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:
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:
The early 1900's is my favorite time period.
Keep up the wonderful writing Sarah Sundin!
CherylB1987@hotmail.com
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
The Middle Ages!
The roaring 20's
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. :)
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
It was fun learning some new things about you, Sarah, and thank you Radiant for posting this interview.
My favorite time period would probably be the 1800's but the early 1900's were great too.
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.
My favorite time period to read about is the 1940s, mostly due to Sarah Sundin's books!
kendra_whittle@yahoo.com
My favorite time period would be the late 1940s.
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
Revolutionary War era is my favorite time period, but the WWII time period is really growing on me lately.
amyc
I think the 1940s and 50s would be my favorite - people worked together and had such a sense of patriotism!
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!
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.
I love the variety of taste! I also love to read about different eras. It's like time travel :)
1940s
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
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.
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.
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.
I would say 1900s or the 1940s.
sounds like a really good book!
Leslie
WWII and Victorian eras. Not sure I would wantto live through them but they are fun reading about.
I'm with Amanda - love to read about it...don't want to live it!
What a great interview! Can't wait to read Kay's story. ~Joyce
Whoops - missed the question. I would like to have lived in the 1800s.
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