Sarah Gilman started her first novel in third grade. She never finished that story, but never gave up the dream. Her fascination with wings also began at that age, when images of the ancient Egyptian goddess Isis captured her imagination and never let go. Now a paranormal romance writer, she employs her love of writing to bring the allure of winged creatures to the pages of her novels. Sarah lives in Vermont with her supportive husband and two spoiled cats.
Places to find Sarah:
First off, can you tell us a bit about you?
I’m a writer and reader of paranormal romance. I have a thing for wings, as well as dragons, vampires, chocolate, and maple candy. The hardest thing I ever have to do as an author is write about myself!
Did you always want to be a writer?
Hard to say. I recently discovered notebooks in my parents’ basement from junior high, maybe earlier, that contain character lists and plot outlines. Not homework—these were personal journals. On the other hand, I don’t recall ever giving writing as a career serious thought. It’s always been one of those things in the same category as “astronaut” and “president.” It’s only been the last few years that I’ve considered “being a published writer” to be a possible, realistic goal.
What kind of writer are you? Panster or Plotter?
Despite those old notebooks, I am a panster. I need to be. I’ve tried to be more of a plotter, but the more I regulate my writing in that way, the worse it gets! My unplanned plot twists and story events always end up better than anything I jotted down in an outline. However, in publishing, I need to turn in proposals before I write, so I’ve found a workable compromise. I plan the main characters’ goals and conflicts before I start, which is enough to give my publisher a one-page synopsis. From there, I just write, letting the plot go where it will go.
Where do your ideas come from?
Neurons. My crazed, twisted, caffeinated little neurons.
A la Twitter style, can you describe your book (or series) in 140 characters or less.
In a violent world in which archangels are hunted for their feathers, they join demons for survival, and find love along the way.
What are some of your favorite kinds of stories to read?
Paranormal and fantasy romance, including urban fantasy, and romantic suspense. I also read paranormal mysteries, such as the Joe Grey series, and suspense thrillers (Dan Brown and Clive Cussler).
Do you have a favorite book and if so what is it?
Myst, by The Miller brothers. I became hooked on fantasy after reading it—and playing the computer games.
What are the scenes that are the hardest for you to write?
Scenes that need to provide a great deal of information: The main character has been searching for answers and he’s finally cornered the jerk who has been withholding those answers. When writing scenes like those—it seems like every book has at least one—I usually fall into the trap of one character talking for a paragraph, the other asking a question, the first talking for another paragraph, the second asking a question, and on and on for a few pages. Turning those situations into engaging scenes instead of info- and backstory-dumping can be a challenge.
If you could have dinner with any three authors, who would you choose and why?
I would want to pick the brains of any successful paranormal author, but if I had to choose three, they’d be Jeaniene Frost, J. R. Ward, and Michelle Rowen. I’m a fan of all three and their styles are each quite different, so I’d like to hear them talk as a group and bounce their opinions on writing and publishing off each other.
Last question, are you working on anything right now?
I’m working on several projects at the moment, including a new Return to Sanctuary novel, a new romance series about dragon shifters, and a fantasy novel in which purgatory declares independence from heaven.
What do you wish authors wrote about more often? (A type of paranormal character, or a certain romantic gesture, or a setting, or…?
In a violent world where fallen archangels are hunted for their valuable plumage, Wren knows one thing for certain: the human woman who saved him from a poacher attack will die if she stays with him. The demon responsible for his parents' gruesome deaths two decades ago pines for the chance to rip apart any woman who stands under Wren's wing.
Wren doesn't expect Ginger to stay by his side once she discovers his ability to drain life with a mere touch, yet she lingers. When an unusual talent of her own reveals the location of Wren's father, Wren's isolated world implodes. With the help of the demon protectors he's sworn never to trust again, Wren risks everything to rescue his father, confront the demon who stalks his and Ginger's every step, and claim his eternity with the most courageous woman he's ever known.
Purchase: | Amazon | Kindle | Barnes & Noble |
Check out the Return to Sanctuary series:
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Check out whats up for grabs.
Up For Grabs:
- 1 lucky winner will win an eBook of Out in Blue
- 4 lucky winners from the ENTIRE tour will win a print copy of Out in Blue
To Enter:
- Please answer Sarah's question: Do you like to read books in a series? Do you ever find that you always enjoy a particular one in the line-up more?
- Please fill out the Rafflecopter form.
Good Luck =)
Out in Blue Giveaway
I love reading series. I don't find I like one more than the rest. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI love reading series. I don't find I like one more than the rest. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI love to read series as well. I usually do have favorites in a series, but it depends on the story arc. Sometimes it's the last book in the series, and sometimes it's the book when the couple have a key relationship moment.
ReplyDeleteYes, I like to read books in a series.
ReplyDeleteYes, I read a lot of series, but I have a new rule that I don't start a series until its done. I don't always follow it though. :)
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely love reading series lets me get to know the characters better and see them again from time to time like an old friend .
ReplyDeleteI do like a series, especially if I've loved the characters and want to read more of them. Although, I hate having to wait for the next book to come out- I'm so impatient!
ReplyDeleteI love reading series books but I also don't mind stand alone books. The only problem I have with series books is that it usually takes a long time for the next book to come out. Unfortunately in series books, sometimes one book can be better than another. Thanks for the awesome giveaway!!!
ReplyDeleteLove reading series books. Like finding out what happens to other characters as they pop back up in other books in the series. I always find there is at least one gem that ends up being just very good among them, but I usually like them all equally.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy series, both with the same and with different main characters. I generally do have favorites in a series, and sometimes one does stand well above the others (in my affections!).
ReplyDeleteThanks for the fun post and congrats to Sarah on her new release! I love series! Especially once I become invested in a world and characters, the more the better! I think that there will always be a book that's stronger/better in a series. They aren't always going to hit each reader the same and as long as they move the series forward and aren't repetitive, I'm happy just to get a new addition :)
ReplyDeleteI love reading a series, and I guess maybe I enjoy each one "more" as I read it...
ReplyDeleteI do like series, & you are right, there is often one that stands above the others.
ReplyDelete