Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have just written and published my first book, after having been a nurse for 27 years. In addition to this, my other full time professions are that of a wife and mother. Originally, from the UK, we immigrated to Australia in 2008; however, a sequence of life changing events that you can read about in my book tested us in many ways. I now live in South west France with my husband, two dogs and some livestock! I am currently writing the follow up to Glass Half Full whilst assisting with the renovation of our small cottage.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Glass Half Full, is about the four year adventure we had in Australia. It follows our journey as we sought to live the dream of a new life downunder. We acheived the dream lifestyle after a rocky start however life changing events challenged us. Our posoitive approach to life under went the most rigorous trst when in January 2011 we lost everything that we had worked so hard fo during the Brisbane floods.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
We recently adopted a kitten found abandoned in a barn. He was only 5 weeks old and because he wanted to feel close to someone or something he took to laying around my neck whilst I was writing. This is now becoming a habit I need to break as he is growing quickly. I find myself lowering and hunching my back to accommodate him. My family say it looks amusing, my bones and neck muscles do not see the funny side!!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I loved Lisa Genova’s books, Still Alice and Left Neglected. I have always enjoyed true stories that transport you to foreign climbs so recently Jill Penningtons book ‘The diary of a single parent abroad,’ which is set in Italy, and Craig Briggs ‘Journey to a Dream’ set in Spain captured my heart. My fiction favourite has to be anything by James Patterson.
What are you working on now?
I am currently writing the follow up to Glass Half Full which follows our French antics after leaving Australia. It has a working title of ‘Two dogs, two suitcases and one big idea!’ Because thats all we had when we arrived!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
As a complete newbie to the book promotion world I freely admit to copying my peers, hence how I found your site. I am open to all suggestions to assist me.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write as if no one will ever read it. This advice which was given to me, I feel, allowed me to let honest, emotions flow from my heart into my work.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write as if no one will ever read it!!
What are you reading now?
Well to be totally honest I am reading Storey’s guide to raising ducks, as we have just acquired some muscovies.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I have a few book ideas up my sleeve, it seems that since I finished writing Glass Half Full my brain has gone into overdrive and my bedside note pads are filling fast!
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?
Obviously The Bible, plus some entertainment in the form of a Cecilla Ahern novel, then something useful like a survival guide by Bear Grylls.
Author Websites and Profiles
Sarah Jane Butfield Website
Sarah Jane Butfield Amazon Profile
Sarah Jane Butfield Author Profile on Smashwords
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