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Welcome to Christian Bookshelf Reviews, Sarah! Thanks for celebrating my blog's 3-Year Blogoversary with us! Will you tell us a little about yourself?
I live in northern California, and I’m a mother of three, on-call hospital pharmacist, Sunday school teacher, and an author of historical fiction.
How many books have you written/published and which one was the toughest to write?
My fifth published novel, On Distant Shores, was released in August. The most difficult was probably With Every Letter, the first book in my second series. After spending almost ten years with my first series (it took me a long time to get published!), it felt strange to shift to new characters and a new focus.
What is something the average reader wouldn't know about you?
I used to sew before I started writing—I made a lot of my daughter’s little girl dresses and even made my own wedding gown. Once I started writing, I lost all interest in sewing. It’s as if the tiny creative bit in my brain can only handle one outlet.
What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?
I wrote my first three novels longhand (with pencil on binder paper!), but now I write straight into the computer.
Where do you like to write?
I now have a desk in a home office, but I didn’t use to. I started writing when my children were little, so I learned to write wherever I could—on the sidelines at soccer games, in karate studios, during gymnastics classes, while waiting at the DMV…and I can still do that if I need to.
When you are writing a book, do you just write as you go or do you have a set outline for the novel?
I can’t write without an outline. I just can’t. But in general, I’m a list-maker and schedule-setter and map-maker. That’s how I work best. For some authors, an outline stifles all creativity, but for me, it releases my creativity.
I’m sure you do a lot of research for your novels, what is one of the most interesting facts you’ve come across?
Oh yes. Tons of research. In my latest novel, On Distant Shores, the hero serves as an Army pharmacist in WWII. As a pharmacist myself, I was fascinated by the many changes in my profession. A lot of the medications we depend on nowadays weren’t available back then—whole classes of medications. Other meds, like penicillin, were brand-new, and they were still experimenting on how to best use it.
What is the best and/or worst part about being a writer?
The best part is getting to write stories! And actually getting paid to do so!! The worst part is keeping up with publicity and marketing and all the technological and social media changes. It’s time-consuming and exhausting. But it’s vital—and I absolutely love interacting with readers—so I do it.
What do you like to do when you're not writing?
I’m sure this question refers to free time and hobbies…but I don’t really have either! I’m either writing, chauffeuring kids, volunteering, or working in the hospital. At least writing is very relaxing for me, so it still feels like a hobby.
What is your favorite genre to read and why?
I love all sorts of genres. The classics, historicals, women’s fiction, fun contemporary romances, thrillers, suspense, an occasional fantasy book. But absolutely no horror. Ever.
Is there a place you’d like to visit, but haven’t yet?
I’ve been blessed. My husband traveled for many years on business, so I benefitted from the frequent flier miles—England, Scotland, France, Germany, Italy, Australia. I’ve been horribly spoiled. But I would love to go back someday.
Do you have a favorite Bible verse?
Always, but it changes constantly, depending on what I’m going through or what the Lord is teaching me. The Scripture my pastor used in today’s sermon really spoke to me. It’s a lifelong favorite but addresses me where I’m at right now: Philippians 3:13-14: “But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
Do you have a favorite song and/or movie?
How many books have you written/published and which one was the toughest to write? 
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