Guest Blogger Sarah Sundin and With Every Letter

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

SARAH SUNDIN is the author of With Every Letter, as well as the Wings of Glory series—A Distant Melody, A Memory Between Us, and Blue Skies Tomorrow. She lives in northern California with her husband and three children, works on-call as a hospital pharmacist, and teaches Sunday school.

WITH EVERY LETTER
by Sarah Sundin
Published by Revell

ABOUT THE BOOK

As part of a morale-building program, World War II flight nurse Lt. Mellie Blake begins an anonymous correspondence with Army engineer Lt. Tom MacGilliver in North Africa. As their letters crisscross the Atlantic, they develop a deep friendship. But when they're both transferred to Algeria, will their future be held hostage by the past—or will they reveal their identities?

Readers, buy your copy of With Every Letter today!

AND NOW A WORD FROM OUR FEATURE AUTHOR

The Power of a Hand-Written Letter

When was the last time you received a handwritten letter? Or sent one? How did it make you feel?

I love modern communication—texting and e-mail and Facebook messages. These are fast, effective, and efficient forms of communication. They’re also impermanent and impersonal.

My new novel, With Every Letter, centers on an anonymous correspondence between a flight nurse and an Army engineer in World War II. Already I’ve received lots of comments from readers about how they’re reminded of the special nature of a written letter. Some have even been inspired to write letters to loved ones.

During World War II, if you were overseas, letters were the only way to communicate with friends and family back home. While researching With Every Letter, I was sent copies of letters written from an Army engineer serving in the Mediterranean, to his little daughter back home. Not only did the letters give me wonderful, colorful details to add to my story, but they brought home the poignancy of the war years. Little Jane did not see her father for three years, ages seven to ten. Her father missed those delightful years with his daughter. Her mother raised her daughter alone. Wartime worries and dangers deepened the pain of separation.

However, letters between father and daughter allowed them to stay connected. In July 1944, he wrote from Italy:

Jane,

Your letter that you wrote me on “Dad’s Day” came yesterday. It’s very sweet of you to write and send me a picture too.

So you’re in fourth grade now. Next fall, you will be studying some pretty important subjects. Because you passed, and because I’m very proud and fond of you anyway, I am sending you a money order for ten dollars. Like last year, I would like to have you save five dollars of it for Mother’s Christmas present, and spend the five dollars for something you want yourself, including maybe a few war stamps.

It’s very warm here now, and there’s no place handy to go swimming, to show off the new bathing trunks that Mother sent me. But I’ll be able to use them before the summer is over, I’m sure. I hope you have lots of fun this summer, and get good and tanned and strong.

Love, Dad

Not only did this letter certainly warm Jane’s heart in 1944, it warms ours now. Because it was written in his own handwriting, on a piece of paper, so it could be saved for sixty-eight years and more.

When my husband and I were dating, even though we saw each other almost daily, we had a tradition of writing letters to each other. Every week I labored over my letter, recalling my favorite memories and focusing on what I loved about this man. And with every letter he wrote, he stole more and more of my heart. We’ve saved these letters, and occasionally I’ll read them, remembering the joy of falling in love with my husband and relishing how our love has deepened and matured in the twenty-five years we’ve known each other. Someday, when we pass away, our children and grandchildren may read the letters. They’ll laugh hysterically, they’ll be astounded, and maybe they’ll cry.

So yes, use e-mail and Skype and Facebook and text messaging. But consider occasionally putting your thoughts to paper in your own hand. You’ll create a more touching message for today and a legacy for tomorrow.

* * * * *

Thank you, Sarah, for sharing with us today.

Reader Question: My question for you…from the beginning of the post: When was the last time you received a handwritten letter? Or sent one? How did it make you feel?

ENTRY RULES Readers, leave your email address (name at domainname dot com/net) along with your answer to the question for your chance to win a free autographed copy of the book featured above. If you do not answer the question, and your email address isn't provided, you will not be entered.

This week, the contest is open to anyone worldwide.

Welcome Sarah Sundin and Blue Skies Tomorrow

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

SARAH SUNDIN lives in northern California with her husband and three children. When she isn’t ferrying kids to soccer and tennis, she works on-call as a hospital pharmacist and teaches Sunday school and women’s Bible studies. She is the author of the Wings of Glory series—A Distant Melody (Revell, 2010), A Memory Between Us (2010), and Blue Skies Tomorrow (August 2011). In 2011, A Memory Between Us was a finalist in the Inspirational Reader's Choice Awards and Sarah received the Writer of the Year Award at the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference. Her next series, Wings of the Nightingale, begins releasing in 2012.

BLUE SKIES TOMORROW
by Sarah Sundin
Published by Revell

ABOUT THE BOOK

Lt. Raymond Novak prefers the pulpit to the cockpit, but at least his stateside job training B-17 pilots allows him the luxury of a personal life. As he courts Helen Carlisle, a young war widow and mother who conceals her pain under a frenzy of volunteer work, the sparks of their romance set a fire that flings them both into peril. After Ray leaves to fly a combat mission at the peak of the air war over Europe, Helen takes a job in a dangerous munitions yard and confronts an even graver menace in her own home. Will they find the courage to face their challenges? And can their young love survive until blue skies return?

Blue Skies Tomorrow is the third book in the Wings of Glory series, which follows the three Novak brothers, B-17 bomber pilots with the US Eighth Air Force stationed in England during World War II. Each book stands alone.

Readers, buy your copy of Blue Skies Tomorrow (a Wings of Glory novel) today!

AND NOW A WORD FROM OUR FEATURE AUTHOR

Writing is a thrilling, exasperating, enchanting, and depressing profession. If you’ve been writing for any length of time, you’ve probably struggled with doubts. Before we’re published we wonder if we’ll ever be published, and we deal with discouragement from critiques, rejection letters, contests, and even friends and family. After we’re published we wonder why anyone in their right mind would read our books, and we deal with discouragement from editors, reviewers, disgruntled readers, and yes, friends and family.

I’ve been there. I still go there. And I’ll be there again.

For five years I tried to sell my historical fiction trilogy set in World War II. I accumulated a stack of “good” rejection letters. Editors and agents liked my writing, my story, and my characters—however, historicals weren’t selling. They wanted chick lit.

I didn’t want to give up on the series, because I loved my characters. However, in 2005 all doors to publication seemed closed and padlocked, and I wondered whether I had heard God correctly. Was I truly meant to write? Was I wasting my time when I could be doing something more productive?

That year at the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference, I went for a walk under the redwoods and stopped to admire a little white flower. I praised God for the flower and felt touched—had He made that flower just so I would praise Him? Then I looked around me. Hundreds of redwoods covered the hills, and thousands more out of my vision, all surrounded by white blossoms. How many of those flowers would ever cause someone to stop and praise God? Were they created in vain? Did the Lord waste His time creating them? Of course not. God is a creative Being, and He made us in His creative image. In His mercy, the Lord showed me that even if my writing was never seen by another human being and never caused anyone to praise Him, I did the right thing obeying His call to write. I was not wasting my time.

So I kept writing. I kept submitting. I kept praying. Then at Mount Hermon in March 2008, I heard, “We don’t want chick lit. We need historicals.” And my trilogy was close to complete. I submitted, and in September I was offered a three-book contract.

Mother Teresa said, “God doesn’t require us to succeed; He only requires that you try.” If God has called you to write for Him, measure your success through His eyes. Did you obey? Were you faithful? Did you persevere?

No matter where you are in your writing life, take courage. Whether you write for millions or for One, if you do it for Him, you’re not laboring in vain.

* * * * *

Thank you, Sarah, for sharing with us today.

Guest Question: What is one thing you feel God has called you to do? Did you answer and obey right away, or did it take a little while before you acted? How do you feel today about this call?

ENTRY RULES Readers, leave your email address (name at domainname dot com/net) along with your answer to the question for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of the book above. If you do not answer the question, and your email address isn't provided, you will not be entered.

This week, the contest is open to US/Canada residents only.

August 2011 - New Releases

These late summer releases promise some good reading from ACFW authors. Check out the list. There's bound to be something to meet your taste in reading.

More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW FictionFinder website.

A Horseman’s Heart by Myra Johnson -- Romance from Barbour/Heartsong. When Kip Lorimer shows up with a horse to donate to the family's equine therapy program, Sheridan Cross can't help but be suspicious. A cowboy a thousand miles from home and living out of a horse trailer? What's wrong with this picture?

A Most Unsuitable Match by Stephanie Whitson -- A Historical from Bethany House. They are opposites in every way. . . except how neither one can stop thinking about the other.

Agent Undercover by Lynette Eason -- Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired. A little boy with a secret, a killer with a vendetta, and a man and a woman who will stop at nothing to protect the child while catching the killer.

Aquasynthesis by Grace Bridges, Fred Warren, Caprice Hokstad, P.A. Baines, Adam Graham, R.L. Copple, Travis Perry, Mike Lynch, Keven Newsome, Kat Heckenbach, and Ryan Grabow. -- Fantasy from Splashdown Books. From classic-style fantasy and science fiction stories, through speculative tales that delve deeper into motivations and meanings, we move from humor to sacrifice by a linking story that connects many very different themes.

Blue Skies Tomorrow by Sarah Sundin -- General Fiction Historical from Revell. In a time of peril, can they find the courage to confront their fears and embrace a love that lasts?

Edge of Grace by Christa Allan -- General Fiction from Abingdon. Unable to cope with her brother’s news that he is gay, Caryn Becker rejects him. But when he is attacked and nearly killed, she is forced to make hard choices that take her to the very edge of grace.

Lost in Dreams, Book Two; Altered Heart Series by Roger Bruner and Kristi Rae Bruner -- Young Adult from Barbour. Eighteen-year-old Kim Hartlinger discovers the victory Jesus provides during the most trying of circumstances as she learns to lean on other Christians.

Marrying Miss Marshall by Lacy Williams -- Romance from Bethany House. Her job is to protect the town... but who will protect her heart?

Out of Control by Mary Connealy -- Romance from Bethany House. Rafe Kincaid controls everything in his life . . . until he meets Julia.

Ransome’s Quest by Kaye Dacus -- Historical Romance from Harvest House. Romance, intrigue, and swashbuckling leaps of faith create a wonderfully heroic close to this beloved series.

Something Old by Dianne Christner -- Romance from Barbour. Love is rarely plain and simple.

Surrender the Dawn by Mary Lu Tyndall -- A Historical from Barbour. You’ll be swept away in this seafaring romance between a plucky damsel-in-distress and a nefarious rake who’s selling out his country amid the War of 1812.

The Matrimony Plan by Christine Johnson -- Historical Romance from Love Inspired. A rich girl falls in love with a poor boy -- until the tables are turned.

Happy Reading!

Spotlight on Sarah Sundin and A Memory Between Us

Don't forget the rules of the spotlights here. Answer the random question associated with this spotlight in the comments in order to be entered in the drawing.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

SARAH SUNDIN lives in northern California with her husband and three children. When she isn’t ferrying kids to soccer and tennis, she works on-call as a hospital pharmacist and teaches Sunday school. She belongs to American Christian Fiction Writers and Christian Authors Network. She is the author of the Wings of Glory series—A Distant Melody (Revell, March 2010), A Memory Between Us (September 2010), and Blue Skies Tomorrow (August 2011).

A MEMORY BETWEEN US
by Sarah Sundin
Published by Baker/Revell

ABOUT THE BOOK

Major Jack Novak has never failed to meet a challenge—until he meets army nurse Lieutenant Ruth Doherty. When Jack lands in the army hospital after a plane crash, he makes winning Ruth's heart a top-priority mission. But he has his work cut out for him. Not only is Ruth focused on her work in order to support her orphaned siblings back home, she also is determined not to give her heart to any man. As the danger and tension of World War II rise to a fever pitch, Jack and Ruth will need each other more than ever. Can Jack break down her defenses? Or are they destined to go their separate ways? From the English countryside to the perilous skies over France, A Memory Between Us takes you on a journey through love, forgiveness, and sacrifice.

A Memory Between Us is the second book in the Wings of Glory series, which follows the three Novak brothers, B-17 bomber pilots with the US Eighth Air Force stationed in England during World War II. Each book stands alone.

Readers, buy your copy of A MEMORY BETWEEN US today!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

My first novel, A Distant Melody, was originally meant to be a standalone, but while doing research, I became enamored with the Eighth Air Force during World War II and wanted to tell the full story to V-E Day. Since my hero had two pilot brothers, I decided to write a trilogy, with each book focusing on one brother. About this time, the character of Lt. Ruth Doherty came to me—what if a poor girl made a bad decision in order to feed her family? What kind of girl would make such a decision? What would she be like when she grew up? I mentally put Ruth in the same room with Jack—and sparks flew!

2. How much of your own experiences influenced your characters? What aspects became traits that were theirs and theirs alone?

That’s hard to tease out. Like my heroine, Ruth, I’ve also dealt with shame (although for different reasons), so I was able to follow her on that journey. In general, I try to think like my characters do, so a bit of me goes into each one. I may never have experienced what my characters go through, but I know what it’s like to feel rejected, joyful, angry, terrified, ashamed, or content. However, I’m careful not to make my characters just like me. How boring would that be?

3. If your hero/heroine were an ice cream flavor, what would he/she be and why?

Maj. Jack Novak would be coffee ice cream—he’s energizing and dynamic. Lt Ruth Doherty would be deep-fried ice cream—a hard shell on the outside, soft and melty on the inside.

4. Are there any themes in A Memory Between Us that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the story progressed?

I didn’t write with a theme in mind, but the themes developed from the characters and story. I had named my heroine Ruth because it’s a great period name and one I’ve always loved. Then I re-read the book of Ruth in the Bible and was struck by some inadvertent parallels between the women—which I then chose to develop (isn’t God fun?). I also discovered my theme verse when Boaz praises Ruth for coming to trust under the Lord’s wings. I think I jumped up and down and screeched. I realized both Jack and Ruth needed to learn to trust—and the “wings” reference was perfect for a book about a pilot.

5. What were your most difficult parts to write? Your favorite?

The most difficult scene to write was near the end when Ruth had to face her great ordeal. The poor thing had been through so much in the story, and I found myself wanting to back off and resolve the scene early. But I couldn’t. I had to keep pushing the scene and pushing Ruth to the brink, because I knew only when she faced her darkest moment would she see the truth she needed. Argh. I think the Lord must have similar feelings when we go through trials. He knows the lessons we’ll learn, which is why He lets us stay there, but it must grieve Him.

I had many favorite parts. So much of this story wrote itself. Any time I put Jack and Ruth in the same room, the banter flew. I just transcribed their dialogue. It was a lot fun.

6. When is your next book coming out and what is the story?

The third book in the Wings of Glory series, Blue Skies Tomorrow, comes out August 2011.

Lt. Raymond Novak prefers the pulpit to the cockpit, but at least his stateside job training B-17 pilots allows him the luxury of a personal life. As he courts Helen Carlisle, a young war widow and mother who conceals her pain under a frenzy of volunteer work, the sparks of their romance set a fire that flings them both into peril. After Ray leaves to fly a combat mission at the peak of the air war over Europe, Helen takes a job in a dangerous munitions yard and confronts an even graver menace in her own home. Will they find the courage to face their challenges? And can their young love survive until blue skies return?

* * * * *

Thank you, Sarah, for being in the spotlight with us.

ENTRY RULES Readers, answer the question associated with the spotlight in the comments, then leave your email address for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of A Memory Between Us. If you do not answer the question, you will not be entered.

Question: Your turn—what flavor ice cream would you be? Or a chicken-out question—what’s your favorite flavor?

Make sure you also leave your email address (name at domainname dot.com/net). You won't be entered in the drawing without it. If you wish to comment but don't want to be entered, say so when you post.

This week, the contest is open to US/Canada residents only.

Blog Tour - Sarah Sundin and A Distant Melody

Today, I'm pleased to feature another one of my web site clients on my blog today. I'm joining with many others this week on a week-long blog tour spotlighting Sarah Sundin's debut novel, A Distant Melody.

First, the standard details...then my review and author interview.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

SARAH SUNDIN’s first novel, A Distant Melody, released in March 2010 by Revell. She lives in northern California with her husband and three children. When she isn’t ferrying kids to soccer and karate, she works on-call as a hospital pharmacist and teaches Sunday school and women’s Bible studies.

A DISTANT MELODY
by Sarah Sundin
Published by Revell

ABOUT THE BOOK

Lt. Walter Novak flies a B-17 bomber in battles over Nazi-occupied Europe during World War II, while Allie Miller serves in the Red Cross against the wishes of her wealthy parents and controlling fiancé in California. Walt and Allie meet at a wedding and begin a correspondence. As letters fly between Walt's muddy bomber base in England and Allie's mansion in an orange grove, their friendship binds them together. But can they untangle the secrets, commitments, and expectations that keep them apart?

Readers, buy your copy of A Distant Melody today!

MY REVIEW

Hmm, where should I begin? As an author who has written more than one wartime romance, the premise for this debut novel by Sundin grabbed me from the start. There's just something about love that blossoms in spite of such tragedy that gives you a sense of hope and inspiration. And just like I included letters exchanged between the key couples, Sundin does the same. The language and the sentiment evident in Allie and Walt's letters are perfect for the time period.

The proof of Sundin's extensive research of B-17's and wartime pilots is clear. She takes you back 70 years and dumps you in the middle of the heartache, the action, the excitement and the suspense of WWII, expertly guiding you along the journey with the vivid characters she's created. Allie's story with her family tears at your heart, but the love and friendship she develops with Walt help heal those wounds.

If you're a fan of wartime romances, grab yourself a copy today, sit back and prepare for an adventurous flight back in time--you'll be glad you did!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. This is your debut novel. Congratulations! What gave you the inspiration for this story?

This story came out of a “what if” question in a contemporary novel I wrote (very badly). What if a man and woman met at an event, truly clicked, and parted before exchanging contact info? Wouldn’t it be romantic if he went through great effort to track her down? Obviously it wouldn’t work in a contemporary setting—he’d “Google” her—but it made a sweet premise for a historical. My husband and I watched a History Channel special on the US Eighth Air Force based in England which flew over Nazi-occupied Europe during World War II, and I had my link. My great-uncle was a B-17 bomber pilot with the Eighth, so I had access to family stories plus his personal letters. My research fascinated me so much, the story expanded to become a trilogy, with each book focusing on one of three brothers.

2. How much of your own experiences influenced your characters? What aspects became traits that were theirs and theirs alone?

My experiences only come into play in a general way. For example, like Allie, I was shy and had low self-esteem when I was younger, but unlike Allie, I had accepting parents and a supportive church family, and I was never as socially isolated as she. But I was able to use the feelings of awkwardness and rejection, and build on that.

3. If your hero/heroine were an ice cream flavor, what would he/she be and why?

Allie would describe herself as plain vanilla. She’s quiet, shy, and considers herself plain-looking. However, I think she’s one of those really good vanillas with bits of vanilla bean. She has a big heart and wants to serve God. I love how she grows over the course of the year into a strong and confident young woman.

4. Are there any themes in A Distant Melody that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the story progressed?

The main theme that arose is summed up in 1 Samuel 15:22, “To obey is better than sacrifice.” Both Walt and Allie are willing to make sacrifices to please God, but they tend to choose sacrifices according to their own purposes rather than the Lord’s. They each have to learn to obey. Other themes that arose include the importance of honesty and the counter-cultural notion that beauty is not required for someone to be worthy of love.

5. What were your most difficult parts to write? Your favorite?

For me, the hardest part to write is always the first chapter—you have to do so much in so few pages. One scene that was emotionally difficult to write was late in the book when Walt receives some bad news similar to bad news I once received. My first draft of that chapter was short and flat. I realized I didn’t want to delve into his emotions, but I had to—for Walt’s sake and for the story—and for myself. My favorite part to write was the rowboat scene when Walt and Allie were sharing some fun banter and having a deep connection. Plus there was humor. I love writing humor. Oh, and Walt surprised me! He plucked a cattail and began poking Allie. I didn’t plan for him to do that. I told him to behave himself and act like a gentleman. He refused. So I left it in.

6. When is your next book coming out and what is the story?

The second book in the Wings of Glory series, A Memory Between Us, releases September 2010: Maj. Jack Novak has never failed to meet a challenge—until he meets Lt. Ruth Doherty, a striking nurse with a shameful secret. While Jack leads his squadron in the most savage air battles of the war, Ruth trains to become a flight nurse to better support her orphaned siblings. Can they confront their deepest sins, face their greatest fears, and learn to trust and to love?

* * * * *

Thank you, Sarah, for being in the spotlight with us.

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of A Distant Melody.

Make sure you also leave your email address (name at domainname dot.com/net). You won't be entered in the drawing without it. If you wish to comment but don't want to be entered, say so when you post.

And if you want to make certain you don't miss anything, check the box that says 'email follow-up comments to:' when you leave a comment and they'll be sent to the email address associated with your blogging account. That way you'll be notified of any comments and will know when the winners are announced each time.

This week, the contest is open to US/Canada residents only.

** Available March 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.