Monday, July 28, 2014

Interview with Sarah Sundin and Giveaway of In Perfect Time



If you could have chosen your own name, what would it be?

I’ve always liked my first name. When I was little, I was the only Sarah in my school. My name was unique, but known enough that people could pronounce it. Sarah didn’t become a popular baby name until I was in high school (yes, that dates me).

What was your first pet’s name?

We had a cat named Felix. Hardly original, but I believe he came with the name attached.

What was your best friend’s name in elementary school?

I was blessed to live in a neighborhood with several girls the same age as my sister and me—Kristin and Anne and Anne-Marie. We’ve found each other again now, thanks to Facebook!

Did you have a special toy that went everywhere with you when you were young?

Lambie. A stuffed lamb. I carried him by his leg, and wore through the fabric. So I patched it. I still have him, but I’m afraid his stuffing has turned to powder, and it’s leaking through the fabric. He needs more patching.

What's your favorite movie?

I don’t know if it really qualifies as a movie, but the BBC version of Pride and Prejudice is my all-time favorite.

What's the bravest thing you've ever done?

When I started seventh grade, my biggest fear was taking a shower in the locker room. I was horribly shy, extremely unpopular, small for my age, and flat as a board. The thought of taking off my towel almost made me ill. Then that first day of gym class, we all stood in our towels in front of the showers—and every single girl looked as terrified as I did! The popular girls, the bold girls, the curvy girls—all terrified. And no one moved. I have no idea how long we stood there. Finally, I just got annoyed. For heaven’s sake, someone had to go first. So I flung off my towel and strode in. That was all people could talk about for the rest of the week. “Sarah went in first? Sarah?” I earned a bit of respect that day.

If you were stranded on a desert island what would you take with you, besides your Bible?

Pen and paper. Any one book (other than the Bible) would get boring after a while, but I could keep making up stories!
 
If you could meet a famous person, who would it be?

This question is always hard for me, because I’m not a celebrity watcher, and I’ve already met most of my author heroes (yay!).

If you could live in one era what would you choose?

I really should say World War II, but the wimpy part of me would probably choose the nice safe 1950s, the peaceful era the WWII generation fought to usher in. But of course, I’d love to witness so much in the 1940s also. From a safe distance.

When you were a child what did you want to be when you grew up?

Depending on my age, a ballerina, a mommy, and a protozoologist. That’s a scientist who studies protozoa, the one-celled animals in the sea. I was an odd child.

Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?

Perhaps it’s cliché, but I adore Jane Austen. The romance, the dialogue, the spot-on characterization, and the wicked humor. And I also like how she doesn’t glorify “bad boys” in her novels. In Austen’s stories, the rogues end up being rogues, and the heroes are the unassuming men, the quiet men, the men with poor social skills—who have integrity.

How did you get interested in writing WWII era books?

When I had the initial story idea for A Distant Melody, I knew it couldn’t work in a contemporary setting but had to be historical. I gravitated to WWII for several reasons. First, it’s always fascinated me. Second, it was recent enough that I knew people who had lived through it. And third, I thought I wouldn’t have to do too much research because I’d talked to my grandparents and read a few books. Yeah. I was stupid. But I’m glad I was, because if I’d known how much research I had to do, I wouldn’t have started.

Who has been your best supporter? How have they been there for you?

My mom. Both my parents are huge readers, and our home had gobs of books, so I grew up with a love of story. Then when I started writing novels, my mom was so enthusiastic and even connected me with a published author she knew. Now she’s my biggest publicist. She chats up my books and passes out dozens of bookmarks. She even arranged my last speaking engagement for me. No, I won’t share her.

What gift have you received that you will always treasure?

I have a ring that’s been in my family for generations.


What book are you reading now? What are your thoughts on it?

With both a deadline and a book release this week, I’m not reading anything. That makes me sad. The most recent novel I read was Julianna Deering’s Murder at the Mikado, which is a lot of fun—reminiscent of Agatha Christie but with a modern feel.

What was your most embarrassing moment in High School?

Must we go there? I’m not even sure which one to choose, because high school itself was kind of my most embarrassing era. What about the time I tripped and fell on my face during a ballet audition for the school musical? Or the time I had an “accident” on the volleyball courts? Or the time I sang out during the grand pause at the end of the Hallelujah Chorus? Or the time I…? Are you getting the picture?

How did your husband propose to you?

Reading all this, are you surprised anyone proposed to me? I still am! Anyway, my sweet husband sent me on a scavenger hunt in his apartment, using clues to send me from location to location—and the last spot held an engagement ring. He likes to say I never said yes. When he asked me, I just nodded and cried and kissed him over and over. I think that’s yes enough, don’t you?

Sarah's Bio:

Sarah Sundin is the author of six historical novels, including In Perfect Time (Revell, August 2014). Her novel On Distant Shores was a double finalist for the 2014 Golden Scroll Awards. In 2011, Sarah received the Writer of the Year Award at the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference. Sarah lives in northern California with her husband and three children. When she isn’t ferrying kids to tennis and karate, she works on-call as a hospital pharmacist and teaches Sunday school and women’s Bible studies. You can find her at http://www.sarahsundin.com


World War II flight nurse Lt. Kay Jobson collects hearts wherever she flies, but C-47 pilot Lt. Roger Cooper seems immune to her charms. Still, as they cross the skies between Italy and southern France, evacuating the wounded and delivering paratroopers and supplies, every beat of their hearts draws them closer. Can they confront the fears and misunderstandings of the past in order to take hold of the future?











28 comments:

Unknown said...

The early 1900's is my favorite time period.
Keep up the wonderful writing Sarah Sundin!
CherylB1987@hotmail.com

traveler said...

My favorite era is the 1940's. The 1940's reflected a time of great upheaval and change due to the second World War and I was born in the 1940's and feel it was a simpler, more meaningful era. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

Alicia Willis said...

The Middle Ages!

aLilLacey said...

The roaring 20's

Ann Mettert said...

I like reading about the Regency and WWII and all kinds of historical things, but if I had to go back, I think I'd be like you and go to the fairly safe 1950s. :)

Anonymous said...

My favorite era is the 1940s, WW2 era, but I'm not sure if I'd really want to live through that time. I think I would, but then again the 1920s would be fascinating as well.

I want to write my own story set in ww2, but I have to do some serious research before I even know where to begin. These books have inspired me to try. :)

Can't wait to read this new book!

Geni

RwhiteRhino(at)aol(dot)com

Becky said...

It was fun learning some new things about you, Sarah, and thank you Radiant for posting this interview.

Unknown said...

My favorite time period would probably be the 1800's but the early 1900's were great too.

Terri said...

I like the WWII era, but have started reading more in the WWI era. At that time, my great-grandfather's sister was an amazing woman.

Newsgirl said...

My favorite time period to read about is the 1940s, mostly due to Sarah Sundin's books!

kendra_whittle@yahoo.com

Karen G. said...

My favorite time period would be the late 1940s.

Stephanie said...

I love reading about almost any time period, WWII and back...it's hard to pick a favorite! I love books set in WWII, but I think I'd rather live in the early 1900's. Many modern conviences were around...but fashion was still romantic!

Loved the interview! Great questions!

Stephanie
mybabyblessings AT gmail DOT com

Amy C said...

Revolutionary War era is my favorite time period, but the WWII time period is really growing on me lately.
amyc

WendyBrz said...

I think the 1940s and 50s would be my favorite - people worked together and had such a sense of patriotism!

Lis K said...

Love the Regency era, but also enjoy your WWII era books! Oh, your story about the gym showers in 7th grade made me shudder, I remember those times, too. Thanks for the giveaway!

Pam said...

I don't really have a favorite time period but generally read books set after 1700. I guess I could say my favorite time period is whichever one I'm currently reading about.
I do really enjoy reading about World War II, including Sarah's books, probably because my parents were teenagers during that time and some of my uncles were in the military then. Thanks for the chance to win Sarah's new book. I'm looking forward to reading it to complete the series.

Sarah Sundin said...

I love the variety of taste! I also love to read about different eras. It's like time travel :)

beckie said...

1940s

Amy Putney said...

Hmmm... it's hard to choose! It's sort of a tie between the 1940s (no wonder I love your books, Sarah!) and the Revolutionary War. :)

amyputney89 [at] gmail [dot] com

Unknown said...

After reading so many amazing books by sarah Sundin and a few others set in the 1920's and 1940's, i've fallen in love the earlier eras! wish i was born a ton sooner! haha! :) and the 60's sounds kinda cool with some of the music.

Unknown said...

Anything WWII & earlier. It seems the people were more solid then, more willing to work for what they wanted and hoped for.

I love your writing. You breathe such life into your characters. I can't wait to read this new one.

Emily said...

My favorite time period would probably be the 1940s...although I like the decades directly before and after that as well. There's just such a sense of unity in America, not something you see very often these days.

Tam631 said...

I would say 1900s or the 1940s.

hugbandit7 said...

sounds like a really good book!

Leslie

Amanda said...

WWII and Victorian eras. Not sure I would wantto live through them but they are fun reading about.

Sarah Sundin said...

I'm with Amanda - love to read about it...don't want to live it!

Anonymous said...

What a great interview! Can't wait to read Kay's story. ~Joyce

Anonymous said...

Whoops - missed the question. I would like to have lived in the 1800s.

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