Thursday, October 21, 2010

Book Giveaway & Interview With Sarah Sundin

              


Happy Thursday! 

Today's post features an interview with author
Sarah Sundin. So glad you could join us. 

In addition to the interview, Sarah has offered a copy of her latest book, A Memory Between Us, to one of my readers. Be sure and check out the giveaway details below.

Karen: It’s good to have you back, Sarah. Congratulations on the release of A Memory Between Us! You must be excited about the second book in the Wings of Glory series.
Who is your favorite character in A Memory Between Us? Why?

Sarah: It has to be the heroine, Lt. Ruth Doherty. She fascinated me. On the surface she is so strong she doesn’t need another human being—and she has a great sense of humor. But underneath she has deep hurts and shame. It was fun for me to tease out what made her the way she is and to watch her change and grow.
 
Karen:I’m looking forward to reading Book Three. When will it be released? Can you tell us a little about it?

Sarah: Blue Skies Tomorrow releases August 2011—I’ve just seen a preview of the cover, and it’s gorgeous! Lt. Raymond Novak prefers the pulpit to the cockpit, but his stateside job training B-17 pilots allows him to court Helen Carlisle, a widowed mother who conceals her pain under a frenzy of volunteer work. The sparks of their romance set a fire that flings them both into peril. Ray leaves to fly a combat tour at the peak of the air war over Europe, while Helen takes a job at a dangerous munitions yard and faces an even graver menace in her own home. Can they both find the courage to face their challenges? 

Karen: What is your favorite part of the writing process?

Sarah: Almost everything! I really enjoyed the historical research, to the point of getting ecstatic when I found copies of the pilot’s manual for the B-17 bomber and the Army Air Force B-17 training film. Sick, really. But I also love the pre-writing stage, the actual writing, even the editing. And my favorite part of all is when I’m deep in a scene and it flows.

Karen: What are your favorite fiction books? Non-fiction? 

Sarah: For fiction, I gravitate toward the classics, women’s fiction, and contemporary or historical fiction—and I love a romantic thread. I also enjoy a good suspense novel and anything with humor. I’m easy to please. That’s why I don’t write book reviews. 

My all-time favorites have to be Jane Austen’s books—she has it all—drama, romance, delicious humor, and wonderfully gooey endings. I don’t read a lot of non-fiction except for research—it feels too much like homework, and I read to relax and escape. Currently I’m reading Christa Parrish’s Watch over Me for fun and Medical Services in the Mediterranean and Minor Theaters for research. Quite a combo, huh?

Karen: Has your life changed much by becoming a published author? Are you ever recognized when you go out? How would you travel incognito if you had to?

Sarah: Life’s a bit busier as a published author. The nicest part is people take my writing more seriously. It used to be, “Isn’t it cute that you’re writing a book? Oh, and you have plenty of time since you’re home all day, so you wouldn’t mind doing such-and-such.” Now they’re more likely to see it as a career and understand my time constraints. I’ve had to make the same mental transition to career writer. Before publication, I spent long luxurious hours playing with my stories and chasing research rabbit trails. Now I have to be more efficient and focused to take care of research, writing, and publicity. 

As to being recognized—that’s really funny! Um…no. Although I had an incident this week that’s close. I attend a large church, and I teach a children’s church-type class for about a hundred fourth- and fifth-graders. This Sunday, one of the girls studied my nametag. “Did you write a book?” My jaw dangled. “Why, yes—I did!” “My mom read it. She loved it.” That made my day! 

Traveling incognito? Now I’m snickering. Should I get a big floppy hat and dramatic sunglasses and call everyone “daaaaarling?” 

Karen: Thank you for joining us again at Write Now! It’s been a pleasure. I am sure my readers would join me in wishing you success and blessings.

Sarah: Thank you!

For more info on Sarah and her books, click here.


Giveaway Details 



Please read carefully.
  • Leave a comment to this post, include your email address.Entries without email address are not eligible.
  • Receive an extra entry by becoming a follower, or by reminding me that you already follow.
  • Receive a bonus entry by posting about this giveaway on your blog, Facebook and/or Twitter. Please be sure and comment telling me so.
  • Deadline to enter is midnight Eastern Standard Time, Saturday October 23, 2010. Winner will be  notified via email and announced on Monday's post.       
  • This is open to US residents only. My apologies to those who follow outside the US.                                                                                                                                                                           What exciting things are happening in your neighborhood this weekend?                                                                                                                                                                                             Have a wonderful weekend!           Karen                                                                                                                                               

31 comments :

  1. Great interview! I too love the historical research I do for my novels. I've stumbled across some really great books and websites recently. It's like treasure hunting! :)

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  2. The plot sounds interesting! I've also been thinking that seeing yourself as an actual WRITER (not just someone who does some writing on the side) makes a difference. It's hard, I think, to make that transition when you're straddling two worlds/two careers. That's how I've found it, anyway.

    Our weekend will be plenty interesting. Is it time yet? :)

    rschrockmt@yahoo.com

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  3. Great Interview! The book sounds really good, and I enjoyed reading/hearing the joy that Sarah has while pre-writing, writing and editing.

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  4. Sarah sounds like a fun person! I'm so impressed by people who love research the way she does. Wow! Thanks for sharing!

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  5. Lindsey,
    Thank you! You're right, it is like treasure hunting!

    Rhonda,
    You ARE a writer, that's for sure. Yay, the weekend is almost here! :)

    Tyrean,
    Thank you so much. I know, it was good to hear what Sarah thought. It shows in her work.

    Jessica,
    She does! It would be great fun to sit down and chat over coffee or tea. We should all meet somewhere and do that:)

    Blessings,
    Karen

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  6. Sounds wonderful and I so totally get the excitement over the bomber manual! LOL Count me in. I'm at Victoria_Dixon@msn.com and I've followed you for awhile now. ;D

    Incidentally, Sarah, there's an Historical Novel Review Blog (historicalnovelreview.blogspot.com.) I'm not sure exactly when you're book's events take place, but the blog reviews historicals exclusively, so it might be worth a look. Congratulations!

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  7. Lovely interview-she sounds like a nice person:) I love her story about the little girl and her mom reading her book.

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  8. This was a fun interview that was well done.
    Thanks

    Lee
    Tossing It Out

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  9. Well done interview and best wishes and success to Sarah. I will have to check her out, thanks :)
    Jules @ Trying To Get Over The Rainbow

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  10. Victoria,
    It is wonderful! It's funny what excites us writers:) Got you on the list! Thanks for sharing that link, too.

    Terri,
    Thanks so much. It's been great hosting Sarah this week:)

    Lee,
    Thanks! Sarah is a fun author to work with.

    Jules,
    Thank you! I expect Sarah will do many more great things!

    Blessings to each of you,
    Karen

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  11. Karen, super interview. Sarah sounds so down to earth and lots of fun.

    I can't wait to have that scene 9at the church) happen to me. What fun!

    Not much going on around here this weekend. Lots of Fall festivals have already come and gone.

    Have a great weekend. I love ya.:)

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  12. What a FUN interview! Sarah's book has made quite a splash.

    I have so missed this wonderful blog and am so looking forward to post deadline time!!

    Blessings, dear one.
    Patti

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  13. Great interview! I would so love win that book! Love the cover!!!

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  14. Great interview! Thanks Karen and Sarah.

    I loved this, "Before publication, I spent long luxurious hours playing with my stories and chasing research rabbit trails."

    Happens to me a lot. It's nice to see I'm not alone.

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  15. What a wonderful interview, Karen. I love her comment about the comments she used to get before she was published. Someone said something similar to me recently. "How cute, you're writing a book."

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  16. Hello Karen! What a great time to find your blog, as I really enjoyed this interview with Sarah. Her books sounds really interesting, and I love historical research too. I would have also got excited about the pilot's manual!

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  17. Robyn,
    Thank you! The church scene - I know, how fun would that be?

    Patti,
    Yes, I would say so. I am glad for her, and thankful to have met her and all the rest of the great writers out there (you included:)

    Anne,
    Thank you! I think you might enjoy it. Can't wait to see Book Three's cover!

    Shannon,
    Thanks so much. Yes, it is SO nice to know we're not alone in this. What an encouragement!

    Heather,
    Thank you. Well, someday the comments will be different, won't they! :)

    Jayne,
    Good to meet you! Thanks for becoming a follower too. Fun to know there are so many kindred writers out there:)

    Blessings,
    Karen

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  18. Wow! I should have stopped by yesterday, shouldn't I? What fantastic comments. Karen - you have the best followers. I'm thrilled others love historical research too - and a bit shocked that someone else would like that pilot's manual. Someone female.
    And I'm glad I'm not alone in hearing the "so cute" comments.
    Victoria - Historical Novels Reviews is a favorite - they gave my first novel an "editor's choice" rating, so I'm kind of biased.

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  19. Oh, thank you for offering this, Karen and Sarah. I would love to be entered to win, Dahhhlings!

    jeanettelevellie(at)gmail(dot)com

    I am a follower.

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  20. Great interview! Thanks so much, Karen and Sarah. I love reading about authors' journeys.

    I'm a follower, Karen!
    srdietze at sbcglobal dot net

    Blessings!

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  21. Awesome interview! Sarah's books are wonderful! They are real-- real history, real people with emotion, fortitude and faith. And, yes, being a history prof married to a military man, we would go bonkers in our house over the flight manual, too! :-) God bless! Lisa (LMBMommyof4@comcast.net) I am a follower, as well! :-)

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  22. Sarah, I love Jane Austen too. In fact, my daughter is reading Pride & Prejudice to me--what a treat! I've read it three times, but it's always a delight.

    Congrats on book two!

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  23. Sarah,
    I can always count on a good conversation from my followers. I agree, they are great! :)

    Jeanette,
    Okay, doll, got you on the list! :)

    Susanne,
    Thank you! I love to hear about their journeys too:) Got you on the list!

    Lisa,
    Nice to meet you, and thanks for becoming a follower! Added you to the list.

    Jill,
    Where would we be without Jane Austen? You're right, it is always a delight!

    Blessings,
    Karen

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  24. Hi Karen & Sarah -

    The comment about not having the luxury to run down rabbit trails with your stories brought me up short. I guess with tight deadlines you would have to be more efficient.

    Sarah's book arrived on my doorstep the other day. I'll be reading it in the near future. :)

    Blessings,
    Susan

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  25. Sarah, I can relate to the busy life of an author now!

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  26. Thanks for this lovely interview. I am amazed by the writers writing historical fiction, the research they have to do must be extensive.

    Have a nice weekend, Karen.

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  27. Alex,
    Indeed you can! How are things going? It's been almost a week since your book was launched. Wish you the best!

    Rachna,
    Thank you. Yes, I think it is; one must really be dedicated, don't you think?

    Blessings to each of you,
    Karen

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  28. Hi Karen and Sarah,

    Would love to read this fabulous novel...thanks for the opportunity :)

    karnek
    kmkuka at yahoo dot com

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  29. Haven't read this one yet. Sounds interesting and good!
    Thanks for the chance.
    cluedn@embarqmail.com

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  30. Leaving comment and email!

    wolferock AT earthlink.net

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  31. Karen,
    You are welcome! Thanks for coming by:)

    Tammy,
    It is! You are welcome!

    Diane,
    Thanks a bunch!

    Blessings,
    Karen

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Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. Have a blessed day!