Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi, I’m Sara and I’m an American author currently living in Sweden and loving it. I love nature, and especially forests, and Sweden is beautiful in both regards. I’m not sure I would have started writing if I didn’t move here. Or if I did, I don’t think I would have written the stories I have. It’s been an inspiration of mine.
I’ve currently written three books–two full-length novels and one novella. I’m also currently working on a serialized novel that I update weekly on my blog. It’s been challenging keeping up with it, but a lot of fun.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is A Shadowed Spirit. It’s the sequel to my first book, The Thirteenth Tower. What inspired the first book was really my love for being out in the wilderness, and my love for folklore. I wanted to incorporate those things in story form somehow. A Shadowed Spirit is, in my mind, the natural following of events from the first novel.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think so. I do only write on my laptop, usually on the couch, but I can write on the go if needed. I have a desk PC in our little office at home, but I don’t use that for writing for some reason. It just doesn’t work for me there.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Neil Gaiman has probably been my biggest influence. I remember after reading Stardust that I thought, “I want to write stories like that.” I think it was the first time I actually seriously considered becoming a writer. L.M Montgomery has been another influence for her distinct and quirky characters. And the illustrated book Faeries by Brian Froud and Alan Lee is the book that made me fall in love with fairies and folklore when I was a kid, which definitely influences my writing.
What are you working on now?
My serialized novel, Hazel and Holly, has been taking up a lot of my time lately, just so I can keep up with the weekly installments on my blog. Once things calm down from publishing A Shadowed Spirit, I’ll return to writing the third novel in the series, which is tentatively titled The Archon’s Arrival.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Honestly, I’m still trying to figure this whole promotion business out, but so far connecting with the people on my blog has been what works best for me.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t be your own worst enemy. Writing is hard enough without beating yourself up all the time. Write what you love, try new things, take chances, and push yourself out of your comfort zone.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I’m not sure if it’s advice, but a quote from Ray Bradbury has pretty much become my mantra: “You only fail if you stop writing.”
What are you reading now?
Right now I’m reading Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell. The movie has become one of my all-time favorites, and so I’m enjoying reading the book and seeing the similarities and differences in the story. I’m also reading The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch, and thoroughly enjoying it.
What’s next for you as a writer?
To just keep on writing, for as long as I can.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Oh no. This is going to be hard. OK, to whittle it down to the absolute favorites (in no particular order):
The Mists of Avalon, by Marion Zimmer Bradley
Stardust, by Neil Gaiman
Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
Irish Folk and Fairy Tales Omnibus, by Michael Scott
Author Websites and Profiles
Sara C. Snider Website
Sara C. Snider Amazon Profile
Sara C. Snider’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account