It is a truth universally acknowledged, that an aspiring author who interviews her writing heroes, must fangirl over said heroes.
I first met Sabine when she did a developmental evaluation for one of my manuscripts in 2017. By then, that particular book had seen years of re-writes, tears, and frustrations. With amazing talent, and encouragement, Sabine took the over-read, over-plotted, and overwhelming project and helped me make sense of its weaknesses and strengths. More than that, she helped me see my writing in general with an editing eye, and gave me the motivation I needed to keep going at a time when all I wanted to do was quit.
Fast forward to now and that book she originally reviewed for me has been temporarily set aside while I work on a publisher’s request, and Sabine has published her first YA novel. When we ran into each other at a writers’ conference last fall and I learned about it, I knew I had to spotlight her on my blog to celebrate. So here we are today.
I cannot tell you how excited I am to read And the Sky Full of Stars. In fact, it jumped the line to the top of this year’s TBR pile. Not only because the story is fun and fresh, but also because Sabine is so talented that anything she writes can’t be anything less than amazing. The blurb alone gives me all the feels.
Caty has a secret. She can see memories from people and objects with a single touch. While the rest of the senior class is dating and sending college applications out, she spends most of her time with her hands tucked safely away in order to avoid seeing things that can’t be unseen. Her after-high school plan includes never venturing out beyond the safe red rock cliffs of Kanab, Utah.
All that changes when her memorysight shows her that Eri, the cute new boy in town, is not from this world. When he recruits Caty to help him on his mission to find and destroy a deadly weapon hidden on Earth, she must use her gift to find out who she can trust while keeping those she loves safe.
Does that sound like a fun adventure to get lost in? I certainly think so. Secrets, romantic interest, the fate of the world at stake, what’s not to love? I asked Sabine my five spotlight questions, and these were her answers:
Why do you write?
I write because I love creating worlds and characters. I am a history major and I have always been fascinated with why people behave the way they do and why civilizations work or not. I love putting characters in situations and exploring how they will get out of them. For me writing is an escape, which is why I love writing happy stories. We need more happy in the world.
What/who inspires you in life (not in your writing, but in general)?
My husband is probably my biggest inspiration. He is just a really good person, but he is also super thoughtful. He doesn’t act without thinking how it may affect others. He works harder than anyone I know, and yet he is always encouraging me and doing what he can to help me. He is the reason I have both my degrees. He always believes in me and pushes me to be my best.
What are some of your favorite things?
I love my fireplace, a cozy blanket, a good book or Kdrama, a hot chai latte, and apple cider donuts from Trader Joes.
What would your perfect day look like and how is it different from your actual everyday?
I would say April 25th because its not too hot, not too cold…all you need is a light jacket.–Just Kidding, but seriously that is the best answer ever and I love Miss Congeniality. No really, the perfect day is one where I just have time. I work full time, edit on the side, have been a full-time club soccer mom for 17 years now, and am generally just always busy. So the perfect day would include time to write, time to read, time to play a game or watch a show with my family, just time to not be busy.
If you could invite a group of writers (dead or alive) to a tea party, who would it be?
I love all types of books, so I am not sure how they would get along but Orson Scott Card, Jane Austen, Mary Shelly, Dean Koontz, Laini Taylor, and Juliet Marillier.
I couldn’t agree more, we do need more happy in the world…and time to not be busy. Also, yes, April 25th is the best answer to that question ever. You see what I mean? Besides talented, Sabine is also hilarious, and just a fantastic person.
In addition to those five questions, I asked Sabine two bonus questions for my VIP Circle (newsletter subscribers):
- As an editor, what is the number one editing advice you’d give writers to become better self-editors?
- What is your top advice for young writers?
So if you want to read the answers to those (as well as enter the giveaway below), join my VIP Circle here. Trust me, her answers are gold.
Now to the giveaway! To celebrate the release of And the Sky Full of Stars the giveaway this month will include the following items:
- A copy of And the Sky Full of Stars signed by Sabine
- One Dr. Squatch Bay Rum Natural Soap Bar (because this is what book character Eri smells like)
- One Aliens Rock sticker
- Six Guirardelli dark chocolates (Because book character Caty is addicted to them)
- One of Sabine’s personal cards
- Aliens Rock baggie and green ribbon that matches Eri’s eyes (because of course it has to match his eyes)
This giveaway will run until January 31st and a winner will be randomly selected through my VIP Circle by February 2nd. Open to U.S. residents only. Good luck!
Did you like this post? Then consider joining my VIP Circle and don’t miss out on all my additional content (monthly messages, inspirational quotes, bookish recommendations, giveaways, and much more!). Click HERE.
And if you want to collaborate with me don’t be shy. I love to work with fellow writers, spotlight authors, and host writing challenges. I’ve also been known to swap short critiques on occasion. Reach to me here.
M.C. Muhlenkamp 