BIO- Currently residing in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada, Sarah Butland has tasted the waters of almost every form of writing. Sarah has had several previous pieces published in her local newspaper including fiction, poetry and non-fiction as well as had a poem published in an anthology. These works include Electric Shock, Wrong Shell and The Wolf Not Only Blew the Straw House Down. Her most current work is Brain Tales Volume One, a collection of short stories written for older readers, which followed her children's book titled, Sending You Sammy.
Thanks for being here again, Sarah. It’s a pleasure.
The pleasure is all mine. I love the support that you're giving me repeatedly and enjoy chatting with you.
#1- Tell us a little about yourself outside of your writing career…
I'm a mother of a one year old, have been married for 8 years to my high school sweet heart and work full time writing for a bank. This job allows me to receive full time pay to be a writer so I love it. Although it's not the writing I enjoy immensely the pay makes up for it. I love experimenting and creating new paths for fellow writers. Sometimes they work, other times they just need more tuning.
My father is a minister, my parents brought in foster kids all my time living with them and I'm still sorting out if this effected me positively or not enough to make me who I am. I've been discovering that religion is a theme in my writing even though it's not intentional or particular.
I am who I am and will be who I want to become because of where I've been, what I want to do and having the passion and drive to find out who that is.
#2- Can you tell us a bit about your book, ARM FARM?
Arm Farm began as a list of words that meant nothing together but rhymed. I completed a writing exercise and immediately my eyes drew me to these seemingly random connection. And then CSI and Bones took over tv and when the body farm was described I knew I had a title for my first novel.
Arm Farm was definitely a long time coming but something I'm oh so very proud of. It follows a forensic science student who is trying to solve a cold case but finds herself in the middle of a new case. Even I was surprised by who-dun-it and how it all came together so if you read it and figure it out before the end I want to know. And I want to know how you did it. :)
#3- You've written a short stories book and a children's book. What made you write a new book in a different genre and what inspired the book?
I think I answered this in my last answer :) but I will elaborate. Adult novels were always my dream/ goal/ objective, whatever you want to label it. The children's book, Sending You Sammy, and my collection of short stories, Brain Tales, were accidents of sorts.
I do plan to continue both the children's series and publish more short stories but right now the novel is my focus as it is gaining me even more respect as an author. The audience is made up of my direct peers and I thrive on their reviews.
#4- Authors are now forced to do a lot of their own marketing. How do you find the social media sites-- as an aid or hindrance?
Social media sites can do a lot for an author in the sense that you can easily connect with other authors and emerging writers. Although I don't credit any of my success immediately to social media I have met people like you who support me unconditionally.
If you have time to plant seeds, establish rapport and build relationships social media sites can become a backbone to your life as an author. But between working to pay the bills, writing to soothe my soul, being a mom and a wife my time on these sites have dwindled but I hope to improve that soon.
#5- And now for what everyone wants to know... Your son is a year old, any plans for another, and are you still finding the time for writing?
LOL For another child? Another book, definitely. I have found lots of time for writing up until this past month when I went back to work. I'll be working night shifts starting this month so I'll be able to go back to my weekly writer's group and be challenged to write with prompts and submit to contests. Over the next few weeks my time is being spent on holiday shopping and making up some lost hours with my son so my next novel is on the back burner until the new year.
Another child though... I don't know. I always saw myself with two but, after having given birth, wonder if I'll ever “volunteer” myself for that abuse again.
#6- Are there any upcoming releases we would like to know about, and could you give us your web site so readers can check it out?
No upcoming releases as I'm focusing on my son, my family and marketing Arm Farm for the time being. I'll be submitting some short stories to various contests but can't wait to start my next best-seller. ;)
Please visit and follow me on my own site, www.SarahButland.com, take a look at www.AdventuresOfSammy.com for healthy ideas and sign up to www.BananaBoyFans.com to take part in healthy recipes, fun activities and trivia your kids will love.
#7- This about concludes it. Thank you again for joining us. Is there anything else you would like to share?
Please continue helping other authors, Kelly. Your amazing to take time out of your life and writing to do this for so many of us.
For aspiring authors, you can do it. Forge your own path to success and face challenges when they arrive – and they will arrive.
If you're already published, please share your secrets with me on how you find the time to promote and write and enjoy your family. My eyes are open to your suggestions.
Thanks again, Kelly. Be happy, healthy and yourself throughout this holiday season and beyond.
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