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09 February 2014

Sarah E. Ladd Interviewed by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Author Sarah E. Ladd

Sarah is the author of The Headmistress of Rosemere, the second book in the Whispers on the Moors series.

Sarah, welcome to Overcoming With God. We appreciate your willingness to share your testimony of overcoming with our readers.
Thank you so much for having me! I have been a fan of this blog for quite some time, and I am thrilled to be here!

Would you tell us about something difficult thing in your life you have had to overcome, with God’s help?
I absolutely love being a writer – it truly is a dream come true for me. Being a writer has encouraged me to face something that is very difficult for me – and that is the fact that I am an introvert! 
I think it is easy to think of writing as a solitary endeavor and to assume that writers work in an isolated environment. But like with most professions, the writing world is changing. With the ever-increasing presence of social media, authors are much more visible than they have been in the past. In many ways, this is a huge blessing. I absolutely love connecting with readers and getting to know them. But on the other hand, for introverts, it can be very difficult to “put oneself out there.” I realize that I am over-generalizing here, but several authors I know (not all!) tend to be private individuals and are a little intimidated at the thought of sharing their personal stories in public forms. I know that I have struggled with this at times.
Through my publication journey, however, I have learned that God stretches in the areas we need to grow. Sometimes it is difficult to put myself “out there,” but through God’s grace, it is getting easier to do so.
(CFP: Many authors are introverted. In the “olden days” it wasn’t an issue like it is today! In fact, it was expected that most authors were reclusive and in their writing closets most of the time. Thanks for sharing, Sarah! We share these stories on OWG as an encouragement to others—and we pray these testimonies will bless authors, too. God’s Word tells us that by our testimonies, there is healing for us and glory brought to God!)
The Heiress of Winterwood

Disability friendliness: Is this latest release available in audio format or do you have any other works available on audio?  Do your e-books have audio capability? Do you have any in large print? 
Yes! The Headmistress of Rosemere is available as an audio book. The first book in the series, The Heiress of Winterwood is also available on audio book.

(CFP: The Heiress of Winterwood was on my Best of 2013 but I don't recommend the audiobook because the narrator is awful. BUT the narrator for The Headmistress of Rosemere was excellent!)

In this latest work, do you have any topics useful for bibliotherapy, or therapeutic influence through reading about a disorder or situation?

There is one line in The Headmistress of Rosemere that I think addresses this topic. It is a quote by Cassandra, one of the secondary characters, when she is sharing her thoughts on a difficult issue in her life:

            “God allowed this to happen. I do not comprehend why, but He will not leave me   here, Patience. This is part of his plan for my life. If I stay here, if I stay angry, I might miss the plan that He has for me.”

Like Cassandra, the hero and heroine in The Headmistress of Rosemere find themselves in situations they do not completely understand.  At times they feel quite hopeless. Both characters learn that it is not their problems that define them. Instead, they find that how they choose to respond to those difficulties is what truly defines their character. They both come to realize that their own strength and wisdom is not sufficient to fix the issues in their lives, and it is only when they seek God’s will do their paths become more clear.
(CFP: Love the name Cassandra, which I named my daughter! I’ll also include my bibliotherapy comments on my reviews later in the week.)
Thank you, Sarah, for agreeing to answer these questions. Have a blessed day and keep on writing!!
Thanks again for having me! 


Here are Sarah's links:
Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Website


Giveaway: "Like" Sarah's Facebook page and let us know you did so!  We're giving away a copy of each book this week, choice of format (international winners--ebook or audiobook only.)

58 comments:

  1. Hi, SARAH, and welcome to Overcoming With God this week! That would be the hard part for me with writing. All the publicity stuff and interactions with sooo many people. But God knows how to change us and I've certainly had to come out of my little shell on this blog! lol I'm glad we are one of your favorite blogs b/c you have become one of our favorite new authors. Loved Rosemere and am anxious to read Heiress of Winterwood which is awaiting me on my Kindle.

    Love your hair, btw!! :)

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    1. Diana, Sarah is so pretty and everyone loves her hair! Yes, you have been the OWG hostess with the mostest, Diana, and I'm so glad God brought us together!

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  2. Hi Diana! Thanks for the welcome! Blogging is a great way to get someone to come of out their shell, isn't it? Thank you for the kinds words about the books ... and the hair! :)

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    1. You're welcome, SARAH, and thank you, CARRIE! I'm so blessed by how God brought us together as well! Just love interacting with my cohorts here, all of our fabulous viewers, and of course special authors like SARAH!

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  3. Oh, I LOVED Sarah's first book and have wanted a copy of this new one since I first saw the cover & read the blurb!!! Lovely interview! I have a couple of folks in my household that are introverts, but I am not one of them ;) I have liked Sarah's FB page, too!

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, Bonnie! So glad you did!

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  5. I am shy as well but God can help us to overcome our fears.
    I really enjoyed reading the first two books in the series and looking forward to the third book.

    -Janella
    (Please do not enter me in the drawing)

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    1. Thanks Janella! If you come back, let us know if you liked Sarah's page and we can still enter you to win--you can always "gift" them to a friend or your library!

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    2. Hi Janella! Yes, feel free to still enter the drawing -- and I agree completely -- God knows our fears, and he will never leave us to face them alone. Blessings!

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    3. Carrie, I already purchased these books and are a great addition to my library.

      I just wanted others to have a chance to read them as well :)

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  6. Hi Anne! Thanks so much for stopping by! I am so glad that you enjoyed the first book ... and thank you for liking my page!

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  7. Hi Sarah! What a lovely interview. I've been following you on Facebook for awhile now. I can't wait to get my hands on your newest. It looks and sounds SO good. :)

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    1. Hi Amy -- thanks for following on Facebook! :) Best of luck on the contest! Thanks for stopping by. :)

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  8. Thank you for the wonderful interview and for this wonderful contest. Unfortunately, I have not read any of your books and so would love to win one! Looks so interesting! Thanks for sharing ! Blessings! Mary Lou K
    flowersmarylou85(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Hi Mary Lou! So glad you stopped by and entered the drawing -- best of luck!

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  9. I liked Sarah's facebook page & would love to win a copy of her books
    Stimmer@familylife.com

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    1. Welcome, Sharon! Thanks for liking my facebook page ... I look forward to connecting with you there!

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  10. Lovely interview! I also am an introvert and get very nervous when I know God is asking me to go out of my comfort zone for something. Thank you for sharing. :)
    lattebooks at hotmail dot com

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    1. forgot to add I like Sarah's FB page

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    2. Hi Susan! It is hard to step out of a comfort zone, isn't it? But God grows us where we need to be grown, don't you agree? Thanks for stopping by -- and thanks for liking my FB page! :)

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  11. What a great interview. I am not an introvert but know a few and appreciate the challenges.

    I love the themes of hanging in there even when we don't understand.

    I like Sarah on FB and twitter already. I did sign up for her newsletter however.

    Thanks for a great post!

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    1. Thanks for coming by, Melony! Glad you enjoyed the post!

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    2. Hi Melanie -- so good to see you here! Thanks for stopping by!

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  12. Most authors have a social media presence these days. Not easy for the introvert I would say.

    Like on FB

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

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    1. I think you have to have that presence and in some cases it isn't the author who is even doing the social media in some cases--could be a virtual assistant!

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    2. Hi Mary -- you are so right! Social Media has completely changed the way that authors interact with readers -- I love it when an author stops by my page and leaves a note!

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  13. Thanks for the interview and the giveaway. I've liked Sarah's page and look forward to reading her work! Danandlyndaedwards (at) msn (dot) com.

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    1. Hi Lynda! So nice that you were able to stop by! thanks for liking my page, and good luck in the contest!

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  14. Such a nice article and the books look amazing and I look forward to having the opportunity to read them, hopefully soon! Sonja dot Nishimoto at gmail dot com

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    1. Hi Sonja! Thanks for leaving a little note! :)

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  15. Well I just loved both books. I would love to get an audio book of Headmistress of Rosemere, what fun to listen to it and be able to do things. I would not have pegged you to be introverted Sarah, your very sweet and I hope you will check out my boards on pinterest , I made one just for you faithfulacresbk !
    Blessings
    Linda Finn
    Faithful Acres Books
    faithfulacresbooks@gmail.com

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    1. Hi Linda! I think most people would probably not peg me as an introvert! LOL I will definitely stop by and check out your boards on pinterest -- I can't see the one you created for me! :)

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  16. Hi SARAH, and a big welcome to OWG from myself as well! I've been really looking forward to having you on this week as I have been wanting to know more about you and your books as I haven't read any yet! ALTHOUGH, I have heard great things about your books and I am very keen to read them!!

    OWG has certainly helped to bring me out of my shell more... And it all began with one author encouraging me to write a review, as I thought I could never write something so public! And before I knew it, God had led me to CARRIE and to OWG, writing reviews regularly!! :)

    I love how you brought out in The Headmistress of Rosemere that it is not our problems but HOW we respond to situations that define us! And that is something we all can work on.
    Btw, I adore your hair too - so pretty!!! :)

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    1. Hi Noela! I, too, never thought I could write something so public, and well, now I have written some books! :) It is nice to see you here! :)

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  17. Hello Sarah. I have wanted your first book ever since I first saw it on your blog. And, another one to want. I love the covers. I have liked your FB page for a long time. And, I just love these OWG gals. They are all so sweet. And, I hope I might win this one. And, Carrie I thank you for having Sarah today. Interesting interview. Thanks to both for this give-away. And, GOD's blessings on you. Maxie mac262(at)me(dot)com

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    1. Hi Maxie! Thank you so much for following my page and leaving a comment here! Good luck on the giveaway!!!

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  18. By the way Sarah I had wanted to tell you how beautiful your hair is. Maxie

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  19. Hi SARAH sorry I'm running behind welcoming you to OWG this week but Sunday's are really busy for me. When I was younger I was very shy, but everyone tells me I have outgrown that now but I don't think so. :-) I am the church pianist so I get to "hide" behind the piano but if I had to stand up in front of the Church I would be in trouble! lol

    BTW I also love your hair and your beautiful smile.

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    1. Hi Teresa! I don't know if shy people ever really "outgrow" being shy, I think that they learn how to handle it and adapt and overcome. Do you agree? And thanks for the kind words! :)

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  20. I would love to win either of Sarah's books! I've not had the opportunity to read either one...

    I liked Sarah's FB page.

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Hi Patty! Thanks for stopping by!

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  21. I have not had the pleasure of reading Sarah's books yet. I liked this post and getting to learn about Sarah .
    Looking forward to reading her books soon
    Thank you
    mcnuttjem0(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Hi Jackie - best of luck in the contest! :)

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  22. I forgot to add that I liked Sarah's F B Page
    mcnuttjem0(at)gmail(dot)com

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  23. I LIKED Sarah and I like her to!!! ;) I enjoyed Headmistress and would LOVE the chance to win Heiress! :) I'm so glad you are getting "out there" or here :D Sarah I really love your characters!

    Blessings, Amada [pronounced: a.m.a.th.a]
    (amada_chavez{AT}yahoo{DOT}com)

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    1. Hi Amada! I am so glad you enjoyed The Headmistress of Rosemere! That makes my day. ;) Blessings!

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  24. Hi, Sarah and Carrie!!

    I enjoyed your interview, Sarah, and am really looking forward to the opportunity to learn more about you, your books, and your writing journey!! I haven't read either of your books, and would love to learn more about them, and your writing style.

    I related just last week, in a comment, as to how shy and insecure I used to be, and how it prevented my enjoying school, it also provided me with only limited friendships, growing up. Being shy can give others the wrong perception of oneself - a girl on my school bus related to someone that she felt I was conceited. Nothing could have been further from the truth, I was just so insecure and shy (to the point of avoiding even looking at people) that it was painfully difficult for me to enter conversations/activities with people I didn't know well. I'm blessed to say that maturity, and strengthening my relationship with God, has helped me overcome much of my insecurity and shyness, and I have been able to meet, and enjoy friendships of many inspiring, wonderful, people - which I would not have, otherwise!!

    Sarah, I would like to add that I have been impressed by your hairstyle and coloring since the first time I saw a picture of you - quite some time ago!! I'm assuming the curl is natural??

    Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy of "The Heiress of Winterwood", or "The Headmistress of Rosemere"!!

    bonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com
    OWG
    I previously "liked" Sarah's FB page

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  25. Liked Sarah's FB page OWG would love to win. angelachesnut246@gmail.com

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  26. Hi, Sarah and Carrie. Since I'd already followed Sarah on Facebook and Twitter, I just subscribed to her newsletter. I'm currently reading Sarah's splendid "The Heiress of Winterwood" and would be thrilled to win a copy of "The Headmistress of Rosemere" as well.

    By the way: I am a "closeted" introvert. I'm naturally shy and quiet, but no one believes me because I've worked so hard to hide it. LOL!

    Blessing, ladies. Thanks for the opportunity to participate in the contest!

    bizzysyb[at]gmail[dot]com

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  27. Oops ... That was supposed to read "Blessings!"

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  28. I'm a facebook fan! I already have The Heiress of Winterwood but I'd love to win the Headmistress of Rosemere! I'm really looking forward to reading it! Thanks for sharing the great review and giveaway!

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  29. I enjoyed Sarah's lovely interview! I have already "liked" her Facebook page and would love to win a copy of one of her books! Thank you for the opportunity!

    texaggs2000 at gmail dot com

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  30. I have liked Sarah's Facebook page for a while now. I am excited about her new book!
    Nancycooks4u (at) gmail (dot) com

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  31. I've been a fan of Sarah's facebook page for a while now!

    biancarachele@gmail.com

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  32. Done! :)
    Thanks for the wonderful interview :)
    bubacka07@outlook.com

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  33. I was reading these on my iPad, and it just doesn't let me comment here for some reason, so now that I am on my laptop, let's give this a try again! ;-)
    I enjoyed reading this interview, and I can identify with what Sarah was saying about being an introvert. If you asked my husband, he would say, "Vicki? An introvert? What do you mean--she doesn't shut up?" LOL I can talk up a storm on a one-to one basis, and I can write a book in when making FB or blog comments, however when it comes to talking in public, I freeze up! I am a beginning writer, and working on a couple 'books', but when I see all the things that so many authors end up doing, trying to promote their books, I wonder, if maybe just writing for myself, just might be good enough! Plus writing book reviews is fun too! LOL
    I have read Diana & Marian's reviews, and they both sound great, and I would love the opportunity to win either of them. Please add me to your contests!
    Vicki (they know my addy by now.)

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