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What's your next book and what is it about? |
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My latest book is called The Governess Wears Scarlet. It is the next installment in The Andersen Hall Series but it can be read on its own. When I started writing the book, I was intrigued by the notion of two people leading separate lives that intersect --- but they don't know it! I also loved the idea of secret lovers sharing passionate encounters but their identities are concealed. Abigail West became the prim and quiet governess hiding a fiery passion and a resilience that even she didn't recognize. The gorgeous Jason Steele became the daring Viscount haunted by tragedy and in need of understanding. Together they transformed The Governess Wears Scarlet from an idea into a sizzling hot read. I hope that you enjoy Abigail and Jason's story. I know I did! |
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Do you have any special interests or hobbies? |
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I love movies and books, and have a particular fascination with books that become movies. Some notable favorites include:
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What was your inspiration for MORE THAN A SCANDAL? |
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I've always longed to explore the tale of Robin Hood, the daring thief who broke the law in order to uphold justice, but with a woman in the role of avenging angel. Catherine Miller in More Than A Scandal has given me that chance. To read an excerpt or learn more click here. |
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Any exciting career points so far? |
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Being on the CBS Sunday Morning News as part of the coverage
of the Romance Writers of
America Conference and being interviewed by Serena Altschul. What fantastic fun! I can't
believe that I was part of a program with Nora Roberts! I love her!
Another highlight was watching one of my favorite shows, HBO's SIX FEET UNDER and seeing Angelica reading my debut novel, HER SCANDALOUS INTENTIONS. I am grateful to the producers for selecting my book! Also, winning The Royal Ascot writing contest was a highlight. It was exhilarating to stand out in such a talented pool of writers. And how can I forget getting "the call" to publish with Avon/HarperCollins. |
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Do men really read romance? |
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Here's the proof! Stanley Searles gets hooked on Robins! Photo by Mrs.
Sharon Searles.
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What's your favorite thing about writing? |
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Where do I begin? If I had to pick only one thing, however, I'd say it's sharing such a creative endeavor with my critique partner, my sister Nanci. She is exceptionally talented. She can be really critical sometimes, which makes her compliments all the more meaningful. If Nanci says it's good, I know I'm doing all right. |
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Is Sari your real name? |
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Yes, and it's not an abbreviation either. I was named after my grandmother Charlotte which in Hungarian translates into Sari. Yes, Charlotte is the heroine's name in HER SCANDALOUS INTENTIONS. Don't we all want to be the leading lady? |
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When do you find the time to write? |
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Whenever I can. Although writing edits in carpool line can be challenging, it has been done. A lot of writing happens in my head; so exercising is a perfect time to hammer out ticklish plot points. |
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Is HER SCANDALOUS INTENTIONS your first book?
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Besides the book I wrote in the third grade about a flying genie, yes this is my first novel. |
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How do you think up your stories? |
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HER SCANDALOUS INTENTIONS first came to me in a wonderful dream. It was the scene with
James Morgan stealing into Charlotte's bedchamber in the middle of the night at the Balstrams'
house party.
Many ideas come to me through the characters themselves. It's quite exhilarating when a character refuses to do what you intend for them to do (like walk down that hallowed aisle) and instead follows their own desires. My fingers just need to be swift enough to follow their exciting exploits. |
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How did you know you wanted to be a writer? |
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I've always loved to write, whether it was a legal brief, legal articles or stories. It's just something I enjoyed doing, but was usually too busy with school or my legal career to have enough time to do an extensive extracurricular project. I love this new facet of my life and look forward to a long and productive writing career. |
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How long does it take you to write a book? |
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HER SCANDALOUS INTENTIONS was originally titled Midnight Rendezvous and it took about nine months to complete. During those nine months it went through at least seven different start-to-finish drafts while I figured out how to write a full-length novel. Once I signed on with Avon/Harper Collins, I reworked the manuscript to make some editor requested changes. I've learned a lot since going through that process and my next book, ALL MEN ARE ROGUES, proceeded much more quickly. |
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Is there any other interesting aspect of your writing career you enjoy? |
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I like supporting worthwhile causes. Some examples include:
I donated books as part of a special kickoff brunch for champions for charity for
The Lymphatic
Research Foundation; I helped raise money to support victims of Katrina; I donated books to
ART Station for its annual fundraiser--The Raising of the Green;
I participated in Chapter 11's Books to Baghdad program.
Sari helps out the "Books To Baghdad" benefit for our soldiers in Iraq hosted by Chapter 11 Books, Norcross.
Books To Baghdad is an effort by Chapter 11 where customers are encouraged to support our troops by donating used books or buying new books to send to our soldiers. In my case, for every book that I sold at my book signing on May 21st, I purchased a new book for our soldiers, autographed it and inscribed it with an encouraging message for our troops. For more go to http://www.sarirobins.com/books_baghdad.shtml |
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Do yo love the writing? |
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I do. I love the writing, even though sometimes it can be difficult. It's become necessary to my life, like working out. I can't live without it. |
