Welcome, today we are talking with _Sara Swann-Barnard_! I would like to thank you for taking time out of your busy writing schedule to answer a few questions. First, let’s delve into who you are. Some of the questions may be untraditional but you’d be surprised at what readers connect to, and sometimes the simplest ‘I can relate to that’ grabs their interest where nothing else can.
Can you share a little something about yourself that’s not mentioned in your bio on your website?
Sure! I am an avid writer and notorious genre-hopper. Historical fiction is my first love though. I am also a nurse and studying to earn my Family Nurse Practitioner credentials!
How long have you been writing?
I have been writing since I was young – 3rd grade young – and published since 2011!
What have you found most challenging about it?
Finding the time. As a single parent of four who works two jobs and goes to school- time is stretched a little thin these days.
What does writing do for you? Is it fun, cathartic, do you get emotional?
I get very involved in my stories and try and walk in the shoes of each of my characters so that I create a more authentic and believable world for you. This can really sap the emotions! But it’s worth it!
Describe what your writing routine looks like. Are you disciplined with a strict schedule or do you have to be in the mood?
Seducing the muse is difficult somedays, but I try and do so whenever I can! It’s all about priorities and sometimes other things come first. I have a handy dandy notebook for those times I just have to write – even if it’s at a red light!
Did you go into writing thinking that it would be a hobby or a job?
I write to create. Whatever happens from there is on God’s good humor.
What inspires you?
History. People I meet. Figures in history who have a one-sided view of them. None of us are one sided, even if that side is the most popular. I like to dig into them and see what makes them tick! If they’re bad, I want to learn about when they were good – if even for a moment. If they’re good, I want to know about when they were bad. That’s the stuff good stories are made of!
Let’s move on and give readers some insight into your personal life.
Yikes! Hold on for the ride!
What are your pet peeves?
Rude people. There’s no reason not to be nice to people.
Who is your hero?
I have so many! Irena Sendlerowa is one of my top notch heroines . . . she appears in several of my WWII novels!
Give us one thing on your bucket list.
Own land in Alaska.
What is your favorite hot drink (coffee, tea, etc.)?
Black coffee!
What would readers find surprising about you?
I have been married and divorced a handful of times and I’m totally in love with my Catholic faith.
If you could go to heaven, who would you visit?
Oh where do I start? I have loved lots of people who have passed on, but my first stop would be to all of my pets who have crossed over before me.
Just for fun. What is your least favorite:
- Hero type – typical, handsome, predictable. Show me the guy who is panhandling on the side of the road for an unknown reason who is the only one who pulls a lady out of a fiery car wreck. THAT’S what I want!
- Body part – anything flaccid LOL
- Overused word in a title – Anything duke or duchess.
- Genre – SciFi.
- Dirty word – cock. It’s just an ick for me. Plus, it will forever put me in a farm mood.
Now that our readers know who _Sara is let’s get down to the business of your book, The Defender of the Faith, book one of the Draculesti Dynasty series.
Please tell us a little bit about _Defender of the Faith. What was your hardest challenge writing this book?
This book pretty much wrote itself. Some will love it, some will hate it. But . . . that’s okay. It is based on little known facts about Vlad the Impaler, the inspiration for Dracula.
What kind of research did you have to do?
TONS OF IT! I read everything I could, researched at libraries and bookstores and joined Dracula groups.
What in your opinion makes good chemistry between your leading characters?
The fact that you already know them . . .
Any other works in progress?
A TON! Amish, WWII, Pirate, Medical . . . you name it!
Any advice for aspiring authors?
Don’t give up! Keep writing.
Final words?
Thank you for letting me be here today! I have loved CRT since I started the publication journey.
Website: www.nursesarabooks.com
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