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
