I was blessed to meet Sarah in Nashville this last summer at Christian Fiction Reader's Retreat. She is such a wonderful person and talented author. I am so happy to get to introduce her to you all today! Sarah Monzon has recently released a Christmas novella. (insert squeal of delight) It is such a sweet story and a quick read. Perfect for kicking off the Christmas season this year. Don't miss out on the special gift from Sarah. More info can be found at the end of this post.
Where did your love of books/storytelling/reading/writing come from?
I think it’s just something that God put in my heart. As I sit here and wrack my brain as to a specific incident or person who flamed that flame, I really can’t think of anything. I’ve always loved reading and writing came organically from that.
I think that is wonderfully beautiful!
What literary character is most like you? Why?
Oh man. This is a tough one. Is it a cop-out if I say my own characters? I never mean for them to be like me, or I like them…it just happens. I mean, they aren’t me completely, but they do seem to share at least one similarity, whether a personality trait or backstory, or something.
That makes perfect sense honestly. When writing from your heart, your personality is bound to spill onto the pages at least a little. 😉
Can you share some something interesting you learned while researching this book?
It was super fun surfing Pinterest to find ideas on how to make snowmen without any snow. I grew up in Florida and so I’ve made plenty of sand-snowmen and my mom makes the snowman made out of Spanish moss every year… but that’s just two and I needed at least twelve ideas. Check out my Pinterest board and see some of the things that inspired me. https://www.pinterest.com/monzons/12-days-of-snowmen/
I LOVE the ideas that made it into the book! Very unique and creative.
Who are some of your favorite authors that you feel were influential in your work? What impact have they had on your writing?
Probably every author I’ve ever read. Shhh… but I don’t really read books on the craft of writing. I read good books and glean from those authors what works, what makes a great story. The biggest influence on my writing, however, would have to be the amazingly talented, Jennifer Rodewald. She is my critique partner and is always pushing and stretching me to dig deeper into my characters.
Why does this not surprise me? 😜 I think it is so important to have those people in our lives to encourage us, stretch us, and help us grow.
If I tell you they won’t be secret anymore, will they? Lol. Hmmm… I can watch TV and read a book at the same time, does that count? I’m also double jointed in my thumbs so I can bend my thumb back until it touches my wrist. Not really a talent, but it’s fun to freak people out with. heehee
Ok...I am impressed haha! I can work on crafts and watch TV, but it has to be something I have seen before. Oooooh....ya....that would be a fun ability haha! Sadly my thumbs are not that talented.
What are you reading right now?
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Ah! I NEED to read The Secret Life of Book Club! I keep hearing you talk about it hehe.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write mostly on my iPad. In fact, I really can’t remember the last time I was able to sit down at a “regular” place and type on my computer. The iPad is even more transportable than my laptop and I usually whip it out at the gym or in the rocking chair in my toddler’s room as I wait for her to fall asleep.
Very convenient....and smart!
What writing advice do you have for aspiring authors?
Immerse yourself in the writing community. You may think writing is a solitary endeavor, but it really isn’t. There is a rich community of people with like passions and it is thrilling to surround yourself with them. If you need encouragement, they are there. They will cry with you and laugh with you, pray for you, and lift you up. It is simply amazing.
This is such good advice. Thank you so much for sharing your time and heart with us today! Before I let you go, can you tell us what is up next for you?
I’m working on the second full-length novel in the Carrington Family series. I’m hoping to have it out by next spring. Stay tuned for a cover reveal soon!
Eeeeeek! Oh I am so excited!!!
Keep reading to find out more about Sarah and the special gift she is offering!
About Sarah
Writing followed close behind. In fact, I was a published author at the young age of seven. It was an anthology published by Woodward Elementary School. I believe the story was about a talking pencil. Enthralling fair, I know.
Connect
A Carrington Family Novel
Read my review HERE.
Before you...yes YOU...leave, Sarah has a special gift for YOU! As a "Thank you" for signing up for her newsletter, she is giving away a FREE BOOK!!! That's right! All you have to do is click the image below and sign up and then you can read "12 Days of Snowmen" for yourself!
Thank you for joining us today! And as always, Happy Reading!
