Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Author Interview & Giveaway - Kim Vogel Sawyer - Part I

Not long ago, I discovered Kim Vogel Sawyer's historical novels. She takes on some unusual topics and timeframes. Without further delay, let's welcome our guest, Kim Vogel Sawyer to Christian Writer/Reader Connection.

1. Would you give us a thumbnail sketch of your writing journey? How long did it take to get "the call?"

Sometimes I hesitate to share my timeline because it can be discouraging to those who are trying to break into publishing. But the truth is I began writing seriously in 1981 and began submitting manuscripts in 1992. In 1995, I stopped submitting manuscripts because rejection was far too painful. In 2002, my dad insisted I try again, and I still refused, so he self-published one of my novels. Reader feedback gave me the courage to once again pursue traditional publication. In 2003, I signed with an agent, and in March of 2005, I signed my first contract; within the next six months I signed contracts for ten books between Bethany House and Barbour Publishing. So although the journey was long, when the door opened, God pretty much drop-kicked me into publishing.

2. I love it that you write about families, as well as the traditional romance. Your book, "Where Willows Grow," gave a realistic portrayal of the inner workings of a marriage. Where do you get inspiration for your novels?

I find inspiration everywhere--or maybe I should say, it finds me. *smile* Where Willows Grow sprang to life at a church bonfire, when I took a hayrack ride with several other members. The driver took us past an abandoned farmhouse. It was dusk, with lots of long shadows, and it seemed as though the characters stepped out of the shadows and into my imagination. By the end of the evening, Anna Mae had introduced herself and shared her deepest heartache: I love my husband, but he doesn't love my Lord.

As part of this interview, I'm giving away Kim's book, "Where Willows Grow." Below are the rules:

1. Comment on this post and leave your email address in the spam-busting format. No email address = No entry! If you comment on Part II of the interview next week, you'll get a second entry.

2. Mention you're a Follower or become a Follower and receive another entry.

3. Deadline: Saturday, July 10, 2010, at midnight. Winners will be notified via email and announced on the blog Sunday, July 11, 2010.

4. The drawing is void where prohibited. Only residents of the U.S. are eligible. Winners take total responsibility for their eligibility.

Disclaimer: No fees are required to enter this drawing. I purchased the book myself. Neither the author nor her publisher paid me anything to review this book.

Don't forget to stop by on Wednesday, July 7, 2010, for Part II of the interview.

27 comments:

Heather Sunseri said...

Sounds like a wonderful book, Kim. Thanks, Susan.

patti said...

Yep, I agree it'll take two days to cover Kim.

Thanks, Susan! And thanks for your newsletter!

Patti

Jaime Wright said...

Where Willows Grow is a very good book! I've read it so I'll leave the drawing for someone else to win ;) but great blog today, Susan! :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Patti -

LOL! I don't want to miss any of her words of wisdom, so I broke it up into two parts. :)

Blessings,
Susan

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Heather -

It was an excellent book. I did a recommendation on it a couple of weeks ago.

Blessings,
Susan :)

NOTE TO ALL COMMENTERS: No email address = no entry in the giveaway.

Karen Lange said...

Great interview! Thanks to both of you. I love Kim's work. No need to enter me, I've already read this book; it's a good one!
Blessings,
Karen

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Jaime -

Thanks for stopping by and commenting. Don't forget about Part II next Wednesday. :)

Blessings,
Susan

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Karen -

Thanks for the thumbs up on the book and Kim. It looks like many people have read it.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Unknown said...

Love Kim's honesty about her journey to publication. Also encouraging to see that persuing her goal paid off! Thanks for part one of this interview, Susan.

In response to your comment over @ Life Lessons: Congrats on your two years of blogging! Scheduling posts sounds like a good idea! I've enjoyed getting to know you and truly appreciate your informative blog. God bless you richly, my friend! :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Maria -

Thanks for your kind comments. If I can be of any assistance, let me know.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Jeanette Levellie said...

I'd love to enter this drawing, Susan--thanks so much.

Kim looks so sweet--I'm glad she didn't give up on her writing. Stories like hers always encourage me.

Love,
Jen

jeanettelevellie(at)gmail(dot)com
I am a follower.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Jen -

Thanks for entering the drawing. Kim's story also encouraged me. This writing journey is a long one for some of us.

Blessings,
Susan :)

quietspirit said...

Susan:
I just recently read two of Kim's books. I love the way she writes.
Yes, please enter me in your drawing.
cll4him(at)sbcglobal(dot)net.

I am a follower.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Quiet Spirit -

Thanks for entering the drawing. I've also read several of Kim's books and become a fan. :)

Blessings,
Susan

Janna Leadbetter said...

Awesome story, awesome interview. And I love that Kim's pin says Hope.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Janna -

Thank you for pointing out Kim's pin. I didn't notice it.

Did you want to enter the drawing? I'll need your email address here in the comments.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Cindy R. Wilson said...

Wow, Kim's journey is a powerful reminder that we need to have faith in God's timing. Thanks for the interview and I'd love a chance to read this book.

wilsoncindyr(at)gmail(dot)com
I am also a follower.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Cindy -

Yes, her experience does put things into perspective. Thanks for entering the drawing. Don't forget Part II. You'll have an opportunity for another entry.

Blessings,
Susan :)

karenk said...

thanks for the chance to read cindy's fabulous novel...

karenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com

Dorothy said...

I love Kim Sawyer -what a shame I am too far away to play! Never mind:) The interview was great and my best wishes to the winner.
Blessings
Dorothy :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Dorothy -

I'm sorry you're unable to join in the fun. Gotta obey the law.

Part II of the interview will run on 7/7/10. I hope you'll pop by to catch the rest.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Karen -

Thanks for entering the drawing for Kim's book. If you'd like another entry, be sure to comment on Part II. It will run on Wednesday, 7/7/10.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Unknown said...

Wonderful interview with Kim. Thank you for a chance to win her fascinating new book.

Blessed Be in Christ,
Barb Shelton
barbjan10@tx.rr.com

Mrs Tina said...

I like the interview and Kim's comment about how the story came to "life" for her.
I am a "follower"
Blessings, Tina

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Tina -

Please leave your email address in the comments. I must have a way to contact you.

Thanks,
Susan :)

Carole said...

I have no writing ability whatsoever, but have the utmost respect for those who do and am always amazed at how difficult it is to get published. I enjoyed getting a glimpse of Kim in this interview and would love to read Where Willows Grow. Thank you for the chance to win a copy.

cjarvis [at] bellsouth [dot] net

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Carole -

This site is not only for writers, but also for readers. We're so happy you're here. We need your perspectives on books and authors.

Blessings,
Susan :)