Not so long ago, SARA ELLA dreamed she would marry a prince (just call her Mrs. Charming) and live in a castle (aka The Plaza Hotel). Though her fairy tale didn’t quite turn out as planned, she did work for Disney—that was an enchanted moment of its own. Now she spends her days throwing living room dance parties for her two princesses and conquering realms of her own imaginings. She believes “Happily Ever After is Never Far Away” for those who put their faith in the King of kings.
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Welcome to the blog, Sara. I’m so excited to have you join us here today. I LOVE the cover of Unblemished and can’t wait to read it!
Can you tell us what first inspired “Unblemished”?
I had horrible acne as a teen so that definitely inspired the main focus for the story. My own experience with self-image influenced El’s character and how negatively she feels toward herself.
I also adore Beauty & the Beast, and the theme of true beauty can most certainly be found in Unblemished. Those familiar with fairy tales will see them woven throughout. I find the stories I grew up with very inspirational and love the hidden messages behind them.
Finally, music is a huge inspiration for me and the chapter/ act titles are actually lyrics and song titles from popular musicals.
What was your favorite thing about writing this book? And what was the hardest part about writing it?
My favorite thing? Hmm . . . that’s a tough one. I loved writing Ky’s character. He grew so much throughout the writing process and I was really pleased with who he turned out to be. He makes me laugh. I definitely think he has the best lines.
The hardest part is always simplifying for me. I tend to feel the need to explain things to death in order for them to make sense. This was especially true with the scene in which Joshua is telling El about the different types of kisses. Thank goodness for my amazing editor who helps me simplify and tighten!
I read on your website that you’ve attended the ACFW conference for several years. Can you share with us a special memory from your very first conference?
Oh, yes! ACFW is my home away from home. My first conference was a whirlwind, and they get better every year. My favorite part about my first time was meeting so many amazing people! I learned the author community is full of nerds and weirdos like me. I remember sitting next to Nadine Brandes at the first timer’s orientation and being so nervous. I just kept thinking, “Wow. I’m sitting next to a published author!” I also remember walking up to Mary Weber and being scared to ask her to sign my book. She greeted me with a hug and invited me to sit at her table. The conference ended with me winning the Genesis award and that was truly humbling. I’ll never forget my first time at ACFW.
Love this. It’s been a couple years for me and I still remember so many priceless moments. I can’t wait to attend the conference again this year. I’ve missed those sweet author hugs! 😉
I see you’re a fan of Once Upon a Time. Me too!! 🙂 If you could be any character from the show, who would it be and why?
Haha! How could you NOT be a fan of Once? I love that show and have followed it from the beginning! Oh man, ANY character? The show has evolved so much. I never would have thought I’d say this, but as the characters stand now I think I’d want to be Regina. She has an amazing arc and I love the person she’s becoming. Of course, I’d probably want to be Emma too, if only so I could spend the day kissing Captain Hook. 😉
Haha! That does sound like fun. 😉 And I know what you mean about Regina. I’ve loved watching her journey unfold. Such a fun show!
What is one of your most unforgettable moments from your writing career to date?
I would have to say the first fan letter I received stands out in my mind. She was so kind and excited about the story and the characters. Those kinds of moments are why I write. <3
Is there anything else you’d like to add? Any upcoming projects you can tell us about?
Unraveling, book 2 in the Unblemished trilogy, releases July 11, 2017. It’s available for pre-order on Amazon now.
I also want to add, don’t ever let anyone make you feel inferior. You are beautiful as you are, inside and out!
Can’t wait to read Unraveling as well. 😉 Thank you for sharing! So glad you could join us today, Sara.
It was my pleasure! Thanks for having me and for asking such great questions!
GIVEAWAY!!
Sara has graciously offered to give away a signed copy of Unblemished to one lucky reader. Enter below and it could be YOU!
Thanks for entering! Contest ends April 25, 2017. The winners will be notified by email. Happy Reading, everybody!
I haven’t seen Once Upon a Time, but I love When Calls the Heart. I’m more of an avid reader than an avid tv watcher. 😊
Hi Megan! I’ve not watched When Calls the Heart, but I remember really enjoying the books. I need to check that out on Netflix. 😉
I absolutely loved Unblemished and can’t wait for unraveling. Like seriously, I’m biting my nails in anticipation. 🙂 Also, Sara is an awesome person and author.
So happy you could join us, Tabitha! Hope you get to read Sara’s next book soon. 😉
My favorite character is Prince Charming/ David Nolan mainly because, of his infamous line “I will always find you.”
Yesssss, love Prince Charming/David! 😉 Thanks for visiting, DeV.
If I were a once character I would love to be charming because he is a selfless person and always finds his true love
Thanks for joining us, William. I agree, Charming is a pretty sweet guy. 😉
I don’t watch much TV, but love Hallmark movies. I absolutely loved Unblemished and anxiously await Unraveling.
I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed Unblemished, Lucy. Thanks for sharing!
I’ve never heard of Once Upon A Time and do not have a favorite character. After reading your interview, you and your book sounds fascinating.
Hi Barbara! I’m so glad you stopped in. I hope you’ll look up Sara’s site and follow her stories. 🙂
I too watched OUAT faithfully every Sunday night. Then, the TV people put one of my other favorite shows opposite it on another channel. Grrr. My favorite characters are Emma and Killian, aka Hook.
Aww, don’t you hate it when you have to choose? 😉 Emma and Hook are two of my favorites too, Pam. Good luck in the giveaway!
I am a Grey’s Anatomy fan.
I’ve only seen a couple shows of that, but I was intrigued by it. 🙂 Thanks for visiting, Melanie.
I’ve watched Once Upon A Time and enjoyed it but my favorite shows are Fixer Upper on HGTV and the sitcom Big Bang Theory. Thanks for this giveaway.
Hi Connie. I’ve not really watched those other ones. I’ll have to check them out sometime. 😉 Good luck in the drawing!
I have never seen Once Upon A Time….the survival show Alone is my favorite lately.
That’s a new one to me, Joanne. I’ll have to look it up now. 😉 Thanks for sharing!
Yes, I like Once. My favourite character is Gold!
Hi Celesta! Yes, Gold!! He’s one of mine too, even if he does frustrate me from time to time. 😉
I’ve never watched Once Upon a Time and it doesn’t really look like a show I’d like. I do love the older shows like Murder She Wrote, Diagnosis Murder, CHIPS, McGyver, M*A*S*H*, really anything on the Hallmark Movies & Mysteries and HGTV or DIY. Like others have commented here, I’m more a fan of reading than watching TV anyway 🙂
Fun interview! I’ve heard a great deal about “Unblemished” and while it’s not my usual genre, just from the reviews and things I’ve read, sounds like something I would enjoy. Thank you for the giveaway chance. I also shared this on Twitter and FB!
Hi Trixi! Yeah, it’s hard to beat reading a good story, I agree. 😉 You mentioned some good older shows, though.
I’m glad you enjoyed our interview. I hope you’ll check out Sara’s book and enjoy it! Thanks for sharing the post.
Have a blessed day!
My favorite TV show is Who Do You Think You Are?
Joan
I’ve not heard of that one. Now I’m curious…. 😉 Good luck in the giveaway, Joan!
I have never seen Once Upon A Time, but I am interested in seeing it… I just have not had the time nor the opportunity yet. Since I have not seen Once Upon A Time, how about I tell you my favorite Disney character? It’s Elsa. Simply because we are so much alike ;).
Thank you SO much for this interview! IT WAS SO AWESOME!!! I CANNOT WAIT FOR Unraveling!!!!! SO EXCITED!!! =D
GREAT JOB SARA!!!! GREAT WRITING!!!! =D
I hope you’ll get to watch it sometime. It’s definitely a unique show. Gotta love Elsa, though, right? 🙂 Thanks for stopping by. Good luck in the giveaway.
I am not a tv or movie person so I am not familiar with that. I am an avid reader and your book sounds like what I’d be interested in reading.
I’m so glad you could join us, Deanne. Good luck in the drawing!
I don’t watch TV or movies very often. I’d rather read. I do love the movie Enchanted. I’ve heard so much about Unblemished. A lot of my blogger friends have recommended it.
Thanks for the interview, Savanna and Sara. I enjoyed it.
Thanks for stopping by, Winnie. Hope you get to read Unblemished real soon. 😉
I’ve never seen once upon a time but my favorite TV show is a sitcom called The Middle!
I love seeing what everyone’s favorite shows are. 🙂 Thanks for visiting, Olivia.
I am not a tv watcher! I’d rather read.
Nothing wrong with that! It’s hard to beat a good book. 🙂
I have not seen Once Upon A Time, but I have to say that I love The Crown on Netflix. Such a well-done historical drama!
And these covers are absolutely beautiful!
I’ve heard about The Crown and would be interested in watching it. 🙂 Don’t you just love Sara’s book covers? Thanks for joining us, Rachel.
Regina’s my favorite OUAT character as well. 🙂
Yes, gotta love Regina. 😉
I’ve never watched Once Upon A Time. I do enjoy watching The Librarians.
That’s a new one to me. I’ll have to look it up. 🙂
I watch Once Upon a Time. I like Emma and Hook. I do like how Regina is reforming to a good person. Thanks for the great interview, Savanna! I always enjoy getting to know new authors. Unblemished sounds like a very interesting read. Thanks for the opportunity of this giveaway!
I’m always happy to see you stop by, Alison. Yes, Emma and Hook are some of my favorites too. If you can’t tell, I really like several of the characters. 😉 It’s hard for me to pick just one. Good luck in the giveaway!