Welcome Sara Fitzgerald

Today I am interviewing a lady I've known for several years - Sara Fitzgerald. She will be giving away a free PRINT book "Saving Savanna". To enter the contest, please leave a comment on this blog with your name and email addy for her to contact you.


Sara, tell us a little about yourself.

I have been married for twenty years to a wonderful man.  We have a beautiful little girl, who we consider to be our own miracle, named Savanna.  Yes I named one of the main characters in the book, Savanna:)  My daughter was so excited to see her name on the front cover.  I was named Writer of the Year by the League of Utah Writers in 2006.  I love spending time with family and friends.  I love going to the movies, reading, watching TV with my husband, and walking our dog.

Tell us about your new release, "Saving Savanna".

I am not sure what inspired me to write this book. It sort just came to me..
Devan can’t help but blame God for his wife’s death, so the last thing he wants to do this holiday season is celebrate.  But when his daughter, Savanna, makes a special Christmas wish, their little family will never be the same.  Filled with faith and tenderness, this heartwarming story is sure to remind you of the real power behind the magic of Christmas.“A story of shattered faith touchingly restored by a little child and a reminder that, through the Atonement, love surpasses even the grave.  Sara Fitzgerald’s Saving Savanna will bring tender tears to your eyes.”  Joyce DiPastena, author of Dangerous Favor

Have you fashioned your characters after anyone? If so, who and why?

Yes the five-year-old girl, I used my six-year-old daughter traits..  And the main character, Devan is a lot like my husband.  It was easy to write about people I loved.

How did you become a writer? What - or who - inspired you?

I always wrote every since I was a child.  I was extremely shy and writing gave me a way to express myself and live outside of myself.  If that makes sense.

How can your readers get in touch with you?

www.Sarafitzgerald.com

http://Savingsavanna.blogspot.com

www.facebook.comsavingsavannafitzgerald 

Here's an excerpt from "Saving Savanna"...

The wind whistled down the avenues that cold December night as Devan Smith trudged across the murky, slush-filled street with his little girl, Savanna, by his side. The street’s curbs were covered with dirty piles of snow from yesterday’s storm. The blackened snow reminded him of how dark his soul felt without Vivian.

“Look, Daddy,” Savanna said, tugging on his sleeve. “Look at all those shining lights. Mommy would love to see them. Do you think she can?”

Devan glanced down at her tiny face dominated by big, innocent eyes that were the same shade of blue as her mother’s. He paused for a moment, deciding what to tell her. She looked at him with such divine trust, a trust unlike any he had ever experienced, except the trust his wife had in him. He had failed Vivian.

“Daddy? Can Mommy see the lights?”

He bit his lower lip and stooped by her. He fought back the lump forming in his throat. He wished that she would stop talking about Mommy. Each time, no matter how much he thought he was prepared for the subject, the pain threatened to destroy his soul.

He inhaled deeply and then slowly exhaled. Fog circled around Savanna’s head; for a split second she looked like an angel as the cold from his breath danced around her brown curls. She was waiting for him to tell her everything was going to be all right, that Mommy was in heaven looking down at them, but how could he? He no longer believed in heaven and hell. No loving God would have allowed what had happened to Vivian to take place. Devan couldn’t let Savanna become disillusioned.

Savanna placed her arms around his neck. “Grandpa says she’s in heaven watching out for us.”

He swallowed and then changed the subject. “We’d better go shopping, or else we won’t be done before Christmas. We only have three days left until Santa comes down our chimney. What do you want him to bring you?”

“There’s only one thing I want from him,” she whispered, leaning toward him.

He forced a smile. “And what’s that?”

“I want Mommy back.”

Tears blurred his vision. He wanted her mommy back too, more than anything in the world, but not even Santa Claus could do that. Vivian was dead, buried in a cold cemetery with only the snowfall as her blanket against the blanket against the storms of winter.

To buy from Kindle click here

To buy from Cedar Fort click here
To buy from Books and Things click here

Thanks Marie so much for hosting me on your blog.  I so appreciate.  I have been a huge fan of yours from day one.  You are amazing writer and beautiful person.

Best wishes with all of your writing and success.