Interview with Sophia Henry, author of Saints

What can you tell us about your new release, Saints?

Saints is the first book in the Saints and Sinners Duet, a gripping 20th-century historical romance set in the early 90’s. The duet was inspired by real events leading up to the fall of Soviet Union, and how those events affected its citizens. I really wanted to explore the concept of right and wrong and how things that seem black and white blur to a hazy gray during desperate times. Since I write character-driven novels, the book focuses on the choices people made to survive when the stable life they once had was falling apart and the consequences of those choices.

What or who inspired you to become an author?

I’ve wanted to be an author since the moment I learned to write. I was inspired by a variety of authors while growing up. Books were my safe place–an escape from everyday life. I loved getting lost in whatever world the author took me to, whether it was contemporary (Judy Blume, Ann M. Martin), paranormal (Ann Rice), historical (Leo Tolstoy, Oscar Wilde) and everything in between. I knew at a young age I had stories to tell and books to write, and I knew would accomplish that goal one day.

What’s on your top 5 list for the best books you’ve ever read?

You know this is one of the most difficult questions for any reader, right? haha!
Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
Gorky Park by Martin Cruz Smith
The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons
The Vampire Academy Series by Richelle Mead
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

Say you’re the host of a literary talk show. Who would be your first guest? What would you want to ask?

I would have Stephen King as my first guest. (I like to aim high.) I’d ask him how he comes up with his ideas. I truly believe he is an unmatched genius in the modern literary world. It’s absolutely amazing to me that he has consistently come up with so many high-concept ideas over multiple genres. He appeals not just to horror fans but also to the masses, evoking extreme emotion with stories such as Stand By Me, The Green Mile, and Shawshank Redemption.

What’s your favorite thing about writing?

Being able to use my platform to connect with readers on a personal level. Sometimes I call my books “social commentary wrapped up in a happily ever after.” It’s important for me to use real issues we face every day in my stories. I love when readers tell me they empathize with characters, see themselves in a character, or want to be friends with my characters! I love when readers tell me my books helped them through a tough time in their life. I love when readers tell me my books helped them see a different perspective.

What is a typical day like for you?

A “typical day” is pretty structured. I work in time blocks around my most productive writing times–morning and late at night. My rough schedule is: 7a-8a ~ Social Media/Email. 8a-12p ~ Writing block. 12p-2p ~ Lunch/Workout/Errands. 2p-4p ~ Author Development (I’m usually always in an online class)/Marketing/Creating Graphics. 4-9p ~ Personal Time: Pick up kids from school/Dinner/Kid time. 9p-??? ~ Writing block.
*Note: Sometimes I write during the afternoon block. Sometimes I do marketing and graphics in the morning. Sometimes it all goes out the window (Editing and release weeks).

What scene in Saints was your favorite to write?

That’s like asking me to pick which is my favorite of my two kids! 🙂 I think my favorite scene to write was the Big Black Moment. I can’t go into detail, for obvious reasons, but it was an intensely emotional scene surrounded by pulse-pounding action. My editors and beta readers told me I ripped their hearts out. Which is a comment that had me beaming with pride! hahaha

Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?

Be Kind. Love Hard. It’s my tagline, motto, and life philosophy. It’s even tattooed on my arms. No explanation needed, right? 😉

Sophia Henry is the author of the new book Saints.

Connect with Sophia:
Author Website
Facebook

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