OUR POETRY ARCHIVE
PRESENTS
FEATURED POET OF THE MONTH
AUTHOR, ARTIST AND
POET
SANDRA SASS
Our
Poetry Archive
Is
Pleased to Introduced
Sandra
Sass!!!
In
Her Own Words…
Introduction:
Sandra Sass an
Author, Artist, as well as a wonderful and talented poet. In this special
editorial edition, we will learn more about Sandra; including her achievements,
passions, and goals in her career as a writer and artist.
This is Deborah
Brooks Langford, from Our Poetry Archive’s, personal interview with Sandra:
Deborah: Sandy, what are some of your favorite genres to read and write about?
Sandra: I
am partial to reading paranormal and fantasy books. I write in the genre of
Adventure Fantasy.
Deborah: Sandy, what are the names of your published books?
Sandra: My
first book is called; Into the West, The
Seven of Power Volume I, by Sandra
J. Sass. The book can be found on Amazon and Lulu.” Into the West took nearly
a year to write, revise and edit before I felt happy with the way it flowed.
My second book is called, Southern Skies, the Seven of Power Volume II, by S. J. Sass. This book will be published, and will be
available on Amazon and Lulu in March 2016.
Deborah: Sandy, do you design all your own book covers,
since you are an artist and illustrator, or do you have someone else design
them? If you design them yourself; what is your inspiration?
Sandra: I
design my own book covers. I grew up telling stories to my brother and sisters;
the more elaborate and fantasy driven the better. I started writing some of my
stories down over the years, but never thought seriously of becoming a writer.
Then the worst thing happened; I was laid off from work and couldn’t find a
job. Instead of wallowing in misery, I decided I had to do something to keep
myself busy. I had a dream, which was actually about the second book, Southern Skies, and thought, “That would
make a great book!” so I began writing…It took me several days of stopping and
starting to realize I needed to start in a completely different direction.
Deborah: What was your greatest criticism that has been helpful or hurtful?
Sandra: I
grew up dyslexic, I can be a horrible speller and am brutal with grammar. My
sisters, God Love them, were tearing out their hair trying to explain the
differences. I finally told them “I write the book; editors edit it…” I was
also told I put in too much description, and it bogged down the story. These
criticisms helped tremendously, flowing into the second book and now into the
third book of the series.
Deborah: What is the greatest compliment you have received?
Sandra: The
fact that people really like what I have wrote, and are excited to read the
next books.
Deborah: When you sit down to write, do you do it the old-fashion way with pen
and paper, or do you use a computer?
Sandra: I use both actually. I always carry a notebook and
pen with me in case something pops into my head. I have awoken many a night
with an entire scene in my head and have to write it down or I will lose it.
But the majority of the writing is done on the computer.
Deborah: What do you
do when you are not writing?
Sandra: What do I do when I am not writing? I am working on
my art. I draw and paint a wide variety of things. In actuality I drew most of
the characters for my book before I started writing. New ones appeared as the
introduction to new characters happened as the story progressed.
Deborah: Compared to when you first started writing, have you noticed any big
changes in your writing style or how you write compared from then to now?
Sandra: Yes, there is a change in my writing style. I have to thank Deborah
Brooks Langford for this, she introduced me to her wonderful poetry group, and
it has opened new avenues to how I write. Also I know I have toned down the
description area that made it hard for others to read. I have to laugh, because
I just wanted others to see what I saw and took it a bit overboard.
Deborah: What do you look for in a book when you sit down to
read for fun?
Sandra: Debbie,
I want a book that has a great story line. One that makes me
think and gets me excited to turn the page. A story that can capture my
imagination, and suck me in; making me feel like I am a character too.
Deborah: What has been your favorite part about being an author?
Sandra: Having
people come up to me who have bought the book and ask me “what is going to
happen next?” and be so excited they PM or text wanting to ask questions. It is
so much fun.
Deborah: When you walk into a bookstore, where do you head to first? Why?
Sandra:
I usually head to the new release area. I like to check out what types of books
are coming out, and what genre they are in.
Deborah: Did
you get to quit your day job and become a writer and or author, or do you still
have a day job and writing is something you do for fun? If you still have a day
job, what is it?
Sandra: I
wasn’t working when I wrote my first book. I do still work part time in retail.
It gives me people time, otherwise I know I would become a hermit. Plus, it
still gives me time to work on my stories and my art.
Deborah: What has been the strangest thing a reader has asked or told you about
your books?
Sandra: If
I was really the person who wrote the book or not. Also, someone told me I had
a good imagination, but maybe I should use a ghost writer. Ouch.
Deborah: Besides writing and reading, what is you most favorite thing to do?
Sandra: Art,
gardening and hiking.
Deborah: We
all have our little things when it comes to reading, is there anything that
bugs you when you read a novel? What is it?
Sandra: I
think what bugs me the most is a bad story line. I want to be captured by the
end of page one or four. If the plot is boring and I can’t get into it; I just
put it away.
Deborah: What do you listen to when you write? Do you find one type of music
over another that inspires you to write? Why?
Sandra: I
don’t usually listen to anything when I write. I find it distracts me and I
have a hard time concentrating. I do listen to music, when I am not writing,
that I find fits certain situations that are going on in the book. I like movie
soundtracks. I listen to the Lord of the Ring soundtrack and alternative music;
it goes along with the mood of the story.
Deborah: What genre are you looking forward to exploring during your writing
career? Why?
Sandra: I
am looking forward to delving deeper into poetry. I like the fact you can say
so much with fewer words. It also brings emotion and feelings to the foreground
and the reader can become in tuned to what you are trying to convey.
Deborah: What
are you currently reading?
Sandra: Lol
I picked up ‘A Wrinkle in Time’ by Madeleine L’ Engle. It was one of the books
I liked to read to my students.
Deborah: Who are your favorite authors?
Sandra: I
love Christine Feehan, Sherlyn Kenyon, Kate O’Hearn, Rick Riordan, J K
Rowlings, Stephany Meyers, Veronica Roth, Lindsey Sands, Gina Showalter.
Deborah: Sandy, what 7 words would you use to describe yourself?
Sandra: Artistic,
creative, adventurous, giving, loyal, tenacious and loving.
Deborah: Sandy, Our Poetry Archive, and I, thank you for a great interview. Is
there anything else that you would like to share or say to those who will read
this interview?
Sandra: Yes, I do: “Don’t wait. If you have a dream,
follow it. If that dream is to write enjoy it to its fullest.”
Here is one of Sandy’s poems that won 5th place in a contest in LOVE
POETRY:
First Breath
When you awake
it is mine to take,
that first breath
savored as hearts elate.
The rhythm pounds as you sigh.
That first gentle kiss can make you cry.
Sweet and savory
as you rise,
To open you warm drowsy eyes.
Hands smooth and memorize
Her shape, his tone, forever locked.
She realized the power she shares with him.
As he grows steely hard, yet soft and velvet skinned.
He finds his pace
Linked as one,
As was intended
In the world of true love.
A place of heat
A place of drive,
A world where lust and desire collide.
Slowly the world comes back again.
As paradise lists away.
Within each other’s arms
Is where they want to stay.
Breath slows and mingle sweetly
to a place where they feel complete.
This is where the world makes sense
and love forever thrives darling Valentine.
Heartbeats slow.
They snuggle close,
To listens to the beat of hearts that thrive.
As they drift,
Eyes drift close,
Lips meet
to steal one last kiss,
and taste the sweetness
of their last waking breath…
Sandra
Sass @ 2-13-2016
The editorial
staff of this project: Deborah Brooks Langford, Stacia Lynn Reynolds ;
sincerely thank you for your time and hope we shall have your continued
support.
Our Poetry Archive
AND
Sandra Sass
Would Also Like to Share
Some of Her Art Work
To You, the Viewers
BOOKS OF SANDRA SASS
Bravo Sandy You are simply an awesome talented lady.. I am so honored to know you
ReplyDeleteThis last year has been so incredible. I have met so many wonderful people and incredible poets and authors. I am so honored to be a part of all of your worlds. God Bless.
ReplyDeleteYou are very incredible.. and a rising star.. so glad i met you when i did..
ReplyDeleteOh wow! I'm sorry it took so long to finally read this, but I'm glad I did! :) I learned a lot about you, Sandy, and I find it in my heart that we already know one another. I believe you are an awesome poet, and I'd love to one day read some of your other books as well. But ghost writer? lol, I know in my heart you do it yourself. Please continue your destiny, and never let that quill run out of ink. You are blessed! <3
ReplyDelete