Please Welcome Author Sadie Grubor

Today The Cover Contessa along with Never Too Old for YA Books on Goodreads, are excited to welcome author Sadie Grubor for an interview.

Here are Sadie's books:

And here's a little about Sadie!

Sadie Grubor has always had an active imagination and creative streak. Having written stories and journal upon journal of soul exposure throughout her years, it still comes as a surprise when people actual want to read and enjoy her work.
A self-proclaimed, foul-mouthed, book nerd, who loves reading genres ranging from Young Adult to Horror to Erotica, she embraces her Computer Geekdom through the Internet. You can find her on FaceBook, Twitter - @SadieGrubor, and her website - http://www.sadiegrubor.webs.com
Sadie Grubor is the adult-alter author of Young Adult Writer, Saewod Tice.

So Let's hear what Sadie had to say in answer to our questions:

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
I didn't really realize I wanted to be a writer. I can honestly say it just happened. I've always enjoyed writing. Growing up I kept journals documenting my thoughts and feelings, small stories, poems, and doodles. It sort of morphed into writing stories for kids, for my kids. Then I started to want more from stories I read, or got ideas, and began to write.

How long does it take you to write a book?
It depends on the time I have on my hands and inspiration. I've written a book in a week and I have others that I've been working on for a couple years.

What do you think makes a great story?
This is something that differs for just about everyone – according to their taste. But I truly believe that, no matter the genre, you have to write something that makes you feel. Whether it's desire, romance, sadness, horror, if you feel it when you write it, then it will come across to the reader in your work.

What is your work schedule like when you're writing?
Since I'm the mother of two, full time day job working, wife to one handsome geek, my schedule is erratic and crazy. I try to sit down and allot time for writing, but this doesn't usually work out.

How do you balance family and writing?
As for how to balance, I'm not so sure I have balancing down yet. The writing time does suffer and often lose. Family comes first. My kids and husband mean the world to me. My writing is typically done late in the evening/night.

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?
The internet is my largest tool. Google provides me such an extensive pool of information to research.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?
That people would actually enjoy reading them. Like really, really like my books and be interested enough to want to read more of them. I'm still surprised when someone reaches out to tell me how much they enjoyed the book and want more. It's extremely flattering and fulfilling.

How many books have you written? Which is your favourite?
Written and published works would be four. Under author name Saewod Tice, I released a Young Adult post apocalyptic book titled Amongst the Ruins. This was my first published work. Second, came Live-In Position by VS Tice. This is a romantic chick-lit style book that was published before my Sadie Grubor personal was fully developed. Then came the self published books, Falling Stars & Stellar Evolution under Sadie Grubor. I have multiple completed books which are with BETA readers, proofers, and/or editors. On top of those, I have a few unfinished manuscripts that I'm still working through the development.

Are your characters based on anyone you know?
I do draw inspiration from people around me. Though, I've never truly had one character replicate someone I know.

Do you have a favourite place you love to write?
Wherever I can focus and listen to my music. Music is a big inspirational piece for me.

How hard is it to get published?
Being published is not a simple task in any regard. I got extremely lucky with my first book and was picked up really quickly; however, I've got a large file full of rejection letters from publishers. It takes time, dedication, a thick skin, and a willingness to take advice and feedback. Even self publishing is a challenging task. You have only yourself to rely on and only you to take the heat for negative responses.

What do your family and friends think about your books?
I'm thankful to have amazing friends and family. They are one hundred percent supportive of everything I do. They also harass me frequently for the next book and such.

What do you like to do when you are not writing?
I'm an avid horror flick watching woman. And I have a penchant for horrible B films. Heck even C & D films. LOL Netflix, Hulu and I seem to have a special understanding. Reading, of course, is a huge part of my life. Romance, Science fiction, Horror, Erotica, I'll pretty much give anything a shot as long as the writing is good.

Do you have any suggestions to help aspiring writers better themselves and their craft?
If so, what are they? You will be constantly learning. Grow a thick skin, and stay open to the criticism and critique. Learn from your mistakes. These are the biggest things I've learned.

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
Wonder Woman. Then it was the Phoenix from Xmen. Yeah, so I had a bit of a nerdy comic book childhood.

What are your favourite books and which authors inspire you?
Asking me to list my favorite books is like asking me to pick my favorite kid. (LOL) Short List of Authors (this too is painful): Stephen King (twisted scares are amazing) Lisa Kleypas (she gives good regency) RL Mathewson (take care of yourself girl!) Alice Clayton (her humor is the best) Richard Laymon (gory horror and taboo horror at its finest) Kristen Ashley (for so many wonderful reasons) Truly there are so many that I could go on and on and on – and ON.

For an aspiring writer what do you feel are certain do's and don’ts for getting their material published? DO listen to critiques. DON’T let criticism get to you. I've seen many authors fall into the trap of reacting to bad reviews or comments. This will get you put on a do not read list so fast, regardless if the bad reviewer or criticizer was originally in the wrong. The trick is to either ignore the criticism all together by not reading them. Or, if you're skin is thick enough and you can restrain from lashing out, read and see if you can learn anything from them. Or at least get a good laugh from them. DO stand by your work. DON'T let a publisher or editor change the core of your story. This actually almost happened to me with Falling Stars. The publisher that originally had this manuscript wanted me to change Christopher to make him more likable. They also wanted me to cut the story so that Chris and Mia were together faster. We went back and forth with FS and it was pushed back a couple times. I was lucky enough to have the story released back to me, so I could publish it myself.

What are you working on now?
I'm working on the next Falling Stars novel: Hidden in the Stars. This tale will follow Jackson after Stellar Evolution. I won't say too much, just in case you haven't read the follow-up novella. This is in the writing phase, though I will say that I've been distracted with ideas for the possibility of another story to follow Jacksons. There are also two more manuscripts with editors, proofers and BETA readers. My editor has my marriage of convenience book in her hands – the Modern Arrangement series. She has book one out of the three. Then I have another book with a BETA and proof reader. I'm planning on a busy 2013.

Thanks so much for stopping by today, Sadie! It was great to have you here!

You can find Sadie's other works HERE: