Featured Interview With Sandra Nachlinger
Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, I now live in the Pacific Northwest. People tell me I still have my Texas accent.
When not writing, I like to quilt, read, sew, garden, take photos, lunch with friends, and (like Granny in my most recent book, Bluebonnets for Elly) spend as much time as possible with my granddaughter. I also enjoy eavesdropping on conversations at restaurants, parks, and other public places, so I warn people to be careful what they say around me. It may end up in my next book!
At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I’ve been writing one thing or another since childhood, and I’ve always enjoyed writing letters and reading. I took my first creative writing class about fifteen years ago and have been writing essays, short stories, and novels ever since.
Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
There’s not enough room here to list all my favorite authors! I like Larry McMurtry, Ivan Doig, and Tony Hillerman for their masterful descriptions of the western U.S. For women’s fiction, I enjoy Jodi Picoult, Fanny Flagg, LaVyrle Spencer, Maeve Benchy, and Anita Shreve. I also like Carl Hiaasin and Ken Follett. My reading tastes are eclectic.
In addition to all those well known authors, I love to discover new writers. It’s so much fun to take a chance on someone I’ve never heard of and discover a beautiful story. I wish I could list all those wonderful writers here! They’re the ones who truly inspire me.
Tell us a little about your latest book?
I started writing Bluebonnets for Elly in November, 2009, in the National Novel Writing Month challenge. However, I put it aside to work on the release of my first book –I.O.U. Sex, co-authored with Sandra Allen. Once I got back to Elly, I had a great time finishing the story. However, as I got back into the plot and began to know my characters better, Elly’s grandmother kept butting in. I finally had to let Granny Macauley have her say. The end result is a book that not only follows the romance between a man and a woman, but also the relationship between a grandmother and her granddaughter. I hope readers enjoy the interaction between these two women, as well as the sparks that fly between Elly and Derek.
The fictional town of Shannon Ridge, Texas, is based on a small town in northeast Texas near Lake Texoma. My parents had a cabin there and we spent most weekends at the lake while I was growing up. I’ve always loved that area and enjoyed visiting it again through Elly’s story.
BLUEBONNETS FOR ELLY:
When Elly Macauley moves to Shannon Ridge, Texas, she expects to fill her days helping her grandmother—doling out medications and running errands. Still reeling from her fiancé’s betrayal, the last thing she needs or wants is a man, especially a good lookin’ one. She’s been down that road before.
Derek White’s wife left him without a word, and he’s reluctant to get involved with another woman and make the same mistake twice. But Granny Macauley’s granddaughter sure is tempting. He still doesn’t understand why Jeanette left him, so how can he explain that to Elly? And can he be sure he’s legally free?
Granny says some things come along only once in life and you have to grab them while you can. But when Derek’s past threatens and Elly’s ex-fiancé reappears, she must decide—give her former love a second chance or gamble on a man whose history may ruin everything.
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Thank you for featuring me on Book Reader Magazine today.
You are very welcome! It is our pleasure.
Good interview! Thanks for publishing (:
Great interview, Sandra. Can’t wait to read, Bluebonnets for Elly. Love Texas books by Texas authors. 😉
I just loved this book. The sexual tension between the hero and the heroine was perfect. And there was so much more to this book, a wonderful, not-sappy relationship between grandmother and granddaughters, some great supporting characters and a plot that kept me turning the pages. Well done. Hope you’re working on your next book, Sandy. I love your writing.
Sandra, so nice to see you here at book reader magazine. I love your own blog – bluebonnets are a favorite of mine. Yours, too, I think. Wishing you continued success.
Loved this book! Would highly recommend:)
I have read Bluebonnets for Elly and thoroughly enjoyed it. The story is a feel-good, sweet tale. It’s well-written and I can tell the author took her time with writing and editing. It flows effortlessly and I read through the story in just a few settings. I highly recommend it.