Written Author Interview
Tell me about yourself. What do you like to do outside of writing. What is a day in the life like for you?
My name Is Sarah, I’m a published author and poet. Outside of writing, I stay pretty busy! I’m a wife and mother of 4 beautiful children, 2 boys and 2 girls! I work in healthcare full time. I love to help people. I love to read, of course! But I also love music and art. I draw and paint as well as write stories and poetry.
What inspired your first novel? What was the thing that got you into writing in the first place?
I have been writing since I was around 12 years old. I started out writing short stories for my friends in middle school. I’ve always loved storytelling and (my favorite) romance. Dark and fantasy are a must! My first fiction novel is a tragic contemporary piece to be released in January 2025.
My first published work is an inspirational poetry collection that’s filled with stories from my own life and past experiences, good and bad. What inspired the book was actually heartbreaking. I had gotten out of writing for a little while but I had been talking about getting back into it for a few weeks.
Then, someone I loved dearly broke me; he shattered my soul. I started writing again as a form of therapy to release that pain. As I wrote about the grief I was experiencing, it got me thinking about all I had to be thankful for— all I had been blessed with. That’s how the idea of the book was born.
How do you come up with characters? Are they spontaneous or meticulously planned?
Some of my characters from my stories are very loosely based on people that I know. Others are inspired by people I would like to have the pleasure of meeting one day— friends I have not yet met. Mental health awareness is a major factor in my writing as well so I try to incorporate that into my character development as much as possible.
What are some of your favorite genres to read? Are there any books you’d recommend to first time readers or people looking for something new?
Dark romance and fantasy! I am absolutely in love with the ACOTAR series by Sara J Maas at the moment. I’m also a huge fan of H D Carlton’s “Haunting Adeline” duo. I would recommend those to anyone else who enjoys reading those genres, however keeping in mind that Carlton’s work is absolutely not for everyone. Please be aware of trigger warnings!
What’s the most difficult thing about being a writer? I would say my most difficult obstacle has been the aftermath. Writing for me is natural and easier, but marketing is hard!
What is your process to completing a novel from outline to final product?
I first create the story in my mind. I love to incorporate realistic detail so I do lots of research for books that I’m writing; I like for my fiction stories to be as interesting and accurate as possible but also with my own fictional twists. I also really need to dig into the mind of my characters and become them during the writing process. Setting goals and guidelines for myself to have a timely, but also high quality, finished project is a must. I’m a perfectionist so I go over my stories
paragraph by paragraph to ensure utmost effort has been put into my writing. I like for readers to have a clear understanding of the story.
What’s the most unhinged thing you’ve written in your novel? Don’t worry, we don’t judge here.
So I can’t disclose my novel details just yet! However, the most unhinged thing I’ve ever written would definitely be my poetry anyway I believe, at least until I write my dark romance novel! I would say more petty than unhinged, really. There are a couple poems in my book collection that are…specifically detailed about the man that inspired the writing in the first place. I have also written about that experience in a few others. None of them really have nice things to say…they can get pretty petty. I always joke around and say hurting a writer is worse than a breakup with Taylor Swift because she might write one song about you but a writer has fuel forever! No offense or hate to Swift or fans intended!
What’s one thing about being a writer that absolutely drives you up the wall?
How underappreciated normal authors are! People don’t like to recognize small authors, just more popular ones like JK Rowling or Stephen King, Sara J Maas even. Although they worked extremely hard to get where they are now and they are amazing writers, the smaller ones need some love too!
What does being a successful writer look like for you? What type of life do you want to live as a writer?
Being a successful writer, for me personally, isn’t about money at all. It’s about influence. When you write a book, sales are only important to spread your message. Everyone enjoys a good story and every author or writer puts their whole mind and heart into their writings. To be a success just means that you got your message out there. You spread your story to those who
enjoyed it and for whom it was intended!
Describe your writing journey. If you had to write a story centered around it, do you think you could pull it off?
I could if I felt it would help someone else with their own journey. My journey has been tough and emotional. It took a lot of time and courage. I had to really dig deep and become raw for the work that I have published, that has been the hardest part of the journey other than marketing. Having {something} to share. But it’s all been worth it for the outcome.
About Sarah E. Munday
Since Sarah was a young child, her mind has danced with words, painting vivid stories in her imagination. Encouraged by the dark beauty of Edgar Allen Poe’s collections, she found solace and inspiration in his haunting words. Sarah has a deep passion for literature, music and the arts. She always loves to explore new realms of expression.
Above all, Sarah holds a deep space in her heart for her faith and family. She lives deep in the mountains of Appalachia with her husband and three children. They are her greatest support system. Their encouragement fueled her desire to become the author she is now.
Sarah is determined to bring her unique words to life and inspire all of those who venture into the realm of her words. Through her writing, she is determined to touch hearts, evoke emotions, and inspire others to embrace their own desires and dreams.
Social Media
Instagram: @s.e.munday
Threads: @s.e.munday
Manifesting Mercy in Melancholy: https://a.co/d/g08ZPsA
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