Awesome Romance Author Sarah Andre
For my interview, Sarah answers questions about her adventures, her inspirations, her love of adrenaline junkie alphas, and what to do if your manuscript is rejected. So…here’s Sarah:
Thank you SO much for this opportunity, Zara!
What was the most interesting place you every visited?
For my 40th birthday present my husband took me on a week-long cooking course in Tuscany. There I met a single American woman, my age, who instantly became like a twin—except she’s funny. We kept in touch daily when we returned to the US, but we missed each other and our “creative Italian selves” so much, that after a month we knew we had to go back and achieve a life ambition we both had – writing a novel. My husband came home from work that evening, and I have to hand it to him, his expression never changed when I blurted out: “Next month I’m going back to the vineyard with Jeannie for 6 weeks and we’re writing a novel.”
And we did. Well, I did. She had an affair (right out of the movies) with the vineyard owner.
Where is your favorite place to write? 
My beautiful screened-in lanai overlooking the marsh on the left and the pond. In the summer, there are only about 4 out of 55 homes occupied here in South West Florida; everyone else goes north. And then it’s true serenity! I can go days without seeing anyone, only hearing the wildlife and rushing waterfall in the pool.
Is there any particular author or book that influenced you in any way either growing up or as an adult?
I’m beginning to realize that my fascination/fan-girl stalking of Kristan Higgins is paying off. The more I read and study her beautifully crafted, emotionally ambushing novels, the more I realize how deep my characters need to be. Before her, I was comfortable with their minimal flaws and depth, but no longer. I’ve received recent reviews that acknowledge how emotionally wrenching my latest novel is—so…thanks, Kristan.
Tell us about your new romantic suspense. How did you come up with the title?
Tall, Dark and Damaged? I wanted a takeoff on a familiar phrase, to make it easy to remember. Then I went to Amazon and put in “Tall, Dark and…” It was amazing how many ways authors have ended that phrase! So all of those were out, but I still needed a descriptor that fit my hero…and bottom-line, he’s pretty emotionally damaged. Which then got me thinking…why not make it a series?…ta-da! Damaged Heroes. While I am writing Book 2 now, I’m listing familiar phrases with the word Damaged in it.
Are there certain characters you would like to go back to, or is there a theme or idea you’d love to work with?
I’m stuck on adrenalin-junkie alphas. My first romantic suspense, Locked, Loaded and Lying is an Olympic skier about to go on trial for the murder of his girlfriend. Naturally there’s not much skiing in it, but I like his fearlessness, and how reckless he is in life, which he’d brought to the sport. I’d like to eventually write a series of adrenalin sport heroes- a longboard surfing champion, sky diver, free climbing/face climbing mountaineer…sigh.
Do you have any advice to give to aspiring writers?
Don’t ever, EVER give up. It took me 11 years (after that first novel I wrote in Tuscany) to see one of my novels published. Spend the time between rejections writing another book, learning craft, volunteering in the writing community and networking. So when your time comes, a lot of people will share your joy and scream your news from the rooftops.
Is there anything that you would like to say to your readers and fans?
My humblest and most heartfelt thanks! (And please be patient. I’m a slooooow writer. Don’t forget me.)
Tall, Dark and Damaged by Sarah Andre
Romantic Suspense That Keeps You Up All Night
His Life Changed in a Heartbeat.
Disinherited as a teen, Devon Ashby returns home twelve years later as a ruthless CEO, brilliant at negotiating deals, but emotionally stunted. In an instant all he’s struggled to build implodes. Amid the turmoil of saving his company from a hostile takeover, his engagement to a business partner’s high-society daughter hits the rocks. Compounding his troubles, he encounters his high school sweetheart, whose heart he smashed. The vulnerability she awakens leaves him at greater risk than all the crises he faces.
Her Dream Job May Get Her Killed.
While restoring art in a billionaire’s private gallery, Hannah Moore is unwittingly drawn into the dysfunctional family’s confidences. When she discovers the rich developer behind her and her sick aunt’s eviction is the family’s black-sheep son—the lover she’s never gotten over—her desire turns to fury. Always one to avoid conflict, Hannah must stand up to Devon and the growing menace of someone who thinks she knows too much.
A Decades-Old Secret Turns Deadly.
When a family member is murdered, Devon and Hannah become ensnared in sibling greed, festering jealousy, and a tragic secret that’s divided the family. Amid their reigniting passion they race to expose the killer before they become the next victims in this cat-and-mouse game of survival.
Congrats on your latest book, Sarah! Enjoy the quiet summer and your beautiful writing spot.
Are you going to write a book about the friends going to the vineyard and one having an affair then living happily ever after with him?
Ironically, that’s what that first novel was about. You can imagine our shock when Eat Pray Love came out and it was almost the same theme. AND published. AND a best seller.
Hi, Sarah,
I didn’t know you planned to do a series on damaged heroes. Great idea. I, too, love Kristan Higgins’ work. Got to hear her in Dan Diego last month.
Barb
So many friends encouraged me to do a series that I’m trying my hand. In a way it’s easier because I know the characters- so less inventing the wheel, and in a way it’s harder because I have to remember all the details of each character from the previous story. You must be an expert by now!
Hi Sarah,
Great interview, as you know I’m a forever fan! Love that your hubby took you to Tuscany for a cooking vacation- great idea for a story! Wishing you every success, my friend
Thanks Jacquie! It was a 40th BD gift to do the cooking class. I’d never been to Italy, and now I’m obsessed with everything and everyone Italian.
You give me too much credit, Sarah! But thank you, darling! xox
It’s true. I read your books once for pleasure and a second time for craft tips.
Thanks for stopping by to comment, Kristan- sorry I missed RWA and the lit signing craziness.
Hi Sarah!
Love this series! And both trips to Tuscany sounds amazing. I think you should write a novel about an author writing a novel in Tuscany while her friend has an affair.
It was exhausting (tee hee.) Thanks for commenting, Asa!
I enjoyed the interview. Tall, Dark, and Damaged sounds wonderful.
Thanks so much, Sandra! I appreciate you coming over today.
Love this book! Can’t wait for the next one.
Smooch! Love you, Lena!
I think if I had that lanai, it would be my favorite place to write too, Sarah. Congrats on the new book. I love the cover!
Thanks so much and CONGRATULATIONS on the NERFA final!
Great blurb and cover! I enjoyed meeting you through your interview, and congratulate you on your tenacity. Best wishes with your “damaged” series!
Thank you so much, Ashantay. I appreciate you stopping by.
Hi, Sarah.
It took me eleven years, too! And I spent those years exactly as you did. So glad we persisted.
I love your lanai, BTW. Looks like the perfect place to write!
Thanks, Sheri, and here’s to our mutual success!
Hi Sarah! I love this post! How wonderful to live the dream–writing at an Italian vineyard. Complete with a romance. Your book sounds great. I can’t wait to read it!
Thanks so much, Carrie, it was such fun back then, but I don’t know if I’d go for 6 weeks anymore.
I LOVE your story about returning to the vineyard to write with your friend. It already sounds like the basis for a terrific romcom in the making. I’d love to go to Italy to write with a friend…so if the mood ever strikes again, call me!
I’m jealous of your writing area. If you get lonesome or you want to host a writing retreat…again…CALL ME!
Your book looks amazing!
Girl, I think I’m up to invite #7,639…you and Jenn have GOT to get on a plane already!
Love the idea of cooking and writing in a Tuscan vineyard! With that kind of inspiration, no wonder your books are so romantic and evocative of place, Sarah. Lovely interview.
Thank so much, Diana, I know you adore Italy too. There something in the air that jump starts creativity- no joke.
I love your interview, Sarah, and your advice to fellow authors. Keep knocking it out of the park with your fabulous novels!!
Thanks so much, Tracy. Caught a bit of that FB party the other night…great to ‘see’ you there.
Tall, Dark & Damaged has been on my to-read pile forever. Once I get past this weekend, I’m diving in. CANNOT WAIT!
Adore the very air you breathe, Julie. Hoping one day to achieve your level of success and still be as laid back as you are.