At the moment, news is all about The Dark Light and the
build-up for release. Lots of interviews and guest posts and talking with
lovely people. I’m having a blast!
That's great! When did you first
consider yourself a writer?
I’m still not sure I do consider myself a writer! I’ve
always written stories, but I still think of myself as more of a reader than a
writer. Maybe that will change. I’m not sure. I’d definitely have a book blog
if I wasn’t writing!
Ah, I'm sure you'll consider yourself a writer soon. :) What inspired you to
write The Dark Light?
I was on a road trip from Kansas City to Wyoming and was
discussing a news events about a young boy who’d suddenly reappeared almost a
decade after mysteriously vanishing. We were out on the plains, and the story
got me thinking about all the ways a person could vanish in such wide open
spaces. What might really be out there? That’s when I came up with the basic
idea behind The Dark Light.
Oh, now that sounds intriguing! Do you have a
specific writing style?
My style changes story to story. Sometimes a story will pour out and I’m
scrambling to get it down on the page. Other times, a story needs a little more
care to ensure it stays on the right track. I do try to write every day, even
if it’s just a little.
That sounds like me! How did you come up
with the title? I love it!
The title The Dark Light evolved with the story. I was
getting close to a finished draft when I started to think about what I could
call it. There were lots of references in the story to dark and light, so I
brainstormed a few combinations and decided on The Dark Light.
You mentioned your love of reading. What book are you
reading now?
At the time of writing this, I was reading Unraveling by
Elizabeth Norris, one of my fellow debut authors in the Apocalypsies. By the
time you’re reading this, I’ll almost certainly have read several other books!
Are there any new
authors that have grasped your interest?
So many. It’s such a privilege to be a part of a debut group
like the Apocalypsies, because you’re exposed to so many fantastic new writers.
I haven’t yet read a novel from one of the group that I haven’t thoroughly
enjoyed. You should check them out. All of them!
What are your current
projects?
I’m always writing, so I do have a couple of projects on the
go. Can’t give away too many details, though. Sorry!
We understand. :) Is there anything you
find particularly challenging in your writing?
It’s all a challenge, but in a really good way. Writing a
novel is a long process and there are lots of times when doubts creep in and
you wonder if a story is worth pursuing. Writing through that and coming out on
the other side with a completed novel is an essential part of being a writer.
Great answer! Who is your favorite
author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
I’ve loved Stephen King ever since I was a teenager. His
characters are always amazing and his writing appears so effortless, you can’t
help but be carried away by his stories. What strikes me most about his work is
how he’s been able to consistently write fantastic stories over such a long
period of time. Awe inspiring.
He is definitely one of the greats. How long does it take
you to write a book?
It depends. The Dark Light took about five months to
complete a full draft. I then let it sit for a while before working on
revisions, so six or seven months all in. I do have stories that I’ve been
working on for years, but stubbornly refuse to give up on!
And some
"fun" questions: What paranormal
creature would you be and why?
Wouldn't that be awesome? What did you want to
be when you were 10 years old?
A Jedi warrior. It’s true.
Now that made me laugh! That's awesome. What makes you laugh?
General lighthearted silliness. I love goofing off with
friends.
Friends are awesome. :) If you could be any
character in fiction, whom would you be?
Luna Lovegood!
Great choice! If you could be a
superhero, what would you want your superpowers to be?
I’d want to be telepathic, because I’m really nosy.
LOL! If you had six months
with no obligations or financial constraints, what would you do with the time?
I’d write, but on the QE2.
Nice. If you were a Star
Wars character, which one would you be?
Chewbacca! Though at 5’2”, I’m more Ewok than Wookie!
At least you're taller than 5 foot. I'm 4'11 3/4.
Thanks for dropping by, Sara! What a fun interview!
The Dark Light Blurb
Mysterious lights have flickered above Crownsville for as
long as Mia can remember. And as far as she's concerned, that's about the only
interesting thing to happen in her small town.
That is, until Sol arrives. Mia's not one to fall for just any guy, but she can't get Sol--or the brilliant tattoo on his back--out of her mind.
Then Mia's brother goes missing, and Mia's convinced that Sol knows more than he's sharing. But getting closer to Sol means reevaluating everything Mia once believed to be true. Because Sol's not who Mia thought he was--and neither is she.
That is, until Sol arrives. Mia's not one to fall for just any guy, but she can't get Sol--or the brilliant tattoo on his back--out of her mind.
Then Mia's brother goes missing, and Mia's convinced that Sol knows more than he's sharing. But getting closer to Sol means reevaluating everything Mia once believed to be true. Because Sol's not who Mia thought he was--and neither is she.
Sara Walsh is British, but happily lives in Annapolis,
Maryland. She graduated college with a degree in psychology, but soon decided
that telling stories was much more fun. When not writing, Sara is usually
reading, drowning in tea, or frolicking around town with the world's cutest St.
Bernard. The Dark Light is her first novel.
Links
Contest
Want to win a signed hardcopy (North America only) or an ebook of The Dark Light? Just leave a comment on this blog. For an extra entry, follow Sara on twitter, add The Dark Light to your Goodreads shelf, or like Sara's facebook page. Good luck!