Last week This Common Reader had the good fortune of meeting thrice published author Sarah Norkus. She took some time away from her writing schedule to have a virtual chat.
Check out Ms. Norkus’ books: The Eleventh Summer (a memoir of her childhood), Until the Wind Changes and The Secret Diary of Sarah Chamberlain.
TCR: When did you discover you were a writer?
SN: I’m still discovering that I am a writer. Although, to be honest, I think of myself more as a storyteller.
TCR: When did you begin writing and what or who influenced you?
SN: I didn’t start writing until I was forty-eight! Two people influenced my writing: my father, who was the editor of a horse racing magazine, and Stephen Ambrose, my cousin, who wrote Band of Brothers and other great historic military novels.
TCR: What kind of writing do you do and why did you choose that topic or genre?
SN: My first book was a memoir written to help children of alcoholics because I was one. The second one was a literary fiction based on true events of my dysfunctional blended family. Now I am writing a Christian historical-fantasy, fiction trilogy. I chose this topic because I love history and time travel.
TCR: Who is your favorite author or what is your favorite book? What are you currently reading?
SN: My favorite book is the Bible. Just love the author. I am currently reading Keys to the Castle by Donna Ball.
TCR: Explain your writing process?
SN: I know this won’t be very helpful, but I believe I have been given a true gift from God. I don’t outline or do a storyboard, etc. I sit down at my laptop and my imagination just flows from my brain to my fingers. I do, however, research a lot on the historical settings in my books. I want it as close to the facts as possible.
TCR: What is the best thing that has happened in your writing career thus far?
SN: I just found out from a friend today that my first book, The Eleventh Summer is #2 on Amazon’s Dysfunctional Relationships book category. (I say that with tongue firmly planted in cheek.) The best thing to happen in my writing career is the people who read my books. I get so much gratification when my readers tell me how much they enjoyed my story.
TCR: Do you have any parting words of wisdom for other aspiring authors?
SN: Try not to be discouraged with all the negativity you encounter. At my first writer’s conference, a hundred or more of us “hopeful” new writers were told that we would not get a contract with a traditional publisher without a platform. That would have been just about all of us. But I am proof that that statement is wrong. Writers have a dream and dreams do come true.
Keep dreaming, Ms. Norkus. This Common Reader hopes to see more stories written by you.
