Tell us about yourself.:
My name is Sarah Alserhaid, debunking reality and challenging (and scientific) norms is what I do every day. As a biochemist by trade and a lifelong storyteller by nature, working in innovative scientific research gives me an eclectic way of viewing the world and all of its hidden mysteries and possibilities.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?:
I grew up in Saudi Arabia in. a multicultural family. One aspect that is resonated in my book is the feeling of fitting in while not truly feeling like you belong. Growing up, I could fit in to each of the Saudi or American category easily while feeling like I was always an outsider.
This sentiment is something I bring to the book, Etched in Stone, in a subtle way since this feeling tends to linger in the background, quietly, shyly impeding on life.
While this may sound daunting, I wouldn't have it any other way. I am proud of my background and experiences and often view myself as having the best of both worlds.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I'm not sure if it is considered unusual but I like to think of stories and write up things that challenge me and are from a perspective I don't understand.
I'll try to learn about a situation and understand how it makes sense to others before thinking of how that shift can be put into words.
Odd and difficult questions tend to be the fun ice breakers I go for.
What authors have influenced you?
I grew up in Saudi Arabia in. a multicultural family. One aspect that is resonated in my book is the feeling of fitting in while not truly feeling like you belong. Growing up, I could fit in to each of the Saudi or American category easily while feeling like I was always an outsider.
This sentiment is something I bring to the book, Etched in Stone, in a subtle way since this feeling tends to linger in the background, quietly, shyly impeding on life.
While this may sound daunting, I wouldn't have it any other way. I am proud of my background and experiences and often view myself as having the best of both worlds.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Find what works for you, and keep doing it. There are so many ways to do any particular thing, so finding a way to do it authentically and genuinely is the best advice I could give.
What is the best advice you have ever been given?
As hard as it is, stepping out of one's comfort zone is the very first step to reaching one's goals. I've also found that doing this slowly and one step at a time is the safe way to breaking those self-limiting beliefs.
What are you reading now?
Currently, I am working on The Cruel Prince. I somehow read the second book before the first and am taking a step back before reading the third installment in the series.
What’s your biggest weakness?
Perfectionism. While that may seem odd, it truly is. As a scientist, I work with many moving gears and there are times I stop, waiting for things to be perfect rather than improving with every step. I work on this everyday and the goal is finally say goodbye to being perfect and being ok with good enough.
What is your favorite book of all time?
I don't tend to choose favorites but one book I always recommend and will always happily talk about is Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None.
When you’re not writing, how do you like to spend your time?
I enjoy baking as a cathartic experience and spread my treats to everyone around me. I often make anything I do an educational process so even baking is something I enjoy experimenting with and teaching my daughter.
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
I grew up being read books and don't fully remember not having a story being talked about.
Stellaluna was a book I loved as a child. My favorite book for my father to read was Millions of Cats. In first grade I read short animal stories like Frog and Toad and worked up to Goosebumps, animorphs and the magic treehouse. My mother would read us the books written by Laura Inglas Wilder teaching us about the time and history.
he impact of books and stories, has been monumental. The creative process and allowing my imagination to run free while reading those books was something that felt real, it allowed me think that we can always have a little magic everyday.
What has inspired you and your writing style?
I like to think about the odd facts or unexpected sides to normal situations and think of them as though they are the norm.
This can lead to some awkward conversations but I will always test the waters before allowing my weirdness take over.
What are you working on now?
I am currently revising the sequel to Etched in Stone while outlining the third and last installment of the trilogy.
I am also working on adding more short stories to my website as a fun little addition and break.
What is your favorite method for promoting your work?
At my core, I am an introvert. So, promoting my book has been a challenge as I shy way from the spotlight. Yet, I won't walk away from a challenge so I am slowly stepping into the role to get my book out there to as many people as possible.
I will always talk about my characters and that takes the pressure off the process of promotions.
I speak to all my beta readers and reviews about the aspects of the book they liked and even some character flaws that were written to make them feel real to the reader. At the end of the day, I will happily talk about books and the stories they bring forth.
What’s next for you as a writer?
As a scientist working full-time, I work on maintaining the work-life balance or in this case, work-writing balance. I intend to keep publishing my stories and fully embrace the process.
How well do you work under pressure?
Having a deadline looming over me is sometimes the only thing that will help me accomplish any goal I have. The bigger the stakes, the faster I'll adapt to complete it.
How do you decide what tone to use with a particular piece of writing?
My writing style is a work in progress and I enjoy working with editors to uncover the many techniques available. For Etched in Stone, the POV and tone were primarily chosen based on the characters and narrator of the series.
If you could share one thing with your fans, what would that be?
The characters in my stories, books or shorts, are real to me. I talk to them, plan out their lives, defend them and apologize when things go wrong.
Sarah Alserhaid’s Author Websites and Profiles
Website
Amazon Profile
Goodreads Profile
BookBub Profile
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