Name Sandy Sullivan
Age 51
Where are you from – I’m from Washington State, but currently live in Tennessee south of Nashville
A little about your self `ie your education Family life etc I’m married to my best friend and we live on our small farm in middle Tennessee. I have 3 biological children and 3 step children. We have 4 horses, 3 dogs, and 2 cats who fill up our lives to overflowing these days. I’m also a registered nurse by education and I’ve been a surrogate mother to twin boys in 2001.

 

 
Fiona: Tell us your latest news?

I have a brand new release that just dropped on 6/28 called Forever Kind of Cowboy.

 

 
Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I wrote a play back in 7th grade for the neighbor to perform for our parents. I was a big hit! After that, I was between jobs in 2008 and sat down to write a dream I’d had. It became my first completed book called Cowboy Love.

 

 
Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I’ve always been a writer, but I didn’t consider myself an author until 2009 when my first book came out.

 

 
Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

A dream about a cowboy

 

 
Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style?

I don’t think so, but I am a panster when it comes to writing. My characters give me the details, I just write them down.

 

 
Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

They kind of pop into my head depending on what is going on in the story. Sometimes I have a title right away, but most of the time it comes later after I’ve written some of the story.

 

 
Fiona: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

I guess the message is how cowboys are. They treat their lady with respect, kindness, courtesy and love. All men should treat their lady like that.

 

 
Fiona: How much of the book is realistic?

Other than how gorgeous the cowboy is, they are all pretty realistic. I try to deal with normal, everyday issues people encounter.

 

 
Fiona: Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

All my heroines have a piece of me in them. I can’t help it.

 

 
Fiona: What books have most influenced your life most?

Probably Knight in Shining Armor by Jude Deveraux. That is one my favorite books and I wish I could write like that.

 

 
Fiona: If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

Jude Deveraux

 

 
Fiona: What book are you reading now?

I just finished Edge of the Enforcer by Cherise Sinclair. She’s one of my favorite authors too.

 

 
Fiona: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?

Oh lots. Desiree Holt, Cherise Sinclair, Lily Graison and so many more. I can’t even think to remember them all.

 

 

 
Fiona: What are your current projects?

I’m writing Joshua Young’s story out of the Cowboy Dreamin’ series. He’s #6 in the lineup.

 

 
Fiona: Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.

I have a really good friend named Tammy Meyer. We were always going to write a romance novel together. Well here I am!

 

 
Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

Definitely. Like the old saying goes, Writers are either writing or thinking about writing. There is no way around it.

 

 
Fiona: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

I would have had his medical condition be more apparent in the beginning.

 

 
Fiona: Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

I’ve always been a reader of romance novels and like everyone else, I read something and thought, “I could do this.”

 

 

 
Fiona: Can you share a little of your current work with us?

Small excerpt of Joshua’s story.
Joshua Young brought the bottle of beer to his lips, swallowing several sips to wash away the grime from a day in the saddle on his family ranch. Damn, I’m beat. A couple of his friends played pool in the corner as he watched with disinterest. He didn’t care much for getting rambunctious tonight. The feeling of restless had him in its grip without letting up. Maybe a raunchy night of sex would take care of his problem.

 

 

 

Fiona: Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

Keeping myself on task. I run a publishing company too so it’s hard to find time to just write.

 

 
Fiona: Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?

Probably Cherise Sinclair. She writes so beautifully and with so much feeling, you end up right there in the story even if you don’t think you are.

 

 
Fiona: Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?

I do a lot during conference season. I usually go to about six a year.

 

 
Fiona: Who designed the covers?

Dawne Dominique

 

 
Fiona: What was the hardest part of writing your book?

Keeping the characters talking to me. They get rather stubborn sometimes.

 

 
Fiona: Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

I learned to let myself go when I’m writing and don’t try to force the story into what I think it should be. Characters go their own way and they’ll fight me if I try to steer them how I want the story to go and that’s not the way it happened.

 

 
Fiona: Do you have any advice for other writers?

Keep writing and read other books in your genre. It will help you see what sells and how to write a good book.

 

 
Fiona: Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

I love them all! It’s fantastic to hear from readers about how they like a particular character or story line. I even like getting negative feedback. It helps me write a better book the next time.

 

 
Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

No.

 
Fiona: Other than writing do you have any hobbies ?

I ride horses, read, play with our animals, watch television.

 

 
Fiona: What TV shows/films do you enjoy watching?

I’m not a huge television fan, but when I get into a show, I love it. FaceOff is one of my favorites and Game of Thrones.

 

 
Fiona: Favorite foods / Colors/ Music

I listen to country music and old rock. Favorite foods – pizza, lasagna, salad, steak, lobster and fruit.

 

 
Fiona: If you were not a writer what else would you like to have done?

I’m also a registered nurse which is my other favorite thing to do.

 

Fiona: Do you have a blog/website? If so what is it?

My website is http://www.romancestorytime.com and blog is http://www.sandysullivanauthor.blogspot.com

 

 

 

Thank you for having me!