When asked to tell us about her writing career from its earliest stages through the recent release of Blue Skies Tomorrow, the final book in her debut Wings of Glory Trilogy, Sarah had this to say:
"Although I grew up surrounded by books, I didn’t consider a writing career. Instead, I became a pharmacist and chose to work one day a week so I could stay home with our three children. On January 6, 2000, I had a dream with such intriguing characters that I felt compelled to write their story. The novel that came from that dream will never be published, nor should it, but it got me started. I set out to learn the craft of writing from books, a critique group, and writers’ conferences.
"In 2003 my critique partners said the first novel in my World War II trilogy was ready, so I submitted A Distant Melody at Mount Hermon Christian Writers’ Conference. I received good feedback—and began accumulating a stack of “good” rejection letters. They liked my writing, my story, and my characters—however, historicals weren’t selling. I often felt discouraged, but the Lord made it obvious that He wanted me to finish the trilogy, so I kept plugging away. Then at Mount Hermon in 2008, I heard, “We need historicals.” And there I was with my trilogy close to complete. I submitted to Vicki Crumpton at Revell, and later they offered me a three-book contract.
"Since then it’s been an exciting roller coaster ride. Holding my first book in my hands was an amazing experience—I just sat there stunned with a lump in my throat. Then there was the shock of hearing from “real” readers, not just my mom. The greatest adjustment has been the shift from dedicated hobby writer to professional. This really is a full-time job—I spend 40-60 hours per week on writing and writing-related activities. Part of the transition was learning how to juggle. Right now I’m doing publicity for Blue Skies Tomorrow, editing the first book in my next series, and plotting the second book in the series. In addition, social networking, blogging, and publicity keep me hopping. And I love it."
If you've already finished one or both of Sarah's first two books, A Distant Melody and A Memory Between Us, I know you can't wait to read Blue Skies Tomorrow, or if you've haven't read either of them, Blue Skies Tomorrow is a great place to begin.
From cover to cover, Sundin's books keep you turning the pages as you travel back in time to World War II and visit interesting places along the way. Please hurry with that editing, Sarah. We're waiting impatiently for that first book in your next series!
If you're one of Sarah's many fans, please leave a comment for her below. I'm sure she would love to hear from you.
You may visit Sarah and learn more about her at: http://www.sarahsundin.com
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I love Sarah Sundin's characters, they are so real that you feel that you know them personally. I've reviewed A Distant Melody, and Blue Skies Tomorrow. I'm looking forward to the new series, and I'm sure I'll love it just as much. I wish she'd given us a hint on the subject of this.
ReplyDeleteInteresting.. I always feel like writers have a calling to it. This solidified it in my mind. I write poetry which I intended to self publish at first.. But I am rethinking that decision. I love sarah's style.
ReplyDeleteSarah - wow, that's a cool story. I like the way the market shifted; here's hoping I'll have an "in" like that when my book is ready! :) I loved A Distant Melody and have the rest of the books on my (too long) reading list.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your journey, Sarah. I loved "A Distant Melody" and am glad God provided a way for you to share your stories with us.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Regina
Thanks, everyone! I'm glad you've enjoyed the interview and the books :)
ReplyDeleteJettie - no secret on the new series. It's tentatively titled Wings of the Nightingale, and it follows three WWII flight nurses in the Mediterranean Theater (North Africa, Sicily, Italy, Southern France). The first book comes out Fall 2012.
Judales - Poetry is a different beast. Outside of magazines, there's not much of a market, which is too bad. A (magnificently talented) poet friend of mine self-publihsed, mainly for family, friends, and to sell when teaching. She isn't making any money on it, but she does have it in print form. But if God's called you to write it, WRITE IT!! :)
Koala Bear Writer - the market is constantly shifting. Write what God wants you to write. Amish is hot now, but this would be a lousy time to START writing Amish. If we chase trends, we'll drive ourselves bonkers.