebook, your blog, and/or Twitter. Please total your entries and include links with your comment.

• Open to residents of the United States.

• Deadline to enter is noon EST Friday, August 30, 2013. Winner will be chosen by random.org, notified via email, and will have 36 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen. Winner will be announced Monday, September 2, 2013.

Do you have any questions for Sarah? What are you reading this week?

Happy reading and writing,

Karen

Note: I was given an influencer review copy of On Distant Shores by Revell in exchange for my honest opinion.