Sarah E. Ladd has always loved the Regency period — the clothes, the music, the literature and the art. A college trip to England and Scotland confirmed her interest in the time period and gave her idea of what life would’ve looked like in era. It wasn’t until 2010 that Ladd began writing seriously. Shortly after, Ladd released the first book in the Whispers on the Moors series. Book one of the series, The Heiress of Winterwood, was the recipient of the 2011 ACFW Genesis Award for historical romance. Ladd also has more than ten years of marketing experience. She is a graduate of Ball State University and holds degrees in public relations and marketing. She lives in Indiana with her husband, daughter, and spunky Golden Retriever.
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Savanna: Welcome to The Engrafted Word, Sarah! And Congratulations on your newest release, A Lady at Willowgrove Hall. Another stunning cover! Can’t wait to read it!
What was your favorite part about getting to know – and write – Cecily and Nathaniel? Did they surprise you or teach you an important lesson along the way?
Sarah: When I sit down to write a book, I have a pretty good idea of what is going to happen as far as the plot is concerned, but I don’t always know my characters very well — for example, I don’t usually know their physical characteristics, their personalities, their likes and dislikes, etc. For me, it is always fun to drop a character into a situation and then see how that character reacts and evolves. Sometimes, they do surprise me — I think I know what is going to happen in the story, but I have to alter my plan because the character that has developed simply would not act in that way.
Savanna: What are your plans for celebrating your new release?
Sarah: To celebrate a new release, we always go out for a family dinner!
Savanna: A dinner out is always fun! On your website, you mentioned traveling to some beautiful destinations. Has there been a particular place you visited that really inspired your writing?
Sarah: I would have to say that traveling to the Lake District in England is definitely the most inspiring place I have ever visited — especially since I write Regencies set in England! I definitely plan to go back one day.
Savanna: Wow! I bet it’s amazing. What would you say is the easiest part about being a writer and what is the hardest part?
Sarah: The easiest part about being a writer is being creative.
The hardest part about being a writer is being creative!
Some days, writing comes very easy — the words just flow, and on these days, writing is an absolute joy. Some days, I have a hard time getting words on the page. But this truth has taught me a crucial lesson about writing — it is important to write every day, even when you don’t feel like you can accomplish very much. For me, if I go a few days without writing, it is hard to get back in the groove, but the more frequently I write, I find it is easier to get myself “unstuck” when those hard days come.
Savanna: Great advice for those days of creative drought, huh? 😉 I know the feeling!
You’ve won multiple awards. What has been one of the greatest lessons and fondest memories from participating in these contests?
Sarah: I received my first writing awards when I was unpublished, and these were definite dreams-come-true for me! I had always wanted to be a writer, and the early contests were my first steps into this new world. They gave me confidence to forge ahead and to continue to strive for publication. My fondest memory was probably winning the ACFW Genesis Award for Historical Romance for my debut novel, The Heiress of Winterwood.
Savanna: That’s wonderful, Sarah. Thanks for sharing with us. It’s great to have you as our guest this week!
Readers, be sure to check out Sarah’s books and connect with her on the following sites:
www.sarahladd.com
Join Sarah on Facebook!
Follow Sarah on Twitter!
GIVEAWAY!!
Sarah has graciously offered to give away a copy of A LADY AT WILLOWGROVE HALL to one lucky reader!
–Leave your name and email in the comments below. (You MUST include your email to be qualified)
GET EXTRA ENTRIES:
(Be sure to tell me in the comments below)
–Subscribe to The Engrafted Word by Email
-Like my Author Page on Facebook
-Follow me on Twitter
-Share this Giveaway on Social Media
Thanks for entering! Contest is open only in the U.S. and ends November 5, 2014.
Winners will be notified by email.
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Hey, Savanna 🙂
I always enjoying reading your blog!
Liked and subscribed 🙂
sessasavvy2000@yahoo.com
It’s good to see you here again, Carisa! I’m glad you enjoy my blog. Good luck in the giveaway. You’ll receive 3 entries. Hope your family is doing well. Next time you visit, I’ll have to send some books home with you. 🙂
Hello Savanna,
Thanks for the interview with Sarah! I subscribe and follow on facebook.
Caryl
psalm103and138[at]gmail[dot]com
Hi Caryl! Thanks for visiting. You’ll receive 3 entries in the drawing. Good luck to you and happy reading! 😉
Thank you for the interview and giveaway! Would love to win this book.
Liked on FB and subscribed to your blog. Also, pinned the giveaway on Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/549579960751842455/
professionalbookworm418 (at) gmail (dot) com
And I’d love for you to win, Heather! Wish I could send a free copy home with each of you. 🙂 Thanks for sharing. You’ll receive 4 entries in the giveaway. Good luck!
I liked, shared, and subscribe. Sounds like a good book! 🙂
Always great to see you here, Rachel. Good luck in the giveaway with your 4 entries!
Sarah, It sounds exciting to have visited the Lake District! I enjoyed The Heiress of Winterwood, and would love to read A Lady at Willowgrove Hall. Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy.
Savanna, I am a follower through email and I ‘like’ your FB page.
Hi Anne! Thanks for stopping in and taking the time to comment. We always love hearing from readers. Hope you get to read and enjoy Sarah’s book soon. You’ll receive 3 entries.
THanks for the interiew. I always enjoy them. Tis cover is so beautiful, it makes me want to delve into the book!
I Subscribe to The Engrafted Word by Email
I Like you on Facebook
I Shared this Giveaway on Facebook
kathrynlvoss(at)gmail(dot)com
I know, I love the cover too, Kathryn! 😉 I’m so glad to hear you enjoy our interviews. It means a lot to have you visit! Good luck in the giveaway. You’ll receive 4 entries.
I love these interviews too! Thank you for them and the giveaway. I loved the cover but really want to find out what happened to the characters too! Blessings!!
Liked, subscribe, follow, chris_davebures@bellsouth.net
Hi Chris! Great to see you here! I agree, I can’t wait to find out what happens to Sarah’s characters in this one. Good luck in the giveaway. You’ll receive 4 entries in the drawing. Happy reading!
I loved the interview! I have always wanted to travel to the Lake District! I enjoyed the interview and seeing the covers of Sarah’s books.
I am on your email list
I follow your Author’s page on FB
I follow on Twitter
I tweeted.
Thanks
Becky B
Doesn’t that trip sound amazing? 😉 Thanks for joining us, Becky! You’ll receive 5 entries in the drawing. Good luck to you and have a great weekend!
Thanks for the interview and giveaway. I really enjoyed Sarah’s first two books and look forward to reading her latest release.
Just subscribed by email and “liked” you on Facebook.
Janoww1 (at) yahoo (dot) com
Awww, you’ll love this one too, I’m sure! We’re glad you stopped in, Janella. You’ll receive 3 entries in the drawing. Good luck!
Thank you for the wonderful giveaway! The interview was great! I follow you on FB and subscribed by email as well!
irishgirl0555@yahoo.com
Glad to hear you enjoyed it, Kimberly. It’s always fun to welcome authors and readers here to my blog. You’ll receive 3 entries in the giveaway. Good luck!
I’ve been to England but not the Lake District! I subscribe to The Engrafted Word and like on FB.
Wow, Joan! I’m sure you could tell us some fascinating stories then, as well. 😉 Hope you get to read Sarah’s book soon! You’ll receive 3 entries.
Oh I can’t wait to read this book. What a beautiful cover and can’t wait to see what’s inside. The review really makes me want to dive into your book.
I folllow you on facebook and blogs.
Thank you
Cnnamongirl (at )aol )dot)com
Thanks for joining us, Aprul. Hope you get to read this intriguing book real soon! 😉 You’ll receive 3 entries in the drawing. Good luck! Have a great weekend.
Thanks for the interview ladies! I have not read any of Sarah’s book, but am sure I would enjoy them…
I am a subscriber and have liked you on FB.
Well then, Patty, we need to get one of Sarah’s books in your hands! 😉 Thanks for stopping in. Good luck in the giveaway with your 3 entries.
love sarah’s novels…thanks for the chance to read her latest 🙂
Thanks for joining us, Karen! Good luck in the giveaway!
Thanks for the interesting interview, Sarah and Savanna!! I loved learning more about you and your writing, Sarah!! I’ve read wonderful reviews of each of your books, haven’t read any of your books and would love to read “A Lady at Willowgrove Hall”!!
bonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com
I am a blog subscriber, a FB follower, and have shared this post!!
Hi Bonnie! Great to have you here. Hope you get to read Sarah’s newest book soon! You’ll receive 4 entries in the drawing. Good luck!
I love Regency stories, so Sarah’s books sound wonderful. I’d love to visit England’s Lake District too!
I’m a subscriber.
I follow via Twitter.
I posted a Tweet.
worthy2bpraised at gmail dot com
Me too, Merry! 😉 Thanks for visiting. You’ll receive 4 entries in the giveaway. Thanks for sharing!
I subscribed to The Engrafted Word, follow on Twitter, and liked you on Facebook.
Cheri Oggy
cheri.oggy@gmail.com
Thanks, Cheri! You’ll receive 4 entries. Good luck and have a great weekend!
I’ve just recently started reading a lot of Regency era books (all Christian of course!) & it seems I can’t get enough! I love the customs, the mind-set of the people & the high values held, especially between men & women. If only it were still that way in today’s culture! I would absolutely LOVE to win this book (did I mention I can’t get enough Regency era books, lol!). Sarah, thanks for a wonderful interview & Savanna for the feature author!
I have shared this giveaway on Facebook
I subscribe via email The Engrafted Word
I have Liked your author’s page on Facebook
Blessings to you both!
Trixi O.
teamob4[at]gmail[dot]com
Hi Trixi! So glad to hear you’ve been enjoying so many great Regency era books. You’ll love this series, then, I’m sure! Thank you so much for stopping in to comment. You’ll receive 4 entries in the drawing. Good luck, my friend!
I’ve got A Lady at Willowgrove Hall on my Goodreads To-Read list and my Amazon.com wishlist. After a trip to Scotland in May (where I met authors Carrie Turanksy & Cathy Gohlke) I have been reading up a storm! Have liked, shared, and subscribed! Thanks for your faithfulness to God’s call to write good books for us! There are so many out there that I wouldn’t want to read!!
Thanks for sharing, Susie! Your trip sounds amazing as well! Love to hear you’re “reading up a storm”! 😀 Keep it up! Hope you get to add this one to your shelf. You’ll receive 4 entries in the giveaway.
The lady at Willowgrove hall is a great book!! Loved it! Don’t enter me in the giveaway because I already own the book 🙂
Glad to hear you loved Sarah’s book, Sierra! Thanks for stopping in to share that with us. Have a great week!
Cant wait to read the newest book! Love Sarah! Nice blog Savanna. Can’t wait to check it out more!
Welcome, Marisa! So glad you could join us. Isn’t Sarah just the sweetest? 😉 Have a great week!