Interview with Sarah E. Ladd  & GIVEAWAY  | The Engrafted WordSarah 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? 

Interview with Sarah E. Ladd  & GIVEAWAY  | The Engrafted WordSarah:  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?

Interview with Sarah E. Ladd  & GIVEAWAY  | The Engrafted WordSarah:  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?

Interview with Sarah E. Ladd  & GIVEAWAY  | The Engrafted WordSarah:  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!

Interview with Sarah E. Ladd  & GIVEAWAY  | The Engrafted WordHOW TO ENTER:

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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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