Kim,

Welcome to GraceReign! This is an especially exciting interview for me because I invited you here to celebrate your 10^th book publication! We were friends before you sold your first book—and oh how fun it is to celebrate with you as My Heart Remembers releases. Congratulations!

Thank you!

One thing that amazes me about this celebration is the fact that all ten of your books have been published since 2006. What a whirlwind. How were you able to produce ten books in less than two years?

To be honest, sometimes I’ve wondered about that myself! Of course, two of the ten were already written when they were contracted, so that made it a little easier to swallow, but it was a frenetic period of writing. I didn’t even realize that God had blessed me with the ability to “write fast” until I started visiting with other authors about typical word count per day. I’m certainly not the fastest writer in the market (I believe that honor belongs to Karen Kingsbury ), but it isn’t uncommon for me to complete a chapter or more a day. Even with a 100K-word novel, that means I can finish a book in about 35 writing days. That will be slowing down now, however, since I’ve made the prayerful decision to only write historicals. Two books a year as opposed to four will be an easier schedule to keep, and will allow me more time to play with my *six* grandbabies. :o)

Describe what it feels like to see your dream of becoming a published author realized.

You know, I’m a writer, and I ought to be able to find a description…but I can’t. The dream of having my books in a library where people could check them out was so much a part of me all through my growing up years. When—at a writing conference—God chose to heal me of a 40-year battle with shame that had caused the deterioration of my health, I truly believed He had planted the writing dream in me so I would be at that conference at that time to receive His healing. At that point, I released the dream—and I was okay with it! If you really think about juxtaposing finding freedom from pain and shame OR having a book in print, who wouldn’t choose the freedom? So having Him then fling wide the door to publishing in addition to touching me with healing is beyond the scope of description. He gave me everything I longed for…and more. I will tell you this—I do not take this wonderful opportunity lightly. HE opened the door, and I write for HIM.

My readers know that the interviews that happen here tend to be for books that are probing. I don’t review much historical fiction or sweet romance here, just because it isn’t usually my favorite genres. But I make an exception when it comes to your work. I’ll never forget the impact your first historical through Bethany House, Waiting for Summer’s Return, had upon my heart.

For days after I read it, a special thought ran through my mind: God is the mender of broken things. I was not only comforted by the thought, I was also filled with worship l as my heart spilled out the love I felt for my God, love that was already there, but that your book caused to bubble forth. Did you purposely imbed that message in that book, or was it just the way it affected me?

I always have a theme in mind when I start a story, and all of stories tend to carry the message that our hope rests in God rather than anything this world can offer. It touches me that the story affected you in that way because that tells me the Holy Spirit was at work in the story, too. The main characters in Waiting for Summer’s Return both had a lot of hurts to release—as did the story’s author *smile*—and God is the only One who can truly remove those deeply imbedded heartaches and give us joy despite the pain. So it really blesses me that you found the truth of that in the pages of the book.

Waiting for Summer’s Return was your first full-length fiction work and it won several awards—it was considered one of the top ten books for 2006 by Crossings Book Club, one of the top 20 by Christian Book Distributors, and was a best seller all around in the CBA. It also received the Reviewers International Award of Excellence. KIM NOTE: WANT TO CHANGE THIS TO THE ACFW BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARD?. Whew! I know I’m asking you to brag a little here, but what do you think made the book so successful?

I wish I knew, because I’d try to duplicate it! LOL No, seriously, if there is anything of value in the story, then I believe it’s the Holy Spirit’s doing. I spend a lot of time in prayer before I start a story—writing is my God-given ministry, and I want the story to edify as well as entertain. I just write my heart and pray it makes a connection. Those awards are God’s doing, not mine. I’m the fingers on the keyboard—He’s the soul of the story.

Your successful track record continues with your next Bethany House release, Where Willows Grow, which was Crossings top pick for 2007. Could you tell us a little about that book?

Where Willows Grow was birthed at a church bonfire, of all places. I took a hayrack ride at sunset, and the tractor rolled past an abandoned farmstead. As I looked at the shadowy house and barn, suddenly these characters started appearing—a woman at the clothesline with a child hanging to her skirts; a man leading a mule around the corner… By the time the evening was over, the woman had introduced herself to me and shared her deepest heartache: I love my husband, but he doesn’t love my Lord. And the story grew from there. Set during the Depression, Where Willows Grow includes several little-known Kansas facts including an earthquake and a castle set in the middle of the rolling plains.

I have to tell you, my daughter and I have a joke about you. When life gets really hard, or when she’s read a few of Melody Carlson’s Color Me series back to back (this series deals with heavy issues like suicide, divorce, drugs, etc.), we say, “Time for some Sawyer!”

And through your writing we enter a gentler world where, though there are enough struggles in the character’s life to keep us turning the page, there is a consistent thread of hope, grace, and beauty.

We are both hooked on your Sommerfeld Series, published by Barbour, which incidentally, I just saw today featured at Sam’s Club! The only complaint I have is that after she’d read the first one, my daughter stole the next two right from under my nose and I had to wait to get to read them until she finished! I tease her about not letting me read them first, but I’m thrilled she’s found books she likes that promote high morals and a romantic relationship based upon something more than money, good looks, and chemistry. Sarah is 16. I know many of your readers are women on the other end of the age spectrum. Did you expect your books to reach such a cross-section of ages? Why do you think they do?

I was flabbergasted but delighted when I got reader email saying grandmothers shared the books with granddaughters or vice-versa. Even retirement-age men have written to say how much they enjoy the stories. Who’da thought it? When I started writing seriously, I made a promise that I would never write anything that would embarrass my mother or that I would be embarrassed for my daughters to read. What that equates to is a clean, wholesome story that can be enjoyed by a variety of ages. It tickles me to no end to think of you and your daughter squabbling over one of my books or using it as a temporary escape to a gentler time.

Another thing I love about this series is that the women are strong, devoted to God and family, and yet willing to live outside of the boxes of the culture around them. Was this intentional? What drove this particular story line—featuring three very strong female protagonists in a very conservative community, that of the Mennonites?

Interestingly enough, this series came about because an editor from Barbour found out I have a Mennonite background and wondered if readers would enjoy comparing and contrasting the Mennonites with the Amish. There are a lot of Amish books available, but not many Mennonite…at least not contemporary. She asked if I would consider proposing a Mennonite story. When I started praying about it, the character Marie came to life, and her story was so compelling she pulled me right in. The second two books came about when secondary characters also demanded to have their stories told. I didn’t deliberately set out to “think outside the box,” I just wanted to hopefully educate readers on the differences between Mennonites and Amish (we tend to lump all the Plain religions together) and tell a good, relatable (is that a word?) story. Character rather than plot tends to lead in all of my books, so the strong female protagonists are an outgrowth of my writing style.

Four of your ten books are based in a Mennonite community. Why?

As I mentioned above, I have a Mennonite background. My mother’s family immigrated from Germany to Russia and then to America in search of religious freedom. I was raised Mennonite Brethren, which is not as conservative as Old Order, but I have a real respect for members of the Mennonite faith. Writing about the Mennonites is kind of like having a private family reunion. :o)

You’ve also written three books for Heartsong Presents, which is a book club that features short inspirational romance. How does writing a shorter work compare with the longer fiction you write for Bethany House? Do you have a favorite character from your Heartsong books? If so, what makes him/her special?

When you write the shorter stories, it makes it more of a challenge to “go deep” with the characters—there just isn’t much wiggle room. Of course, it also takes much less time to complete a manuscript! LOL As for a favorite character…he appeared in all three of my current Heartsongs—a man named John, who has Down syndrome. The character was inspired by a man from my church, so that makes him special, but also his character is so genuine. I think we could all benefit from a little bit of his sincerity and trust.

Out of your ten books, do you have a favorite book or character? Why do you like that particular one?

Trying to choose a favorite of my books would be like choosing a favorite grandchild. I love each of them equally, but there are certain things that endear each of them to me. However, that being said, of my historical novels, if I had to choose one favorite character, I would choose Peter Ollenburger from Waiting for Summer’s Return. He is such an incredible man of faith, willing to live his convictions even in the face of conflict. In my long contemporary stories, I would choose Henry Braun from Bygones because of his faithfulness in loving even when he received nothing in return. He also was such a strong prayer warrior—I really admire that.

Looking back over your career which, though ten books old, is really still quite young, what is the highlight of your experience?

This might sound odd, but the highlight was the day I could call my dad, who has always encouraged my writing (to the point of providing funding to self-publish my first book in 2002), and say, “Guess what, Daddy? I have a contract.” His delight gave me such joy. Beyond that, reader feedback—knowing a story made a special connection or encouraged someone in his or her spiritual walk—is incredibly humbling and gratifying. I also have to add…I’m not an “award hungry” person—I’ve never been competitive. But receiving the Book of the Year Award from ACFW meant so much. The people of that organization are so dear to me, and I will always cherish that award.

What has been the most difficult part of your journey?

Getting past the rejections…*sigh* Because of my low self-esteem and inner drive to be “perfect,” being rejected was excruciating for me. God and I really had to work through some issues before I could accept that rejection is just one more stepping stone toward the place He wants me to be. I now preach to other writers that there are no wasted steps in a God-directed journey, and He can even use those moments of heartache for our good and His glory. I call that progress!

I’ve been asking all the questions—so your turn. Is there something you’d particularly like to share with GraceReign readers that I haven’t thought to ask?

Kim, I’m so honored to have you here on GraceReign and to celebrate with you. From a personal note, I’ll always think of you as a caring, gracious woman. Funny story: We first became friends because you had to slap my hand (via email) for the mistakes I made when I first joined the American Christian Fiction Writer’s Email Loop! Thanks to you, I still have my email set so I won’t accidentally send tags! Even as you had to reprimand me, you were so kind and encouraging that I was able to learn from you and become comfortable with contributing to the loop. I think a lesser list hostess would have scared me away about the second time I messed up and sat at my computer red-faced. Thank you for helping me along in those early insecure days of entering the writing world!

And thank you for being such a gracious receiver! I will always appreciate your kind response to the gentle reminder. :o)

Another thing I want to publicly thank you for is the many times you’ve prayed for me or sent me an encouraging note. Your loving heart and faithful prayers have ministered to me on many occasions. Thank you for walking the writer’s trail ahead of me and reaching back to encourage me to keep pressing forward on the journey.

Aw, sweet lady, right back atcha. You’re special to me…but I suppose you already know that. :o) Thanks for sharing this day with me! I truly appreciate it!

God bless~
Kim Sawyer
Bestselling, award-winning author sharing gentle stories of hope…
http://www.KimVogelSawyer.com
http://www.shoutlife.com/kimvogelsawyer

AVAILABLE NOW: Blessings, #3 of the Sommerfeld Trilogy (Barbour)
COMING SOON: My Heart Remembers (Bethany House)