Wednesday, December 5, 2018

Sara Foust Interview and Spotlight of "Of Walls"

I'm happy to have Sara Foust with me today talking about her novella Of Walls. For more information, click on the title or the book cover.


Sara, please tell us five random things we might not know about you.
1.     I put peanut butter on just about anything, including Oreos, Chips Ahoy, bananas, apples, and strawberry cereal bars. (K. Dawn- I put ketchup on everything to the point that my husband says, "You eat ketchup with your ketchup.")
2.     I hope to someday visit Italy, Alaska, and the pirate haunts of the Caribbean. (K. DawnI just finished one item on my bucket list...visited New York City two weeks ago.)
3.     My favorite day trip activity is visiting Cades Cove, here in East Tennessee. (I've actually hard of it. I live in SW VA.)
4.     I have a pygmy goat named Razberry who sneaks in my house whenever he can. His favorite snack is Ritz crackers and I would take him places with me if I could figure out how to keep him from pottying everywhere. (What a neat pet!)
5.     I love adventure movies and books like Indiana Jones, The DaVinci Code, etc. (I'm a suspense lover.)

Why did you choose to write this book?
Of Walls is the story of a mom and homemaker named Julie. She loves her family and her role in it, but her marriage is struggling. I wrote this story because it is realistic. Not that Julie’s story is exactly my story, but that the struggles to temptation, the oppression of everyday life, and the glory of God’s love and truths are things real women in the real world face. I wanted to write a moving, at times heartbreaking, story about a fictional woman who learns how to deal with something raw and real with grace because of God’s presence in her life.

What one thing about writing do you wish non-writers would understand? 
It is a job. Even though I am not some famous superstar making bazillions, I consider writing my primary career, because it is my primary passion and my calling from God.

What is the toughest test you've faced as a writer?
I think for me getting started was the hardest part. I was filled with such self-doubt and fear. I worried that if I got rejected I would give up and never live my dream. I am just thankful that God gave me good support in the beginning and that I had people encouraging me not to quit. Because now I can say I get to wake up every day and live my dream of being a “real” writer.

What do you hope readers to take away from your novel?
I hope readers will realize that none of us is perfect. We all face trials and temptations and think things we would be ashamed to say out loud. But the truth is, no matter what happens God’s love for us can bring us through, is merciful and forgiving, and, in the end, we are stronger than we think.
What accomplishment(s) are you most proud of, writing-related or not?

I am proud, but mostly thankful, that I have managed to stick with a writing career even though life is hectic and crazy all the time, with 5 homeschooled kiddos, a work-from-home part-time job, and a very busy schedule.

The first page of Of Walls.
Chapter One
  “I really need this trip.”
He just looks at me. Trying to figure out my subtext? I send messages to my eyes to pretend there isn’t any. I’m not brave enough to illuminate the truth. Not yet.
“Our finances are never going to get better.”
I roll my eyes. Of course they aren’t. There’s no hope in anything, according to you. “You know, I have confidence when I get home I can take this course and provide for myself.”
He lifts his eyebrow.
I’ve crossed a line. I try to backpedal, cover my almost truths. What I want to say is, “I don’t want to be married to you anymore. I’m done. I give up.” My tongue hurts with permanent teeth impressions by now. If I say the things in my mind, I won’t be able to stuff them back in. Won’t be able to erase them. Won’t be able to put the smashed bricks back into place. What if I am blatantly, brutally honest and regret it? I see the fear flitting across his eyes. The anger igniting beneath the hazel irises. “That’s not what I mean.” I take a deep breath. “I really need this trip.”
He drops his gaze. “I know.”
Does he? Does he sense the wall of barbed wire squeezing my heart? The pain? The desperation? Despair? “We will figure out the money when I get home. It’s going to work out somehow. God has taken care of us this long, He won’t stop now.”


 What do you do for fun when not writing?
My favorite things to do are read, camp, hike, and spend time with my family. (K. Dawn- I love to read as well and I just taught myself to knit. Go youtube!)

What are you working on now? 
The third Inspirational Romantic Suspense book in the Love, Hope, and Faith Series from Mantle Rock Publishing, Inc., is in editing right now, awaiting release in early March. I am writing the first book, The Jade Owl, in a new Romantic Suspense series, The Serafina Jones Series.

Where else can readers find you online?   

Sara's Bio:
Sara is a multi-published, award-winning author and homeschooling mother of five who writes amid the beauty of East Tennessee. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from the University of Tennessee and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She is the author of the Love, Hope, and Faith Series, which includes Callum's Compass (2017), Camp Hope (2018), and Rarity Mountain (March 2019).  She also has a story, “Leap of Faith,” in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Step Outside Your Comfort Zone. Sara finds inspiration in her faith, her family, and the beauty of nature. When she isn’t writing, you can find her reading, camping, and spending time outdoors with her family. To learn more about her and her work or to become a part of her email friend’s group, please visit www.saralfoust.com

Back cover blurb of Of Walls.
Julie Johnson's life as a mom and homemaker is richly blessed, but her marriage is struggling. Years of busyness, exhaustion, and hurt have taken their toll on her emotional and spiritual life, building impenetrable walls around her heart. When she feels God calling her to a mission trip on the other side of the world, Julie puts her faith in Him and leaves her family for ten long days. What she learns about herself, her marriage, and her faith will change her life forever.  

Answer the following question... I eat so much _______________, it's easy to say I eat it on almost everything. 



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