Interview with Sandra Sookoo

Jen: This weekend we welcome Sandra Sookoo to Book Talk. Sandra, will you please share a short bio with us?
Sandra: I’ve been writing since I was a kid. I love to read and loved the fact I could create my own stories and my own worlds and characters whenever I wanted. So far, it’s been an awesome ride and can’t wait for what’s next.

Jen: Tell us about THE HAUNTING OF AMELIA PRITCHART and where it's available.
Sandra: My next book to be released is called THE HAUNTING OF AMELIA PRITCHART. It will be available for purchase on September 30, 2009 with The Wild Rose Press. http://www.thewildrosepress.com



Jen: At what age did you discover writing and when were you first published? Tell us your call story.
Sandra: I started writing at the age of ten, but it wasn’t until I turned 36 that I signed my first contract. It wasn’t for lack of trying. Getting a book published is a very tough thing to do. It’s more than writing a story. There are mechanics and nuisances to learn, etc. I’m at a very good place right now. After being rejected by countless publishers and agents, I finally got my first break with a couple of short novellas: FOODIE’S GUIDE TO KITCHEN MAGIC (available now with Lyrical Press http://www.lyricalpress.com) and the above mentioned THE HAUNTING OF AMELIA PRITCHART.

Jen: Are there any other writers, published or not, in your family?
Sandra: No, I’m the only one crazy one of the bunch—well, crazy with writing, that is.

Jen: Do you have any “must haves” with you while you’re writing?
Sandra: Usually, I need background noise: tv, tunes, whatever. Only if it’s a demanding scene do I need total silence. Definitely have to have a bottle of water nearby.

Jen: What’s the most challenging aspect of writing? Easiest?
Sandra: The most challenging aspect for me is wrapping up the final chapters and being sure my current book is as good or better as the past ones. I’m hoping for better because we all need to improve. Of course, edits are a pesky issue too…The easiest part for me is writing. I love it. I’d rather do that than anything.

Jen: What’s the most rewarding aspect?
Sandra: Getting reader/reviewer feedback (if it’s good!) I love it if people enjoy something I’ve written

Jen: Do you become attached to your characters and have a hard time letting them go, or are you happy that their story is told and you can move on?
Sandra: Sometimes I do get attached, but by the time the end of a book comes up, I’m more than ready to move on. Leave my characters and their baggage in the book LOL

Jen: If you could travel back in time for one year, what time and place would you choose? And if you could only take 3 things with you, what would they be?
Sandra: Turn of the 20th century. Awesome time for America. Three things? Advil, “time of the month” related items, and Dove chocolate. Every time traveling girl’s emergency kit, right? LOL

Jen: Do you do anything special to celebrate a sale, new contract, or release?
Sandra: Not really. When I signed my first, my hubby came home and said “that’s nice” and I still had to cook dinner. It’s generally like that with each new contract. But that’s okay. Bigger things mean bigger celebrations.

Jen: Most people only dream of becoming a published writer. Now that you’ve accomplished that goal, is there anything else you dream of doing?
Sandra: Absolutely! My dream is to attract an interested agent and maybe see one of my books in print. I love the e-book industry because all authors now have a shot to live their dream. For the next 2-3 years, I plan to grow and strengthen my writing, keep telling stories, sub to my publishers, but the long-term goal is to swim with the big players. Everyone needs a dream.

Jen: What's next for you?
Sandra: I’m currently revising an historical novel to re-sub, and gearing up to do edits for a Christmas story for this year. In the meanwhile, I’m always writing. Stay tuned!

Jen: Where can you be found on the web?
Sandra: My website: http://www.sandrasookoo.com and I can be found on Facebook and Goodreads. Feel free to drop by!

Jen: Is there anything you’d like to ask our readers?
Sandra: What would you like to see in a romance?

Jen: Thank you Sandra for stopping by the blog this weekend.
Sandra: I am holding a contest of sorts. It will be at my book launch yahoo group. I'll be available for chatting from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. EST on September 30. Throughout that time I'll be giving away 3 goodie bags from 3 random drawings.

Group address: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sandrasookoobooklaunchparty Folks will have to join in order to chat and be eligibile for drawings. This group is strictly for my book launches.