Introducing Sarah Sundin and her debut novel, A DISTANT MELODY

Two years ago, I met Sarah Sundin at Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference. She had a friendly smile and an easy manner, and one evening we found ourselves chatting. While we both agreed that nothing on earth is as sweet as a week in the redwoods, we also lamented the fact we didn’t have a book contract or even one on the horizon. Much to our dismay, no one was interested in the stories we had poured our hearts into.

As we shared our frustrations, we agreed to pray for one another, and as God’s timing would have it, we both received contracts within the year . . . multi-book contracts! I am thrilled for Sarah that A DISTANT MELODY, Book One of the Wings of Glory series, has hit the book shelves! It could not happen to a nicer person OR a more gifted writer.

The book is a delight. Here is the review I will be posting on Amazon and other places around the internet. Below that, you’ll find a bit more about Sarah and where you can purchase her book. Trust me, it’s one you don’t want to miss.

Once in a while a book comes along that wraps its arms around you and so enchants you that you don’t want to the story to end. Sarah Sundin’s debut novel, A Distant Melody, is one of those books. At the height of WWII, a chance meeting brings Allie Miller and Walt Novak together, but Allie’s upcoming marriage, arranged by her wealthy parents, and Walt’s dispatch to pilot a B-17 bomber from an airbase in England, halts the romance before it has time to spark. Only the letters which cross the Atlantic keep the flames burning.

At times I felt I had a front row seat in a Bing Crosby/Frank Sinatra/Betty Hutton movie. The story is warm and witty, with authentic characters and poignant situations. While Walt deals with the tragedy of war, Allie is consumed with wedding preparations to a man she doesn’t love and volunteers for the war effort stateside. Multi-layered with tender subplots, Sarah weaves this lovely story with finely drawn details and finesse.

Did I mention I didn’t want it to end? The good news is that this is the first book of three in the Wings of Glory series. I can’t wait until book two. Highly recommended.

Sarah Sundin is an on-call hospital pharmacist and holds a BS in chemistry from UCLA and a doctorate in pharmacy from UC San Francisco. Her great-uncle flew with the US Eighth Air Force in England during WWII. Sarah lives in California with her husband and three children. This is her debut novel.

Sarah’s blog is chock full of WWII facts and fun memorabilia. You can order her book here and here.

Thanks, Sarah, for allowing me to be part of “launch week.”

My appreciation to Revell (a division of Baker Publishing Group) for providing me with this book for review.

LOVELY WORDS

My good friend, Camille, wrote a lovely post on her blog today. It made me smile.

Myra Johnson, Moi and Camille Eide stirring up trouble at Mt. Hermon last year.

Meet Singing Artist SALLY KLEIN O'CONNOR

I talk a lot about books here at the Café, and with good reason. I love to read. I’m a writer. Words make my heart throb. An original, fresh metaphor lingers in my mind for hours. And when I capture just the right word or phrase for my own prose, I can float for an entire day. I have a confession, though. Some of my best ideas, my most thought-provoking writing, has come because of music that inspired me. I haven’t really talked about that enough here.

My finished novel (which I am shopping) is set in the 1950s—my favorite music era. I used a few familiar titles in the novel, but more than that, it’s a feeling of the times—the birth of rock and roll, a time of change. This plays out in the journey my young character takes. And the title was inspired by the lyrics in an old Rod McKuen song. Without telling you more than that here, my point is that music plays a vital role in my writing. Music evokes emotion which triggers something creative in my brain. Or takes me to deep, evocative places of laughter, joy, or tears.

Mostly tears. Worship songs with the words glory or nail-scarred hands or old rugged cross tug at my heart each time I hear them, but I also am moved by golden oldies on TV commercials or the radio. Sometimes a jazz number digs deep and uncovers the desire to dance in the kitchen with my hubby (oh the joy!). I believe we were created to respond to the melodic as well as the spoken word. It touches something within our very souls. I simply cannot imagine a church service without music, a world with song. Like words, it is a universal communicator and link to other human beings.

At Mount Hermon earlier this month, hymns, choruses, and special music played a daily part in connecting people of diverse backgrounds through worship. One day at lunch, a woman I’d never heard of was introduced and took her place at the grand piano. She adjusted the mike boom and began playing an unfamiliar song. The artist? Sally Klein O’Connor. The song? Come Meet The Author of Life. The lyrics and the lilting melody, touched with the haunting message of mercy and the welcoming arms of God, brought a lump in my throat as well as the usual tears. By the end of the song, the air seemed thick with the presence of God. No words were needed as those of us at our lunch table made eye contact, an unspoken agreement that we were touched by the fresh, transparent performance of a woman who, without a doubt, had met the Author of life. She has an amazing life story that is reflected in her songs.

Later, I purchased one of Sally’s CDs in the bookstore (available here) and have since spent several pleasant listening hours. The songs pierce the heart with words and melodies so beautiful they almost hurt. That’s what I want my writing to do. Touch hearts. Make someone smile or forget for a moment the troubles of this world. And thanks to artists like Sally, who bring music to life, I have an endless stream of inspiration.

How about you? Do you have a special song or favorite artist that inspires you? That makes you want to write heart-wrenching prose or just be a better person? I’d love to hear from you.

MOUNT HERMON - Part Two

It’s hard not to feel the majesty of God at Mount Hermon. Ramrod straight redwoods stretch beyond the clouds. Branches laden with cherry blossoms reach out like welcoming arms. Daffodils and ferns spring at will from the spongy forest floor. There’s also a cross at the top of Mount Hermon (a 30 minute trek, I’m told), and I’m sure that would have been the ultimate place to experience God’s presence. And many of the athletically gifted made their way to the cross in the predawn of Palm Sunday. For me, I worshipped with the masses that morning, celebrating with more than four hundred others our oneness in Jesus—no matter what our individual creeds or denominational leanings. Amazing. Precious.

It’s easy to see why writers want to experience “The Mount.” It’s such a rich learning environment. I attended Angela Hunt’s continuing morning track—The Sophisticated Novelist. Impressive, huh? The amazing, warm and funny Angie really knows her stuff. I’m reading one of her novels now (Doesn’t She Look Natural?), and I can hear Angie’s voice in the words. She taught her famous “plot skeleton” and gave us homework assignments every night to apply to our works in progress. A very hands-on, beneficial series. Love that Angie!

One of the highlights was the much-touted “debate” between Nick Harrison, editor at Harvest House, and James Scott Bell, best-selling suspense author. Nick extolled the virtues of character-driven novels, while Jim insisted that it wasn’t a story until you had a plot. A lot of good-natured sparring. The winner? Hard to say. Kind of like “Which came first, the chicken or the egg?”

Other workshops that I enjoyed were Andy McGuire’s “Surprised by Details” and Cindy Martinusen’s “Puzzle Method: The Out of Order Way to Write.” There were some very good panels from editors, agents, and an amazing session by Sue Brower of Zondervan about writing popular fiction. Some tips from Sue Brower: The marketplace is reader driven. Publishing is a business. There is a place for unique and innovative writing that gives the readers what they want. And last of all, a book that creates “buzz” is an editors dream.

For me: What I learned at Mount Hermon has brought me closer to my dream. I just want to write beautiful prose that gives readers hope in this sometimes crazy world. I’ve been privileged to have the inspiration and instruction. Now it’s time to get back at it—polishing my sentences, filling in those plot holes. And being thankful that I can do what I love so much.

MOUNT HERMON - Part One

I’ve just returned from my first (and God willing, not my last) Mount Hermon Writers Conference. I promised to share a full report, and before I left, I envisioned that I would give you a day-by-day recap of what happened there. Now, as I sit before my computer, weary, yet brimming with inspiration, I find myself inadequate of describing Mount Hermon. My time there was not a necklace strung with events, but a jewel box overflowing with people who popped in and out of my days there.

First, I must tell you that my goal in going to Mount Hermon was not to land an agent or gain a contract (although that would have been nice), but to connect with people—fellow writers, famous authors, or just a lonely soul who needed encouragement. I hoped to merge online names with faces and real voices, and to glean insight and wisdom from those in the publishing industry. Most of all, I wanted God to orchestrate the outcome. As usual, God did not disappoint.

Here are a few of the Mount Hermon characters—some fellow conferees.

Myra Johnson. My critique partner and friend who traveled with me, shared my room, and showed me the ropes since she’d been to MH twice before. She also tolerated my quirks, prayed with me, and is the best friend a writer could have. (pic below with me and Camille)

Connie Turner. A lovely, funny, and brave lady who came to MH to see what direction God would have for her as she journeys through an unusual form of cancer. You can read more about her here. As we filled out the forms on our arrival at MH, she quipped, “This is like going to Space Camp!” Indeed it was. They just didn’t let us man the space shuttle :-)

Denise and Dan Harmer. Cute, friendly couple whose joint writing venture is for Gen-X-ers. Our lives intersected frequently, and more than once I heard, “Hi Carla” ring out across the MH campus, followed by a wave from Denise and Dan. Oh man, I miss them already.

Camille Eide. A friend from the Edgy Christian Fiction Lovers who is sprouting her writing wings. Something in the air at MH injected her with confidence as she gathered her nerve to make editor appointments. Guess what? She received two requests for proposals. Way to go, Camille.

Donald James Parker. Another writing friend from ECFL who I enjoyed meeting face to face. Camille, Don, Myra, and I met up often in Angie Hunt’s Sophisticated Novelist morning track.

Michelle Van Loon. Bubbly and living life on the edge. The first time I saw her she was in tears, taking in the beauty of Mount Hermon. It was a precursor of things to come. Michelle cried when she got the good news from her editorial review. She cried during the worship, and we both cried when we said good-bye. I love this gal from Chicago with the accent and attitude to go with it.

Susan Mackinnon. A quiet, engaging lady from British Colombia with a heart for sharing a story about healing in the midst of tragedy (A Tapestry of Grace). I am blessed to know Susan.

Suzie Austin. From Houston. Don’t you love that? A pastor’s wife and writer. Suzie prayed with me at breakfast one morning about an editor she thought would like my story. He did, and I will be sending him a proposal. Thank you, Suzie. PS: She looks way too young to have such spiritual wisdom.

Honestly, I could go on and on and on. I pretty much have. To others I met, my life is richer for having met you. Virginia Schneider, who confessed her fears to me. Hayley Cox, an adorable teen writer who loves fantasy. Ezekiel, a teen poet from LA who delighted us all and was the youngest recipient ever of the Mount Hermon Poetry Award. Sarah Sundin, whose heart beats with writing WW II historicals. Pam Halter, a children’s writer who I know from The Writer’s View 2.

My first goal in going to Mount Hermon exceeded all my expectations. If meeting these wonderful, writerly people was all that happened, it would have been enough. A great deal more transpired, though, and I will share some of that with you tomorrow . . . and more pictures!

MOUNT HERMON Christian Writers Conference

On Thursday, my savvy and very cool critique partner, Myra Johnson, and I will be heading to Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference near Santa Cruz, California. Oh my. It feels like a dream come true—five glorious days and nights with four hundred writers pursuing our craft, laughing, learning, and hanging out. The last few weeks have been a whirlwind of getting ready. Submissions for critique. Query letters. One sheets that showcase my novels. Research of the agents and editors who will take appointments. Reading about the many authors who will present workshops. Deadlines. And still trying to go forward with my current project—a mystery that creeps into every crevice of my brain not occupied with conference prep.

Great news. I am ready. Ready for whatever God has for me this week. Ready for the mountain air and to walk among the giant redwoods. Ready to breathe in the inspiration and restore my sense of balance in this crazy writing world. And . . . accept the challenges laid before me.

It reminds me of a similar feeling several years ago when I was chosen to attend the Guideposts Writers Workshop in Rye, NY. The setting—an historic chateau on Long Island Sound—took my breath away. Lush green lawns rolled down to the water’s edge, inviting us to sit for a moment of reflection. Five days of classes, getting to know the other participants, working, eating, and praying together flew by in a blur. I came away trembling with possibilities, a bevy of new friends, and confident that my writing had promise.

That’s my goal for Mount Hermon. Recharge my writerly instincts. Connect in new ways with writers, teachers, agents, and editors. Listen for God’s voice.

I’ll be taking a break from blogging while I’m away, but promise a full report when I get back. Hopefully, I’ll get some good pictures, too. Y’all behave while I’m gone.