Sarah Sundin's here!!! Contest Closed
2 April 2010
This contest has closed. Congratulations to our winner, Marjorie.
I’ve been super excited for today! In case you missed my review a couple weeks ago, Sarah Sundin has written an incredible debut novel called A Distant Melody. After I finished reading it, I sent her an e-mail shamelessly begging her to come on my blog for an interview. She also agreed to give away a signed copy of her book to one fabulous commenter. Details are at the end.
You told me it took a couple years to write A Distant Melody. Where did you get the idea, and how did you stay motivated?
The story came out of a “what if” question—what if a man and woman met at an event, truly clicked, and parted before exchanging contact info? Wouldn’t it be romantic if he went through great effort to track her down? It wouldn’t work in a contemporary setting—he’d “Google” her—but it made a sweet premise for a historical. My husband and I watched a History Channel special on the US Eighth Air Force based in England which flew over Nazi-occupied Europe during World War II, and I was hooked.
What took so long was the research—everything from how to fly a B-17 to what songs were hot to what was rationed and when. It wasn’t hard to stay motivated—the story and characters drove me, and the research fascinated me. In fact, I often had to tell myself to stop researching and write!
What is it about the WWII era that captured your interest? Are there are other periods in history that we might see you write about in the future?
Besides the cute clothes and men in uniform?
First of all, there are so many dramatic stories and settings—a novelist’s dream. This was a time when ordinary men had to do extraordinary things, and when women first explored non-traditional roles—while remaining ladies. Plus, my great-uncle was a B-17 bomber pilot with the US Eighth Air Force, so I had access to family stories plus his personal letters.
The next series I’m planning is also set during World War II. I could see myself writing a contemporary story, but as for other time periods, not at this point. I’ve got a great basic body of research for WWII, and the thought of researching another era is exhausting. However, I’ll never say never. A super story idea could lead me anywhere!
One of my favorite parts of A Distant Melody was how neither Allie or Walt are considered attractive people, and how that’s affected them in their life. Is there a reason you chose to write them in such a way?
When I was growing up, every story I read, every movie I watched showed gorgeous heroes and heroines. I was a late-blooming, buck-toothed, freckled thing and thought I’d never find true love. And low self-esteem can make you do stupid things. But if you look at real people around you, there are achingly beautiful love stories between people who are plain, even unattractive. Why shouldn’t fiction celebrate that kind of love as well? Why shouldn’t the majority of us ordinary people have heroines we can relate to? So that’s what I wrote. Ironically, in the second book, both hero and heroine are gorgeous—but that’s not necessarily a good thing in their lives.
(Stephanie here – I’ve had the privilege of meeting Sarah Sundin in real life. While she may have been “late-blooming,” Sarah must have eventually bloomed, because she’s beautiful.)
What’s the best book you’ve read recently and why?
I recently finished The Shape of Mercy by Susan Meissner. Not only is it a beautifully written story, but it really makes you think. It’s all about our human tendency to judge others—and the disastrous consequences that can cause.
What’s your best/worst/most embarrassing/oddest memory from high school?
Oh, fine. Make me open that memory box, would you? So, so, so many embarrassing and odd memories. Here’s an odd one—a stupid thing low self-esteem made me do. My junior year I became convinced that if I broke my record of straight As, the boys would be more interested. So, nerd that I am, I chose the class that least mattered to me, and deliberately got a B. I knew the right answers, so I chose wrong answers on just over 10 percent of the questions. And I got a B for the semester! Boys flocked to my door!
Um, no. The boys didn’t care. So I went back to my straight As. Odd and nerdy and stupid all in one!
Stephanie speaking again – I find it hilarious that you were smart enough to know exactly how many questions you needed to miss to get a B. Ah, the things we’ll do for boys…
Okay, so here’s the deal. To be entered to win A Distant Melody, leave a comment with the best book you’ve read recently and something that made it stand out. Or, if you have a question for Sarah, you can go that route too. And you don’t need to leave me your e-mail addresses since the site forces you to leave one anyway. Unless you need me to reach you at a different one.
Hope everyone has a fabulous Easter!
Comments
Wow, Sarah, you have a way with words!! I love how you went with a “normal” couple! I would love, love, love to get your book! It sounds amazing! I learned about your interview from, Stephanie’s blog,GoTeenWriters! Thank-You,Stephanie, for letting us know about this and for having Sarah! It was a breath of fresh air for me!
Posted by Holly on 2 April 2010
I’d love to get a copy of this book! :)
I read Go Teen Writers, so that’s how I knew about the interview:)
Posted by Emii on 2 April 2010
Fun interview! :) I love stories set in World War II. I’d love to read this one—I keep reading wonderful reviews of it!
Posted by Katy on 2 April 2010
The last book I read way Deliver Us From Evil. Opened my eyes to the evils of child trafficking today, here, in the US!
desertrose5173 at gmail dot com
Posted by Linda on 2 April 2010
Oh! Please Enter me I really want to read this book!
The thought of to people trying to find each other, after meeting not having made a way of contact so romantic!:)
I think the best book I have read lately would be A Passion Denied by Julie Lessman One thing I loved about the story was she had loved Brady ever since she met him, and she wouldn’t give up on trying to win his heart.
Posted by Lindsey on 3 April 2010
Love to hear the backgrounds of novels and how they come to be written.
Posted by Emily on 3 April 2010
HI Stephanie and Sarah…a wonderful posting…Recently I read a book by Elissa Elliott entitled “Eve: a novel of the first woman.” I absolutely loved this book..Have either of you ladies read it? Happy Easter.
Posted by karenk on 3 April 2010
The best book I’ve read recently was Bride in the Bargain by Deeanne Gist. I loved the description of the yummy lumberjack!
Thanks!
Posted by Colletta Miller on 3 April 2010
I just finished Just Between You and Me by Jenny B Jones, it was a wonderful mix of romance, tangled relationships and redemption. I am looking forward to reading A Distant Melody, I love WWII stories.
Posted by Merry on 3 April 2010
The best book I’ve read was Remember by Karen Kingsbury. Ashley Baxter’s story is just so much fun to read about!
I’d love to read this book… it looks great!
Posted by Elyssa on 3 April 2010
I’m reading right now. No Greater Love by Kathi Macias it is awesome. Thanks.
ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com
Posted by abi on 3 April 2010
Thanks for all your sweet comments, everyone!
Roseanna – I remember you :) Loved ACFW! And congrats – your book is getting such great reviews!
Stephanie – thanks so much for posting this!
Posted by Sarah Sundin on 3 April 2010
Carman sent me!
The best book I’ve read recently was an Amish series by Cindy Woodsmall. I liked it because it kept my attention wondering what would happen next.
Doreen
Posted by Doreen Brannan on 3 April 2010
Wow! I read a book a week & I just finished Christmas Peril by Margeret Daley & Debby Guisti. It was two Christmas Suspense Novellas. I loved them both.
I really want to read A Distant Melody. The cover reminds me so much of the movie The Best Years of My Life. I love that movie and I’m sure I will love Sarah’s book. Please enter me into your drawing and thank you for the opportunity.
Smiles & Blessings,
Cindy W.
Posted by Cindy Woolard on 4 April 2010
A recent book that I enjoyed was Love’s Pursuit by Siri Mitchell. I enjoyed the fact that this book contained a beautiful romance, but the dominant romance of the story was Christ pursuing the heroine.
julesreffner(at)gmail(dot)com
Posted by Julia on 5 April 2010
I cannot WAIT to read this book! It looks absolutely wonderful. And you seriously can’t go wrong with WWII.
Posted by Krista H. on 5 April 2010
I read a book called “The Notes Left behind” by Brooke and Keith Desserich. This book changed me. It made me appreciate and value each and every moment because you never know how many moments you have on this earth. Make sure you have the tissues handy if you read this book. It’s a real tear jerker, but well worth your time.
Posted by Nancye Davis on 5 April 2010
The book I just read was
The Last Song by Nicholas
Sparks and it was a super read.
Please enter me to win.
Many thanks, Marjorie
Posted by Marjorie on 5 April 2010
I read Permission Slips by Sherri Shepherd..very funny.
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
Posted by Linda Kish on 5 April 2010
I’m currently reading A Passion Denied by Julie Lessman and have really enjoyed the entire series. I really enjoyed reading about the characters different levels of faith and how they have grown throughout each book.
Posted by lace on 5 April 2010
The last good book I read the book of lies. It was an interesting blend of alternate history and intrigue.
debp
twoofakind12@yahoo.com
Posted by debp on 6 April 2010
The Witness by Dee Henderson. I enjoy Christian fiction.
Posted by Wendy on 6 April 2010
Hi! Carman sent me. I would love to be entered for this great sounding book! I just read Beguiled and loved it.
Posted by Jackie Smith on 6 April 2010
hi there!
commenting, and i read go teen writer!
Posted by mary quinn on 6 April 2010
Would LOVE to win this book! The best book I’ve read lately is “Forget Me Not” by Vicki Hinze, it was one of those deep down good books. A love story in an unexpected circumstance!
Posted by Lauri M on 6 April 2010
Just finished The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society and loved another glimpse of WW II. Would love to read Sarah’s book; my uncle also served during this time. Miss you Stephanie!
Posted by debbie McCool on 6 April 2010
Sounds like a really good book. Thanks for highlighting it on your blog, Stephanie.
Posted by Cindy Arterburn on 7 April 2010
I am reading Wolf Hall. I love this book because I writing is intelligent but easy to read. It just enfolds me in the story and I don’t want to put it down
Posted by Eva SB on 7 April 2010
Great to learn more about you, Sarah! I met you at conference too—I was the one shadowing Stephanie. =)
This book is next up on my TBR pile, so I don’t need to be entered, but I had to leave a note to say that that high school memory gave me a fabulous Friday chuckle. You’re my kind of lady, Sarah!
Posted by Roseanna White on 2 April 2010