By Amber Bell

 

How do you answer the question, “Oh, you’re an author? What do you write?”

When people ask what I write, I let them know I’m a romance author.  There’s sometimes some stigma associated with it, but for the most part, people are really impressed that I’m a writer.

How would you describe your writing to someone not familiar with your work?

I mostly write contemporary or new adult romance.  Some of my books are light-hearted while others deal with some heavier emotions.  But all of my stories have characters that I feel are easy to relate to in some way.

How would you rate the steaminess level in your books?

As far as steam goes, I’m kind of all across the board.  Blue Twilight is just a sweet love story, whereas Waking Up in Vegas is pretty steamy.

Would you say Blue Twilight would be PG 13 and Waking Up in Vegas would be for those over 18?

Yes, that would be a great way to describe them.

Which of your characters would you like to have as a best friend and why?

I relate the most with Tori from Broken Wings, but for a best friend, I think it would have to be Kiera from Waking Up in Vegas.  She would make me do things outside of my comfort zone which would be a good thing.

Which of your characters has been the most difficult to write and why? 

Tori in Broken Wings was by far the most difficult to write.  I relate to her on a personal level…she was essentially my cry for help.

Broken Wings is part of your three book series, The Wings Of Life, which deals with various mental health issues. What kind of feedback have you gotten from that? 

The outpouring of support after I released Broken Wings was amazing.  I had numerous people message me to thank me and tell me how much they could relate to the characters and to the story.  It was way more than I could have hoped for.  The fact that the series has touched so many is heartwarming.

Discussing mental health issues can be a touchy subject. Were you concerned at all about what people’s reactions would be and did that influence your writing in any way?

I definitely was.  There is so much stigma surrounding mental health issues.  But I needed to write these books; they were part of a healing process for me. And helping to reduce some of that stigma, even in a small way, is extremely gratifying.

Did you have all three books of The Wings Of Life series written before you published the first one?

No, I actually had no intention of making it a series until I was almost finished with Broken Wings. Then I thought about how the characters could connect through other stories and decided to write books two and three.

Would you say your writing style is more character driven or plot driven?

I would say more character driven.  I usually have a definite idea about my character’s traits and personalities, but the plot sometimes doesn’t unfold until later on in the planning process.

Which of your books did you have to do the most research for? What does your research process look like?

Truthfully, I don’t do a lot of research other than location research.  I might check some popular places in Vegas, but other than that, I don’t do too much else.  One of the privileges of being a fiction writer.

Do you have any set rules for yourself about how or when to write?

I don’t.  I used to try to “force myself” to write a certain number of words each week, but it was too stressful for me.  Now I write when I want and am much happier.

What helps spark your imagination when writer’s block hits or you’re just looking for a new idea? 

Music is my go-to for coming up with new ideas or if I get stuck on a work in progress.  Music has always been a huge part of my writing process.

Is there anything you are currently listening to for inspiration?

I have such a wide range in music that I listen to.  My taste is all over the board.  But nothing specific at this time.

What advice would you give an aspiring writer?

Always keep something on hand to take notes on.  I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gotten an idea and then forgotten it because I didn’t write it down.

When did you decide you wanted to be a writer and how different is the reality from what you had expected? 

I was eight years old when I decided I wanted to be a writer.  I loved (and still do) writing stories.  Of course when I was eight, I figured I’d be rich and famous in my career.  That may not be the case, but I love to write and it fulfilled a life long dream of mine.

With self publishing being an option, what made you choose to publish with TouchPoint Press? 

I had a friend working for TPP at the time and she urged me to submit my first story.  I love working with a publisher as I don’t have to worry about formatting or cover art on my own. Plus, I enjoy being a part of the TPP family.

What are you currently working on?

I’m currently working on another standalone contemporary novel.  It’s tentatively titled Stacked and will be about a small town librarian and a male romance author.  Since the last few books I’ve written were heavier reads, this one will be more of a lighthearted, fun read.

Is there a release date for it yet?

Not as of yet.  I’m looking at sometime next year.

And now for the random questions. What amazes you the most about your life? 

My husband and children amaze me most.  My husband and I were high school sweethearts and have been married for fourteen years now which is pretty amazing.  And my kids amaze me on a daily basis just by being their own, unique selves.  I look at my life and I realize how incredibly fortunate I am.

Tell me a random fact about yourself. 

I can touch my nose with my tongue.

Is there anything else you’d like to share? 

Just a huge thank you to my readers!  You’re the reason I get to do what I love.

Books by Sarah King