Monday, September 6, 2010

Sarah Sundin's "A Memory Between Us"


We're happy to have Sarah Sundin with us today talking about her book, A Memory Between Us. To learn more about Sarah and her book, read on!

1) How did this story come to you?
My first novel, A Distant Melody, was originally meant to be a single novel, but while doing research, I became enamored with the US Eighth Air Force in World War II, and I wanted to tell the full story to V-E Day. Since my hero had two pilot brothers, I decided to write a three-book series, with each book focusing on one brother, with each book standing alone.
About this time, the character of Army nurse Lt. Ruth Doherty came to me—what if a poor girl made a bad decision in order to feed her family? What kind of girl would make such a decision? What would she be like when she grew up? I mentally put Ruth in the same room with Jack Novak—and sparks flew! Writing A Memory Between Us was a blast. Jack and Ruth were such fun characters.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
I first submitted A Distant Melody at Mount Hermon Christian Writers’ Conference in 2003. I received good feedback from published authors, editors, and agents—and began accumulating a stack of “good” rejection letters. They liked my writing, my story, and my characters—however, historicals weren’t selling. They wanted chick lit. This continued through 2007. I often felt discouraged, but the Lord made it obvious in many ways that He wanted me to finish the series so I kept plugging away. Then at Mount Hermon in March 2008, I heard, “We don’t want chick lit. We need historicals.” And there I was with the first two books in the Wings of Glory series complete. I submitted to Vicki Crumpton at Revell, and in September 2008 I was offered a three-book contract.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
I hate housecleaning—but I enjoy laundry.
I wrote my rough drafts longhand in pencil, curled up on the couch.
My sons think I rock. My daughter (14) thinks I’m a dork. She’s closer to the truth. 

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I turned in Blue Skies Tomorrow (Book 3 in the Wings of Glory series) to my editor recently, and now we’re going through the editing process. I’m putting together a proposal for another series set during World War II.

5) Parting comments?
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.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
Website: http://www.sarahsundin.com/
Blog: http://www.sarahsundin.blogspot.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/sarahsundin
Twitter: http://twitter.com/sarahsundin

32 comments:

  1. My 92 year old dad is a WWII Veteran and I enjoy reading books about WWII.
    Many thanks,Cindi
    jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

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  2. Hi Sarah, Your book sounds very interesting! I can only imagine the amount of research you must have put into this. Please enter my name in the drawing.

    sarahsantanablogs@gmail.com

    Thanks!

    Sarah

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  3. Loved book one, Sarah! One of my top reads this past year. Can't wait to read this one.

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  4. I've not yet read A Distant Melody so I'm going to add it to my TBR list. I'm looking for some choices for historical fiction for my book club. Thanks for doing the interview and giving the background. I look forward to reading your work.

    Brandi
    vi2005@aol.com

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  5. Hi Sarah,

    Thanks for sharing about your book! It looks wonderful, and I always love WWII stories. It makes me sad the publishers would say those weren't selling. That would probably explain why I couldn't find any new ones to read.....I would love to read yours please! : )
    potosrose(at)gmail(dot)com

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  6. I loved A Distant Melody. Read in in two days! Can't wait to read this one!

    Tammy A
    Tatertam1@aol.com

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  7. I really loved "A Distant Melody", this was my parents era and I loved being in that time with you!
    Thank you so much! Please enter me for a chance to read this book!
    Maureen

    alekee02[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  8. I have A Distant memory on my TBR pile and am looking forward to reading it. I would love to have A Memory Between Us so I can read them back-to-back!

    pepsi324[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  9. I would love to read this book. I read the first, and opted out of the tour due to family responsibilities at this time, but am keen to continue the story. Thank you for offering. I do subscribe to email and follow via GFC.

    freda.mans[at]sympatico.ca

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  10. Sounds like a good book....angelac@mchsi.com

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  11. Sounds great! Please enter me in the giveaway!

    writer_weaver at yahoo dot com

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  12. I'd love to read this book!

    aikychien at yahoo dot com

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  13. I enjoyed hearing how A Memory Between Us came about. I'd love to win it!
    I'm a subscriber.
    worthy2bpraised[at]gmail[dot]com

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  14. I love that you wrote your first drafts longhand. I do everything longhand first.
    wsmarple/at/gmail/dot/com

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  15. Sweet! Can't wait...
    Please enter me!

    Emreilly303@gmail.com

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  16. Please enter me!

    Dreilly316@gmail.com

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  17. My friend will be so excited when I tell her about this.
    Please enter me!

    Jreilly316@verizon.net

    ReplyDelete
  18. I'd LOVE to read this book! Please enter me!

    lubell1106(at)gmail(dot)com

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  19. Sounds great! Please enter me!

    jennycohen104(at)gmail(dot)com

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  20. Thanks, everyone! I'm glad to hear so many of you enjoyed A Distant Melody!
    Those of you who love WWII stories - the good news is the tide has shifted back again. There are quite a few WWII novels out right now - including K. Dawn Byrd's "Queen of Hearts" :)
    Sarah - you really don't want to know how much research. Way, way too much. Great name, by the way :)

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  21. i would love to read this novel...thanks for the chance :)

    karenk
    kmkuka at yahoo dot com

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  22. I so very much enjoyed Sarah's first book in this series, A Distant Melody, and have been eagerly anticipating the next one! I'd be thrilled to win a free copy!

    barb_wallace2000@yahoo.com

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  23. Having read the 1st book in this series, I'm really looking forward to this one. Please enter me into this drawing!


    lindawn@hotmail.com

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  24. Having read the 1st book in this series, I'm really looking forward to this one. Please enter me into this drawing!


    lindawn@hotmail.com

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  25. I'm still working towards reading the first book (hope to get that done very soon) and then certainly want to read "A Memory Between Us" and follow-up with the last book. Everyone of them sound like wonderful stories and I like that it is a stand alone series. Thank you for the chance to win!

    K. Dawn, I am a follower and subscriber of yours, I also follow Sarah's blog.

    Blessings to you both~
    Beverly
    bgrider2@cox.net

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  26. Oh, please include me thanks
    ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

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  27. I would love to read this book! Thanks for the opportunity!

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  28. I'd love to win a copy of this book.

    rodgerandjody(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  29. I have always loved historicals and am glad they are selling well again. My Dad served in the Pacific during World War II and the soldier on the cover brings back good memories of him. I enjoyed the first book in this series and hope you have many more for us, Sarah.

    cjarvis [at] bellsouth [dot] net

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  30. This sounds like a wonderful book! Thanks for the chance!

    nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

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  31. Fantastic Interview.
    I would love to win and read this book.
    Thank you for the chance.
    Wendy
    wdesirees[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete

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