I’ve teamed up with 50 fantastic authors to give away a huge collection of inspirational…
The Inside Scoop with Sarah Sundin and a Giveaway!
Today Sarah Sundin is graciously answering questions about her writing life. Sarah writes Christian WWII romance novels for Revell, and her new book, Anchor in the Storm, is available in stores and online. Sarah has graciously agreed to give away one copy of Anchor in the Storm! The easy entry options are below! Contest is open until Sunday, May 15 9pm EST. Winner will be notified via email. Don’t worry, I have all the links and book info below.
Let’s get to it!
THE INSIDE SCOOP WITH SARAH SUNDIN
1. How did you know you wanted to be a writer?
I’m odd for a writer—in many ways. I didn’t always want to be a writer. Although I loved reading, I was drawn to science and became a pharmacist. Then in 2000, I woke up from a dream that was so compelling. I knew it was a novel, and I had no choice but to write it down. Since then, the story ideas have flowed. I often say it’s as if God flipped on the writing switch in my brain! I hope He never turns it off. I’m completely addicted.
2. What is unique about your process?
It’s probably my scientific background, but I have a long pre-writing process. I fill out thorough character charts (my favorite part!) and plot charts before I start writing. Some writers find an outline stifles their creativity, but it unleashes mine. By the time I start my rough draft, I know my characters and story so well that the story flies! I don’t get writer’s block, and editing is a fairly quick process.
3. What inspired your book?
My husband is also a pharmacist. A few years ago, he became the pharmacy manager at a local drugstore in the thick of the current narcotic abuse epidemic. He began cracking down on suspicious and illegal prescriptions—and he’s even called the police for a few forgeries! Well, my little novelist’s brain began churning. What if he angered the wrong people in the drug world? A little twist, and I had Anchor in the Storm, where a female pharmacist begins noticing suspicious prescriptions—and uncovers a drug ring. And of course, I set it in World War II.
4. What’s the best writing advice you’ve ever received?
In 2001, I was blessed to attend a writers’ conference where Lauraine Snelling was teaching the fiction track. She introduced me to the hero’s journey (Christopher Vogler’s The Writer’s Journey), and it revolutionized my writing. Understanding solid story structure allowed me to tackle plotting, which I always struggle with.
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Sarah, I’m so impressed you remembered the dream and actually wrote a book about it! I tend to forget my dreams within minutes of waking up. I’ve heard of Christopher Vogler’s book, but I’ve never read it. I’m adding it to my study list–thank you! Congratulations on your new book, too. The plot sounds amazing, and the cover is so gorgeous!!
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For plucky Lillian Avery, America’s entry into World War II means a chance to prove herself as a pharmacist in Boston. The challenges of her new job energize her. But society boy Ensign Archer Vandenberg’s attentions only annoy—even if he is her brother’s best friend.
During the darkest days of the war, Arch’s destroyer hunts German U-boats in vain as the submarines sink dozens of merchant ships along the East Coast. Still shaken by battles at sea, Arch notices his men also struggle with their nerves—and with drowsiness. Could there be a link to the large prescriptions for sedatives Lillian has filled? The two work together to answer that question, but can Arch ever earn Lillian’s trust and affection?
Interested in purchasing Anchor in the storm? Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook.com
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Sarah Sundin is the author of eight historical novels, including Anchor in the Storm (May 2016). Her novel Through Waters Deep was named to Booklist’s “101 Best Romance Novels of the Last 10 Years,” and her novella “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” in Where Treetops Glisten was a finalist for the 2015 Carol Award. A mother of three, Sarah lives in California, works on-call as a hospital pharmacist, and teaches Sunday school. http://www.sarahsundin.com
Giveaway open to US residents 18 years and older. See entry form for complete rules.
Have you ever had a dream so vivid you thought it could be a book?
Have a terrific day!
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Sarah, it’s lovely to meet you! What an interesting way you came to writing. Your book sounds so intriguing and I can’t wait to read it.
I feel the same, Christina!
Thank you, Christina!
I’ve had three dreams that led to story ideas. You could hardly recognize the dream once I’m done building the story, though. 🙂
What a beautiful book and interesting story line, Sarah!
Wow, Darcy!! That is really cool!
I had another story idea from a dream – same thing – the basic concept or theme remained, but so much else changed. Of course, neither of those books has been published 🙂
I loved Through Waters Deep so much and can’t wait to read Anchor in the Storm! I love Sarah’s writing style and how she transports you right there while you read.
I agree, Kari, Sarah’s books are so detailed and lovely!
Thank you, Kari!
I have read all of Sarah’s books and love every one! Can’t wait for an opportunity to read Anchor in the Storm!
Oooh! Nice!!
Thank you! I’m so glad you’re enjoying the stories!
Oh, I so can’t wait to read this book! 🙂
I can’t wait, either!
Thanks, Amy!
Sarah, I love reading your books and always look forward to your newest one. I am impressed that you husband has managed to clean up that pharmacy! His integrity, I am certain, is appreciated and respected by many.
Do you have plans for a WWII novel set in England with an American/English hero/heroine combination?
nina4sm/at/gmail/dot/com
Good question, Sylvia. I’d like to see that combo!
Funny you should ask…that’s what I’m working on right now. The first book in my new series features an American naval officer and a British “Wren” in London in the preparations for D-Day.
I have had some pretty vivid dreams but have yet to write the book. 🙂 looking forward to reading Sarah’s newest
Ha! My dreams are usually bizarre. Not sure the world could handle them!
Yeah, most of mine are also too bizarre 🙂 Like the one where I was Frodo…with a time machine…that operated on hot dogs. I don’t even know if there’s a genre for that much weirdness.
SO excited to read Lillian and Archer’s story! My new little nephew was born a few months ago and his middle name is Archer- now that name is so much more precious to me and it connects me with the story even more 🙂
Aww! Archer! That is precious! Congrats!
How fun! Enjoy your little nephew. Boys are such fun!
Love your books!
🙂
Thank you, Rose!
I remember when you came and spoke to my American Heritage Girls Troop CA1334. I was inspired.
What a great opportunity!
Thank you, Nellie! It was so much fun chatting with the girls!
I am already signed up for newsletter,blog,Facebook and enjoy reading about what triggers your novels and info about World Warll it is nice how you put a spin on your life into your novels..looking at Jill’s pages too!
Thanks so much, Rorylynn!
Thank you, Rorylynn!
I have loved all your books and am really looking forward to reading this one!
Yay!
Thanks, Kathryn!
Sarah, I have not read any of your books yet. I read my first WWII book a few months ago and am most excited to start reading yours. They all sound most exciting.
Sarah is a tremendous author. You’re in for a treat!
Thank you, Deanne! I hope you enjoy the stories!
What a wonderful interview! Now I’m even more intrigued about this book.
Blessings,
Andrea
andrearenee2004@yahoo.com
Thank you, Andrea!!
Thanks, Andrea!
I have read and thoroughly enjoyed all of Sarah’s books, I am really looking forward to read Anchor In The Storm.
I’m looking forward to it, too!
Thank you, Amanda!
I’ve had some pretty vivid dreams but not ones I’d want to turn into a book. I don’t have the desire to write, but I sure love to read so am glad others do have the ability and desire to write wonderful books.
I love reading, too, Pam!
Thanks, Pam! I never really had the desire to write until 2000, so I completely understand. It’s so nice to lose yourself in someone else’s imagination through a book!
I have a similar writing start. I loved English and writing in school but chose engineering. Except for an abandoned attempt in 2003, I didn’t start writing until 2011, which was 20 years after I graduated from high school.
I love your books because of the WWII settings and that you’ve featured pharmacists and nurses. My dad is a pharmacist as well as an aunt and uncle. My mom is a retired nurse.
What a coincidence, Gretchen! I was an engineer before turning to fiction writing, too!
Woo hoo! Girls in science who write! We’re a small sorority, but we’re super-cool 😉
Fabulous interview with Sarah! 🙂 I can’t wait to read this novel.
Thank you, Caryl!
Thanks, Caryl!
I tend to dream about current story ideas, probably because I go to sleep trying to work the story out in my head. I just finished reading Sarah’s Wings of the Nightingale series, which I loved! Thanks for the interview and the giveaway!
During my first year of college I dreamed that my father had passed away. Since I had lost my mother only a few years earlier this was very disturbing. I could not rest easy until I spoke with him to know that he was ok. It has been over 30 years and it still resonates with me.