Friday, October 1, 2010

Interview and Giveaway With Sarah Sundin!



How long have you known you wanted to be an author?
Since January 6, 2000. How’s that for exact? Although I always read voraciously, I didn’t consider a writing career. Instead I chose a practical career in pharmacy which allowed me to work on-call and stay home with our three children. Then in 2000, I had a dream with such intriguing characters that I felt compelled to write their story. That first novel will never be published, nor should it, but it got me started. And once I started writing, I knew I wanted to write for publication.


Can you tell me a little bit about your newest book?

A Memory Between Us is the second book in the Wings of Glory series, which follows the three Novak brothers, B-17 bomber pilots with the US Eighth Air Force stationed in England during World War II. Each book is a standalone.
In A Memory Between Us, Major Jack Novak has never failed to meet a challenge—until he meets army nurse Lieutenant Ruth Doherty. When Jack lands in the army hospital after a plane crash, he makes winning Ruth's heart a top priority mission. But he has his work cut out for him. Not only is Ruth focused on her work in order to support her orphaned siblings back home, she carries a shameful secret that keeps her from giving her heart to any man. Can Jack break down her defenses? Or are they destined to go their separate ways?

When a reader gets done with your book, what do you want them to come away with?
I never write a novel with a message in mind, but I do hope my readers will learn from my characters’ experiences. Shame serves a purpose—to bring you to ask God’s forgiveness—but when it persists after forgiveness, that’s not God talking. Shame burdens so many people and holds them back from the wonderful plans God has for them. I hope my readers will learn to truly accept forgiveness, shove off shame, and allow God to use them. I also hope they see the insidious nature of pride and learn to trust in the Lord a bit more each day.


Is there a place you have always wanted to visit? A vacation spot, historical monument, overseas, etc?
Thanks to my husband’s frequent flier miles, I’ve been blessed with being able to visit most of the places on my life-list. The next place I’d like to see is Italy. We’re hoping to go next summer—I’d love to do some research there for my next series.


If you could have dinner with 2 people, who would they be?

Jane Austen—wouldn’t she be a blast at dinner? She’s so darn funny. And Lucy Maud Montgomery, in some hope we’d be “kindred spirits” like Anne of Green Gables and Diana. I have a feeling Jane and Lucy might get along quite well too.

What one event would you love to be at? Historical or future?
That’s a hard question. Most historical events are events because of tragedy or danger—while I love to go there in the pages of a book, in real life, I’m a great big chicken. How about something joyful like the big V-J celebration in Times Square at the end of World War II? Can you imagine the elation?


Do you have a favorite hobby?

Hobbies? Can you hear me laughing? My kids are in middle and high school, so I live in my car. Thank goodness I find writing so relaxing and enjoyable.

Is there something about you most people wouldn't know?
I write my rough drafts longhand with pencil and scratch paper, curled up on the couch. That’s when the stories flow. The computer feels sterile to me. It’s where I edit, not where I create.


Do you have any suggestions for the aspiring writer?
Be teachable and soak up all the good instruction you can. Read books on writing craft, and then read your favorite authors and analyze how they did it.

Join ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers). Their e-zine, e-mail loop, and monthly courses are outstanding.

Join a local writers’ group or an on-line critique group.

Don’t submit to agents and editors until you’re ready. That means a complete manuscript, positive feedback from experienced writers, and enough knowledge of the publishing industry to know how to submit properly. You want your first impression to be stellar.

Lastly, when you’re ready, submit and keep submitting. Keep polishing your craft, and keep praying for the Lord’s guidance.


Any last thoughts for your readers?
If God has given you a dream, have the courage to do what He asks you to do. Persevere, learn, seek support, and keep praying.


And how can they connect with you?

Website: http://www.sarahsundin.com

Blog: http://www.sarahsundin.blogspot.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/sarahsundin

Twitter: http://twitter.com/sarahsundin

READERS-Sarah has graciously offered a copy of her new book, A Memory Between Us, to one of my blog readers. To enter, leave me a comment telling me one person you would love to have dinner with. It can be someone in the past or present. I am trying to get to know a little bit more about my readers and all, so I am coming up with some new ways to enter these giveaways:) Hope you enjoy them and if you have any suggestions for upcoming giveaways, please let me know.

EXTRA ENTRIES-These can be done only if the mandatory entry is done. And please leave a separate comment for each entry you do.

1.Be a blog follower through GFC.

2.Subscribe to my blog via RSS Feed.

3.Follow me on Twitter.

4.Tweet about this giveaway. Can be done 3 times a day.

5.Blog or post about this giveaway on Facebook. You get 3 entries for these so if you do both, that means a total of 6 entries.

6.Follow Sarah Sundin on Twitter or friend her on Facebook. She gives the links above.

7.Become a follower of Sarah's blog.

8.And this one you get 5 entries on. Enter Sarah's giveaway she is running on her blog. There is a wonderful prize package! You must enter it and this will be on the honor system as I cannot tell for certain you entered it. But if you will leave a comment on her blog post abut the giveaway saying that you entered, please. Again, you get 5 entries for this so leave 5 comments.


Thanks everyone for entering. This giveaway will end 10/8. Winner will be chosen through Random.org. They have 48 hours to respond before another winner will be chosen.



72 comments:

PoCoKat said...

I would like to have dinner with Oprah...she is fascinating and she has met so many fascinating people.

littleone AT shaw DOT ca

Lois Hudson said...

I would like to have dinner with Steve Allen. What a mind,what a musician, and what a wit!

Rachel said...

I would like to have dinner with Francine Rivers. She has written numerous books that glorify God, and all different kinds through the years. I'd love to ask her a ton of questions about the craft. :)

Rachel said...

I am a follower of Sarah Sundin's blog

I also follow her on Twitter and Face Book.

And, have entered her giveaway. :)

Katie Marie said...

hmmmm...I would love to have dinner and chat with Stonewall Jackson or Robert E. Lee. I would've loved to pick their brain about their battlefield stragies and their faith in God!

legacy1992(at)gmail(dot)com

Katie Marie said...

I follow your blog!

legacy1992(at)gmail(dot)com

Lydia M. said...

I would like to have dinner with my sister, who passed away last year. I miss her.


lindawn/at/hotmail/dot/com

Lydia M. said...

I am a friend of Sarah's on Facebook.

Lydia M. said...

I follow you on Twitter

Lydia M. said...

Posted a link to this giveaway on my Facebook page.

MaureenT said...

The person I would like to have dinner with is my Aunt who passed away when I was 10. I still think of her often!

alekee02[at]yahoo[dot]com

MaureenT said...

I am a follower through GFC.


alekee02[at]yahoo[dot]com

MaureenT said...

I subscribed to your blog via RSS Feed.


alekee02[at]yahoo[dot]com

MaureenT said...

I am a follower on Twitter.


alekee02[at]yahoo[dot]com

MaureenT said...

I have tweeted this give way.


alekee02[at]yahoo[dot]com

MaureenT said...

I posted this give away on my FaceBook page.


alekee02[at]yahoo[dot]com

MaureenT said...

I follow Sarah Sundin on FaceBook.


alekee02[at]yahoo[dot]com

MaureenT said...

I became a follower of Sarah's Blog.


alekee02[at]yahoo[dot]com

hendy said...

I would die to have dinner with Barack Obama, I've admired him since he was a senator.
hmhenderson AT yahoo DOT com

hendy said...

I already follow via GFC
hmhenderson AT yahoo DOT com

hendy said...

Entered Sarah's giveaway #1
hmhenderson AT yahoo DOT com

hendy said...

Entered Sarah's giveaway #2
hmhenderson AT yahoo DOT com

hendy said...

Entered Sarah's giveaway #3
hmhenderson AT yahoo DOT com

hendy said...

Entered Sarah's giveaway #4
hmhenderson AT yahoo DOT com

hendy said...

Entered Sarah's giveaway #5
hmhenderson AT yahoo DOT com

priyeni said...

I would love to have dinner with my daughter & husband recently married, living in Vermont

arceli said...

I'd love to have dinner with my dad, who died 3 1/2 years ago.

a(dot)long(at)tcu(dot)edu

Kathy Habel said...

I'd like to have dinner with my mom and grandparents who have all passed on.
bkhabel at gmail dot com

Kathy Habel said...

I follow Sarah on Twitter @toobusyreading

Kathy Habel said...

I follow you on twitter @toobusyreading

Kathy Habel said...

I follow Sarah's blog.

karenk said...

i would like to have dinner w/ sarah sundin...and talk to her about this series of books :)

karenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com

karenk said...

i'm a subscriber :)

karenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com

Sarah Sundin said...

Karen - laughing!! But I'd love to have dinner with you too :)If you're ever in NorCal, drop me a note :)

Renee said...

I'd like to have dinner with Elisabeth Elliot, an author and missionary I have long admired. (I loved Sara's first book!)

reneeasmith61 [at] yahoo [dot] com

Renee said...

I am a new follower of your blog.

Renee said...

I became a follower of Sarah's blog

Renee said...

I followed the site above to friend request Sarah on facebook.

Renee said...

I had already signed up for Sarah's stupendous, massive, incredible giveaway!

Cathy W said...

I'd love to have dinner with Moses or maybe Paul.
cjwallace43 at gmail dot com

Cathy W said...

Follow on GFC
cjwallace43 at gmail dot com

Cathy W said...

RSS feed subscriber via Google Reader
cjwallace43 at gmail dot com

Cathy W said...

Following Sarah Sundin on Twitter @cjwallace43 and Facebook fan (Cathy Wallace)
cjwallace43 at gmail dot com

Cathy W said...

Entered Sarah's giveaway
cjwallace43 at gmail dot com
#1

Cathy W said...

Entered Sarah's giveaway
cjwallace43 at gmail dot com
#2

Cathy W said...

Entered Sarah's giveaway
cjwallace43 at gmail dot com
#3

Cathy W said...

Entered Sarah's giveaway
cjwallace43 at gmail dot com
#4

Cathy W said...

Entered Sarah's giveaway
cjwallace43 at gmail dot com
#5

Cathy W said...

Just a side note, I posted a message on Sarah's site and also posted her giveaway on my Facebook wall.
cjwallace43 at gmail dot com

Cathy W said...

Tweeted this
http://twitter.com/cjwallace43/status/26567724195
cjwallace43 at gmail dot com

Cathy W said...

Posted about this giveaway on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000204187513&v=wall&story_fbid=131154616935676&ref=mf
cjwallace43 at gmail dot com
#1

Cathy W said...

Posted about this giveaway on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000204187513&v=wall&story_fbid=131154616935676&ref=mf
cjwallace43 at gmail dot com
#2

Cathy W said...

Posted about this giveaway on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000204187513&v=wall&story_fbid=131154616935676&ref=mf
cjwallace43 at gmail dot com
#3

Kristie said...

I would love to have dinner with Karen Kingsbury. She is one of my favorite authors. I saw her speak and she seems so nice.
kristiedonelson(at)gmail(dot)com

Kristie said...

I entered Sarah's giveaway on her blog.
kristiedonelson(at)gmail(dot)com

hendy said...

Follow you on Twitter @HendyMartin
hmhenderson AT yahoo DOT com

hendy said...

Tweeted this giveaway
http://twitter.com/HendyMartin/status/26682920972
hmhenderson AT yahoo DOT com

Jo said...

This sounds really good. Please enter me.

Blessings,
Jo
ladijo40(at)aol(dot)com

jemilyea said...

I would like to have dinner with George and Martha Washington. Wouldn't it be neat if I could travel back in time to eat several courses with them, and then they come forward to eat in my time?

Tori said...

I would love to have dinner with my grandpa
vrtheriot@gmail.com

Tori said...

I follow via google connect
vrtheriot@gmail.com

Tori said...

I follow you via twitter - mommatori82
vrtheriot@gmail.com

Tori said...

tweeted- http://twitter.com/MommaTori82/status/26812221794

Tori said...

I am following Sarah's blog
vrtheriot@gmail.com

Tori said...

I entered Sarah's giveaway
vrtheriot@gmail.com
1

Tori said...

I entered Sarah's giveaway
vrtheriot@gmail.com
2

Tori said...

I entered Sarah's giveaway
vrtheriot@gmail.com
3

Tori said...

I entered Sarah's giveaway
vrtheriot@gmail.com
4

Tori said...

I entered Sarah's giveaway
vrtheriot@gmail.com
5

LAMusing said...

I'd love to have dinner with Abe Lincoln
adrianecoros(at)gmail(dot)com

LAMusing said...

I follow you on GFC
adrianecoros(at)gmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

What do you think about adding some more illustrations? No offence, blog is really nice. But as I’ve heard visitors acquire info much more efficient if they see some useful images.

Jeff Nixon
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