Author Interview & Giveaway--Sarah Beth Durst
Friday, September 14, 2012
12:01 AM
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28 Comments
Labels: Author Interview , Birthday 2012 , Giveaway
Labels: Author Interview , Birthday 2012 , Giveaway
Connect with Sarah:
Goodreads | Website | Twitter
Sarah is one of the very first authors that I associate with blogging. I've been a fan of her since her debut middle grade novel, Into the Wild and I'm so excited to feature her today to support her new novel, Vessel. Enjoy!
This is the third year in a row you’ve been part of the birthday bash. It seems like you’re always coming out with a book each fall! How long does it take you to write a book (from first word to the moment you send it to your editor)?Happy birthday, Enna Isilee!
Yes, I've had a book out every fall since my debut novel, INTO THE WILD. And soon, I'll be doing two books a year. I'm really, really excited about this!
To my (happy) surprise, I've become a faster writer. In the beginning, it took me about two years to write a book. Now, it takes about six months. I think there are two reasons for this:
(1) I've learned more about my writing process. If my muse decides not to show up, I know how to hunt her down, coax her to my writing desk, and trick her into staying. (Hint: It involves Raisinets.)
(2) I've let go of the myth of free time. You can't wait until you have vast stretches of empty time with zero interruptions or distractions. Those lovely stretches don't exist, at least not on a regular basis. So I try to write in whatever time is available, even if it's only in fifteen minute chunks.
When you're starting out, one of the hardest things to do is fight that voice inside that says "you can't do it." After you've written a book or two... that voice begins to lose credibility. So I always recommend to new writers: finish the book. Even if you hate it, even if you plan to never show it to anyone ever, finish it! Then you'll know you can do it, and the next one will be easier (and better!).
If you HAD to choose (and I’m making you choose), which of your book covers is your favorite? And which do you think is the most accurate reflection of what’s in the book?
Oh, no, don't make me choose!
If I must choose... I think VESSEL is my favorite. It's simply so beautiful! I am in awe of the photographer Jaime Ibarra and the S&S art department. I also think it's an accurate reflection of the book. You can see Liyana's strength, and you can see the harsh beauty of her world.
Vessel takes place in a desert setting. Did you have to do much research in order to create an authentic world, or did you just go for it?Yes, I researched and meshed together a variety of deserts (primarily the Gobi and Sahara, but also several deserts in the Southwest US). I love doing research, and I am fascinated by the intersection of reality and fantasy. Plus from a purely technical standpoint... I think the best way to create a believable fantasy world is to fill it with reality before injecting it with magic.
You publish under the name “Sarah Beth Durst.” Why all three names?
I'd love to give you a deep, psychological reason bolstered by amusing anecdotes, but honestly I just like my middle name. I think it sounds nice with the Sarah.
What’s one thing that’s happened to you since being published that you weren’t expecting?
I wasn't expecting to love book events as much as I do. Growing up, I was shy, and the thought of public speaking made me want to hide under my bed. But it turns out that I simply never tried talking about something that I really care about, i.e. writing. Give me a microphone and ask me to talk about books, and I'm as happy as a clam.
Mad lib time!
She contineud to lie lovely on the roof, running to control her breathing and to resist the urge to ride off all the skies and toss them in a massive temper tantrum. The desert felt lovely on her wolf. In fact, the longer she hid on the roof, the more merciful she felt. It was almost as brave as drinking blood.
Thanks so much for interviewing me!
!!Giveaway Time!!
You can win a copy of Vessel! Today's giveaway is hosted by Young Readers. Head on over to win. This giveaway is open TO US ONLY
All review content © Enna Isilee, Squeaky Books 2007-2012
I like the part about letting go of myth of free time!! SO true! Thanks! :-D
ReplyDeleteSarah Beth Durst is such a pretty name combination! <3
ReplyDeleteI like the part where Sarah learned to overcome her shyness with public speaking - that can be a tough one!! O-O
Thank you both for the sweet giveaway, I can't wait to read Sarah's books :)
Mary DeBorde M.A.D.
I haven't read any of her books, but all covers look so nice! :) I'll check her books! :)
ReplyDeleteGreat interview!
Sarah's right, her latest book has an awesome cover! I love the sound of it, it seems so unique:)
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear that shyness can be overcome:) Her readers love to meet her:)
Great interview:)
I love her newest cover too. Such great artwork is done by the cover artists :)
ReplyDeleteLovely interview. More books to read by an author that I have not yet read from.
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree that the cover for Vessel is amazing!
ReplyDeleteDrink, Slay, Love is one of my all time favorites and I just ordered Ice! :D
Angie @ Pinkindle Reads & Reviews
I really liked Enchanted Ivy; I look forward to the new book!!!
ReplyDeleteVessel's cover is beautiful. I love the flowing cloth.
ReplyDeleteGreat interview! I love the cover, its beautiful! Can't wait to read this one! =)
ReplyDeleteT cover for Vessel is gorgeous! I can't wait to read it!
ReplyDeleteThe cover is definitely stunning. Cannot wait to read it!!
ReplyDeleteGreat interview
ReplyDeleteGreat interview. The cover is gorgeous!!! It's easily one of the most beautiful covers I've ever seen. I can't wait to read Vessel. It sounds awesome.
ReplyDeleteLove the interview!
ReplyDeletecassandrahicks1989@yahoo.com
I can't believe I've never read any of her books. They sound great.
ReplyDeleteGreat interview, I can't wait to read Vessel, it sounds really good.
ReplyDeleteBoth Vessel and Ice have been on my to-read list for some time. They sound fascinating!
ReplyDeleteOh, I fail! I still haven't read a single SBD book, although I do own a few. I really need to read Ice soon, and this new one looks totally amazing!
ReplyDeleteI think the cover to Vessel is one of the prettiest I've seen in a long time. I'm fairly annoyed that my local libraries don't have more of her books!
ReplyDeleteSarah Beth Durst is so inspiring!!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to read this one! And the cover is gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteRaisinets, huh? I will have to try that sometime myself!. I love the cover of Vessel. In a big way. I am so excited to read it, and figure out the significance of the cover. That is always a fun process for me, so it bugs me that all of these covers are coming out and they are so generic and have nothing to do with the book. Loved the interview, Sarah Beth. And you are completely right! Sarah and Beth are quite pretty together!
ReplyDeleteI love the cover for Vessel. My daughter does too. Great interview!
ReplyDeleteThat is SO cool! I need to read her books and Vessel looks like a great one to start with! I can't wait! Happy Birthday Enna!
ReplyDeleteYay! Sarah Beth Durst! I love her writing! You got me hooked on her, Enna, with Drink, Slay, Love.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with the part about the myth of free time! I have read all of her books, but haven't read Vessel yet. It looks really good!
ReplyDeleteexcited to read Vessel!!
ReplyDelete