Interview of Reader Sarah K. Ballew

Today it's my pleasure to interview one of our wonderful readers, Sarah K. Ballew! We love to read about those who enjoy romance books!

Photo: Sarah's son Colton (apparently using the phone and someone's glasses)! Cute!


BIO:
I was born in Lindsay, OK, many moons ago as a poor redneck girl. I grew up trying to overcome the middle child syndrome and keep from having the “Good Girl” sign attached to my forehead, but somehow it stuck. I moved around OK and TX throughout the younger years, settling in Tulsa, OK, to finish up High School. I tried out many colleges until I settled on a small liberal arts college in central KY to finally receive confirmation that I knew something.

My freeloading self followed the parental units to central FL for room and board, because I hadn’t sucked enough money out of them yet. I had every intention of finding my way back to OK, but fate found me first and I met my super terrific husband and landed my “super terrific” paper pushing analytical job.

I now live in a lovely coastal city in central FL with a 2-yr-old son, a 6-yr-old rat terrier, a cat of undetermined (ancient) age and a soon-to-be ___ yr-old husband (he might read this and take away my reading privileges if he sees I posted his age) on 2 ½ acres of land that requires lots of attention along with our older home (not “historical”) that requires even more loving attention.

Q: What type of genre do you enjoy the most and why?
A: I love historical fiction the most – takes me away from reality and allows me to see life of the history I have always loved. The ones that make me laugh while solving a mystery are the best.

Q: What inspired you to read romance books?
A: I was a typical young girl trying to figure out what life was all about. I started reading Judy Blume books for the younger kids. Someone in school had “Forever”, which lead me in search of more of her work and I found “Wifey”. I then found my mom’s stash of Harlequin novellas & novels and was hooked from then on. I have read all the classics by Rosemary Rogers, Kathleen Woodiwiss and Janet Daily.

Q: Besides those of us at “Romance Books R Us”, who are your favorite authors?
A: Growing up I would say Janet Daily was my favorite until I found the world of the
Internet and realized how many authors there actually are (Although she still holds a place in my beginners heart). I now love many authors:
Katie MacAclister - especially her Dragon series
Stephanie Laurens -Cynster and Bastion Club series
Stephanie Rowe - Vampire Series
Bertrice Small – any and all of her books
Samantha Kane – Brothers in Arms
This list could go on as I research and join more groups like RBRU.

Q: What is your all-time favorite romance book? Why?
A: “Shanna” by Kathleen Woodiwiss is my all-time favorite. I have reread this book so many times. I never get tired of it. I think the shear determination of Ruark to be with Shanna and win her over on his terms is what captures my attention.

Q: When do you read and do you have “comfort food” as you read?
A: I read mostly at night once my 2-year-old has gone to bed. I don’t like to eat when I read. Too much distraction. Also I don’t like messy fingers on my books or laptop. The idea for me is to escape reality when I can, so I think food would be like the penny for Christopher Reeve in “Somewhere in Time” and take me away from paradise.
(Sarah - great comparison!)

Q: Do you enter contests? What type of items do you enjoy getting if you win?
A: I love entering contests. It is a way of finding out more about the author and other authors. LOVE getting Books but would love to get an eReader someday!

Q: Do you read blurbs and excerpts? Which one is most important in your decision to buy a book and why?
A: Yes I read the blurbs and excerpts. I think the blurbs are the most important. They determine if I am going to spend my limited time reading an excerpt and then the except determines if I am going to spend my money on a book. Both are very important, but the blurb is the first step for me. Sort of like a first impression of meeting someone helps you to determine if you want to spend more time with them.

Anything else you’d like to add?
I have had a wonderfully insightful time while doing this interview. It has brought back great memories for me. I know there are a multitude of excited readers out there that know nothing of your group and I hope I can help spread the word. Keep up the good work.

Thank you for your kind words, Sarah!