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Friday, June 19, 2020

INTERVIEW WITH SARA DAVISON

By Patricia Bradley

This week I'm so pleased to welcome author Sara Davison to the Suspense
Sisters! She hails from Canada, and I first 'met' Sara a couple of years ago. Actually, we've never met face to face, but have connected through social media and email ~ that's the way it seems people meet nowadays. 

Anyway, I read her book, Vigilant, and was blown away by it. Then this past week I read Guarded and reviewed Vigilant on my blog last week. She's featuring her latest book, Lost Down Deep today, and will be giving away a print book to someone who leaves a comment. (US and Canada only)

But let's get to the interview and learn more about Sara!

What was your favorite book as a teen or child?

I have so many books that I remember loving while growing up. My favorite as a young child was a picture book called Where’s Willy? about a lost kitten. I can still close my eyes and see the pictures in that book. When I got older, I loved the Bobbsey Twin mysteries, Encyclopedia Brown books, and The Great Brain series. My absolute favorite was A Wrinkle in Time, which I still love. Janette Oke’s Love Comes Softly introduced me to Christian Fiction as a young teen, and I’ve loved that genre ever since (as well as the fact that she’s a fellow Canadian author!)

I read the Bobbsey Twin mysteries as a kid! Tell us three things about yourself that might surprise your readers.
I’m an omnivert, so pretty much equally an introvert and extravert, depending on the day (or the hour). I get pumped up by being with people, especially people who share my faith and passions, so my book clubs (I belong to two) and writer’s groups (three) and Bible study groups. However, I also need time alone to recharge and to be at peace. Both energize me and keep me going.

I’m a nervous flier. My mother has never liked flying so we didn’t do it when I was growing up. The first flight I took, to the west coast with a friend after we graduated from university, was an anxiety-riddled trip in which the fog was so thick the pilot couldn’t land the plane without going out over the ocean and circling back. My next couple of flights included sitting on the tarmac while they searched the plane for a bomb and landing in a tornado and the plane almost tipping over when it hit the runway. Since then, I will fly when I have to, but I am always uneasy until I get off the plane. Thankfully, my husband and I are not big travelers and are generally content with road trips or staying at home.

My claim to fame is bumping into Donny Osmond (literally) on a sidewalk in Toronto one day. He kept going—less affected by the encounter than I was for some reason—but I stood on the sidewalk gaping after him for at least a full minute.

I'd be a nervous flier, too, Sara! And I'd never heard of an omnivert--and guess what? I'm just like you described! 
What genre did you start out writing? Have you changed course? Why or why not?

I don’t remember ever making the conscious decision to write suspense and romantic suspense, but when I started seriously writing, that’s what came out. Likely because that has always been one of my favorite genres to read. I love the edge-of-your-seat excitement of flipping pages to see what is going to happen next and the added intensity of a love interest, which gives the main characters so much more to lose. I often find other genres too slow for me since I am used to action and tension-filled suspense. I did recently write a prequel novella to my book Lost Down Deep though—Ten Bottles of Sand (in the anthology, Before Summer’s End)—that is not suspenseful, more like women’s fiction. I loved writing that as well, and was very happy with the end result, so maybe I will branch out a little more in the future.

What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What has been the best compliment?
The best compliment, hands down, is that my writing drew readers closer to God and strengthened their faith. As I say in the dedication of most of my books, “To the One who gives the stores – it is all from you and for you.” I mean that. Writing is a deeply spiritual experience for me. Like Eric Liddell, I feel God’s pleasure when I write, and I know beyond the shadow of a doubt that he is the one giving me the stories. And if he gives them to me, he has a purpose for them. Whether or not I sell a lot of copies or receive much acclaim, I put out the best work I can, market it as much as time and resources will allow, and then trust that God will use it to fulfil whatever purpose he has for it. So when I receive feedback like that, I know that’s exactly what is happening.

The hardest feedback for me is a 3 rating and a comment like, “this book was okay for me”. That “meh” reaction is far harder for me than an outraged rant and a 1 or 2 rating. At least a rant means my words sparked something in the reader, made them feel something. Having readers feel little or nothing when they read my work is the worst possible reaction, to me, anyway.

I know exactly what you mean! What is the most important thing you’d like readers to take away from your books?

The theme of all my books is that, whatever you go through in life, you are not alone. People will always let you down, but God will never leave you or forsake you. While other themes and issues are also covered, I hope and pray that one comes through loud and clear, and that readers take it to heart and find encouragement in that truth when they are going through difficult times in life.

What is the most valuable piece of advice you’d like to give to unpublished authors?
I have my own editing business and specialize in mentoring new writers. I always offer them three pieces of advice. The first is to be teachable. We have no idea what we don’t know when we’re starting out. Even now I learn new things about the craft of writing and hope to always keep learning so that every book I put out is better than the one before. I can tell early on if a writer will do well or not by how willing they are to accept constructive criticism and make necessary changes. 

Secondly, to writers who are Christian, I encourage them to define success differently than the world does. I believe God has a purpose for everything I write. That purpose may be for five people or fifty thousand or a million to read it and be impacted by it, I don’t know. If I produce a work of excellence and market it to the best of my ability, I have to leave the rest in God’s hands. If I do my part, God will do his, and the book will be a success no matter how many copies it sells. 

And finally, if you believe in your work, never, ever give up on it. Look at every rejection as confirmation that either it didn’t get into the right person’s hands or the timing wasn’t right. Consider the possibility that it could be improved and seek wise, professional advice on that. Then keep going until the book does get into the right hands at the right time.

Excellent advice, Sara! 

Here's the cover of Lost Down Deep--Don't you just love it! And don't forget that Sara is giving away a copy! Just leave a comment with your contact information.




She is the only one who can tell the police who attacked her in her home. If only she could remember …

Summer Velasquez is on the run from a man she has no recollection of after an attack she can’t recall. Every face in the crowd is a potential suspect, so how is Summer supposed to know who is a threat to her and who isn’t? After fleeing her assailant and the parents who lied to her about what happened, she changes her name and seeks refuge in Elora, Ontario. 


The small town feels familiar, although she has no memory of ever having been here. Even in what should be a safe place, she can’t shake the feeling that she is being watched. When Ryan Taylor strolls into the Taste of Heaven Café where she works, Summer is immediately drawn to him. However, he may not be who he says he is either. As her suspicions grow, Summer prepares to run again. But at least one person is determined to stop her. Permanently. And if she can’t remember who he is, this time he may succeed.

Sara Davis bio:

Sara Davison is the author of three romantic suspense series, The Seven Trilogy, The Night Guardians, and The Rose Tattoo Trilogy. She has been a finalist for ten national writing awards, including Best New Canadian Christian author, a Carol, a Selah, and two Daphne du Maurier Awards for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense. 
She is a Word and Cascade Award winner. 

She currently resides in Ontario, Canada with her husband Michael and their three children, all of whom she (literally) looks up to. Get to know Sara better at www.saradavison.org (where you can sign up for her monthly newsletter), on Twitter: @sarajdavison, and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/authorsaradavison/.

You can purchase Lost Down Deep at Amazon and can read it on KU.

And leave a comment to be entered in a drawing for a print copy of Lost Down Deep. (US and Canada mailing addresses)

62 comments:

  1. What a great interview. I loved the Bobbsey Twin books also and I’m a nervous flier. I would have done the same running into Donnie Osmond. This interview made me smile. Blessings

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    1. I really enjoyed interviewing Sara, Lucy!

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    2. A kindred spirit :) Thank you for stopping by, Lucy.

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  2. I love that you seek to please God in all your writings and that you have a heart for ministering to others. It was fun to get to know you better through the interview.

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    1. Thank you, Susie-Q. I appreciate you taking time to read the interview and comment. Blessings!

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  3. Great interview. I love discovering new to me authors. I too enjoyed Encyclopedia Brown when I was a child. I would spend my allowance buying the next book. I have never flown and would only fly if I absolutely had to. Lost Down Deep sounds so good. Can't wait to check it out. Thank you for the chance to win!
    nstotts (at) sbcglobal (dot) net

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    1. I enjoy...don't mind flying. And I had never heard of Encyclopedia Brown until this interview!

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    2. Thank you Nicole! If you ever have a chance to read my Night Guardians series, Nicole is my main character :)

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  4. Loved the interview. Your book sounds like one I have to read!!

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    1. I hope you get a chance to, Susan. Thanks for dropping by!

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  5. Thank you for the interview. I don't mind flying but if I'd had the experiences you have had, I'd be taking the train! I was a Nancy Drew reader, not the Bobbsey Twins. I don't think I've even read one of them.. Lost Down Deep sounds like a book I'd really enjoy. Here's hoping...
    anne at rightler dot com

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    1. Anne, I'm still trying to remember if I read Nancy Drew! If I did, she didn't make much of an impact on me. lol

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    2. Yes, I much prefer the train. That's a better way to see the places you're travelling through, anyway :)

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  6. This looks like a very interesting book. Adding it to my TBR list. Thanks for the chance to win a copy! Boxtopscrazy at gmail dot com.

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    1. Thanks so much for your interest in Lost Down Deep, and for leaving a comment.

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  7. Thanks for a great interview! I read and reviewed an eBook but this us a book that I would love to have in my bookcase!
    Blessings!
    Connie
    cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Yes, Connie! I really enjoy Sara's books!

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    2. Thanks, Connie. You are a great supporter of me and my books, and I deeply appreciate it!

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  8. fun interview
    bn100candg at hotmail dot com

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  9. What a great way to meet new authors. Enjoyed the interview and learning more about you. Your book looks like a great read. Thanks for a chance to win a copy.
    Neva
    lthouselucy@msn.com

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    1. I enjoyed getting to know Sara better, too, Neva.

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    2. Thank you, Neva! I appreciate you dropping by.

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  10. Thank you for your interview. I was more of a Nancy Drew/ Hardy Boys gal! I've never read any of your books before but I will now! Blessings, Donna
    xercisebug61(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Donna, I think you'll enjoy them!

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    2. I don't know why, but I never read any Nancy Drew/ Hardy Boy books, although I loved the Hardy Boys television show. I had a Shaun Cassidy poster on my wall for a few years :) Thanks for your comment!

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  11. Love the cover & description of Lost Down Deep & enjoy discovering new-to-me authors! I have an actual Bobbsey Twin! One of my best friends is as dark as I am light & we've accidentally shown up places dressed the same or very similar. So we dubbed ourselves the Bobbsey Twins. lol

    dianalflowers(at)aol(dot)com

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    1. Diana, you have a Bobbsey Twin book??? Wow!

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    2. That's funny, Diana :) Thanks for taking the time to read the interview and leave a comment!

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  12. Ahhhhhh! A new author with what sounds like an exciting read!! I love to read these bios about the author. I was a big Nancy Drew fan. I think I had the whole set. Thanks for the chance to win the book.
    janeen dot bair at gmail dot com

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    1. I'm so glad you enjoyed the interview, Janeen!

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    2. Thanks for dropping by and for your kind comments, Janeen!

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  13. I love stories where the main character has amnesia. How scary to walk around not remembering who is the culprit trying to kill you.
    I still have one of my childhood Bobbsey twin books. They were at the shore.
    tumcsec(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. I remember that one! I used to have so many of those books but I don't think I kept any, which is too bad. Thanks for your comment!

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  14. Oh, my, Gail. I'd love to find a Bobbsey Twin book!

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    1. They have a lot of them on Amazon, Patricia, although I wish I still had some of the old, hard cover ones I collected as a kid.

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  15. Hi. Thanks so much for posting the interesting interview as well as this great opportunity to enter a wonderful giveaway. Would love to win a print copy! Lual Krautter Email: krautter41120AToutlookDOTcom

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    1. Thanks Lual - I really appreciate you taking the time to read the interview and leave a comment. Blessings!

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  16. This sounds like a wonderful book! She might be new to the Suspense Sisters gang, but with that impressive lists of awards, she is well accomplished. I love Canada! I can't wait until they open their border again. I want to go to Pelee Island! maryeellis@yahoo.com

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    1. Thanks Mary - yes, it will be nice when all of this is over and we can travel freely back and forth between our two countries again.

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  17. Nice to meet you Sara! I love to fly, but, I have NOT had experiences like yours! wow! And bumping into Donny Osmond! Another "wow!" Thanks for a nice Giveaway! Badawson16 at aol dot com

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  18. Hay Pat and Sara! Omnivert is a new term for me. I can relate with how I NEED my alone time. I do enjoy my ladies Bible studies and connecting with warriors in the faith.

    psalm103and138@gmail.com

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    1. Yes, I do too, Caryl (need time alone and enjoy connecting with others of faith, both). Thanks so much for dropping by and leaving a comment!

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  19. Hi, your book sounds like a very good read and the cover is beautiful. Thank you for sharing about it and the Q&A. I Love the cover. Have a Great weekend. aliciabhaney(at)sbcglobal(dot)net

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    1. Thank you, Alicia. I love the cover as well. Roseanna White, the wonderful historical fiction author and talented cover designer, did a fabulous job with it.

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  20. Loved this interview with author Sara Davison and have faith in God in common with her. I enjoyed reading the Bobbsey Twins and Nancy Drew mysteries as a young reader. Now I enjoy Love Inspired and Love Inspired Suspense stories. "Love Comes Softly" is also a favorite series. Thank you. (My sister's comment she asked me to respond here.)

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    1. Thanks to both you and your sister, Suzan. I appreciate you stopping by and leaving a comment!

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  21. Sara is our niece & we are very proud of her writing accomplishments. The fact that she leaves the results up to God & her desire is to see the Lord speak to people through her writing is commendable.
    I loved her first two series & need to catch up on the next ones.

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    1. Thank you, Aunt Jackie. I am so grateful for your love and support!

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  22. Oh, this sounds exciting! I want to read it!

    amybradsher at gmail dot com

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    1. Thanks, Amy - I hope you get a chance to! I appreciate you stopping by.

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  23. Great interview. As a kid, I was more into reading Nancy Drew books, but I still have a couple of Bobbsey Twin books. I liked the blurb. It sounds like a really interesting book, very intriguing. Thank you for sharing.

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    1. And thank you for reading the interview and leaving a comment. I wish I still had some of my Bobbsey Twin books! Before I have grandchildren, I really need to try and track a few down.

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  24. I enjoy reading mysteries like The Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew. Flying isn't too bad for me but I haven't had any traumatizing experiences yet. racheltirzah(at)gmail(dot)com

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  25. I hope you never do, Rachel. I had one flight where the pilot came on five or six times and every time began his announcement with the word "Unfortunately …" Not a good thing to hear when you are hurtling through the air at 500 miles an hour! Thank you for dropping by.

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  26. Great interview and the book sounds really good.

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  27. Awesome. I haven’t read any of your books but I would love to remedy that. Thanks for a chance to win. Stella dot potts77 at gmail dot com

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