Sarah Sundin Interview

Q: Let me start with asking you to tell us a little bit about yourself.

A: My husband and I live in northern California in an emptying nest. Our oldest two children are out of the house now, and our “baby” is joining the Navy this summer! I work one day a week as a hospital pharmacist, teach Sunday school and women’s Bible studies, and I enjoy speaking to church, community, and writers’ groups.

Q: When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

A: Strange but true. While I’d always loved reading, I never seriously considered writing professionally. I chose pharmacy and enjoyed my career, especially the ability to work on-call so I could stay home with our children. But that day in 2000, I woke from a dream that wouldn’t leave me alone. The characters and their story were so compelling that I had to write it down. That novel will never—and should never—be published, but it got me started.

Q: Could you give us the highlights of your professional writing career including how you got your first writing break?

A: I wrote in solitude for the first year, but then joined a writers group and began attending conferences. In 2003, I submitted for the first time at Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference. After five years of rejection letters, I received my first contract, also through a submission at Mount Hermon. That first book, A Distant Melody, was published in 2010, and now my eighth novel has been published and I recently signed a contract for a fourth series. It still feels surreal!

Q: Would you tell us about your current book release ANCHOR IN THE STORM?

A: For plucky Lillian Avery, America’s entry into World War II means a chance to prove herself as a pharmacist in Boston. She loves the wartime challenges of her new job but spurns the attention of society boy Ensign Archer Vandenberg, even if Arch is her brother’s best friend. During the darkest days of the war, Arch’s destroyer hunts German U-boats in vain as the submarines sink dozens of merchant ships along the US East Coast. Still shaken by battles at sea, Arch notices his men also struggle with their nerves—and with drowsiness. Could there be a link to the prescriptions Lillian has received for unusually large quantities of sedatives? As Lillian and Arch work together to uncover a black market drug ring, Arch tries to earn Lillian’s trust and her affection. But can they overcome the dangers that face them from torpedoes, drug lords—and opened hearts?

Q: Where did you get your inspiration for ANCHOR IN THE STORM?

A: My husband and I are both pharmacists. A few years ago he became the manager at a community pharmacy. He noticed a lot of shady prescriptions for narcotics and began clamping down on them, calling the police and refusing to fill suspicious prescriptions. I could imagine what the drug community felt about the new “sheriff” in town! My overactive imagination got to work. What if a pharmacist in a similar situation angered the wrong people? What if she uncovered a huge ring—and a lot of trouble? Ooohhh…!

Q: What is the main thing you hope readers remember from this story?

A: Both Arch and Lillian place so much of their security and identity in their careers. When those are threatened, they’re shaken to the core. I hope readers remember, as Arch and Lillian learn, that our identity and security lie in Christ alone, to allow God to be their anchor no matter what happens in life.

Q: What is your favorite scene/chapter from the book?

A: Since this is the Suspense Zone, I’ll pick a scene from the mystery plot. Arch and Lillian learn the drugs are being passed at a local bar. Since Arch is a high-society naval officer, he and his Navy buddy go in disguise. There are some funny bits when his buddy is trying to coach Arch to act like an old sea salt, and not so…refined. Arch learns some vital information in the case—but also makes a dangerous error.=

Q: What inspires you to write?

A: All sorts of things. I get story ideas from historical research, movies, “what if” questions, and yes, from dreams. While I’m writing, the characters push me—I can’t wait to tell their stories, and that keeps me inspired.

Q: How has being a published novelist differed from your expectations of the profession?

A: One advantage of rejection-letter years—you get an education, not just in writing but in the publishing industry. By the time I signed my first contract, I had a fairly realistic view of the actual life of an author, so it wasn’t a complete shock. I think what surprised me the most was working on multiple projects at once—doing publicity for one book, the publisher’s edits for another, and starting the rough draft of yet another.

Q: What advice or tips do you have for writers who are just getting started?

A: Take a deep breath and take your time. All professions have a steep learning curve, and writing is no exception. Attend writing conferences and join writers groups. Meet editors and agents and published authors and plenty of fellow-writers-on-the-path. Learn the craft and learn the industry. And enjoy the ride!

Q: Would you share with us what you are working on now?

A: I’m working on my publisher’s edits for the third book in the Waves of Freedom series, When Tides Turn (March 2017), and planning out the first book in my new World War II series, which centers around D-Day. I can’t wait to get started!

Q: When you’re not writing what do you like to do?

A: Sleep? With writing, pharmacy, teaching at church, and speaking, I don’t have time for hobbies right now. I love spending time with my husband and youngest son—and with our oldest son, daughter, and son-in-law when they come to visit. Also, we have a yellow lab who needs more attention than a toddler and a teen girl combined—and if I don’t give it to her, she eats socks and random household objects.

Q: Where can readers find you on the internet?

A: Please visit me on my website: http://www.sarahsundin.com . Also, I love to connect with people on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/SarahSundinAuthor, Twitter http://twitter.com/sarahsundin, and Pinterest http://pinterest.com/sarahsundin

Q: Anything else you’d like to tell or share with us?

A: Thank you so much for having me today! I’ve enjoyed meeting you and your readers!