Meet author Sarah Hamaker

Sarah Hamaker has romantic suspense novels and nonfiction books published as well as stories in Chicken Soup for the Soul volumes. She’s a member of ACFW; ACFW Virginia Chapter, and Faith, Hope and Love, as well as the president of Capital Christian Writers Fellowship. Her podcast, “The Romantic Side of Suspense,” can be found wherever you listen to podcasts. Sarah lives in Virginia with her husband, four children, and three cats.

Tell us about your newest book.

After nine years searching for his missing sister, attorney Henderson Parker uncovers a clue that leads him to Twin Oaks, Virginia—and podcaster Elle Updike investigating the case. Partnering with the journalist is the last thing Henderson wants, until mysterious thugs make multiple attacks on both their lives. Now they’ll have to trust each other…before the suspected kidnappers make them disappear for good.

What inspired you to write Vanished Without a Trace?

I’m not sure where the idea of an investigator podcaster helping a brother find his missing sister originated in my mind—sometimes, these stories just appear as a glimmer, and as I begin to think about the characters and start writing, the story takes form.

How would you describe this book to someone in a 30-second blurb?

A missing person case. A new clue. And a fight for survival.

What genre do you focus on?

Romantic suspense is my favorite genre to write because I love the blending of the mystery to solve (who’s trying to hurt/kill the hero and/or heroine?) with falling in love. I like to describe it to readers as “The hero and heroine fall in love while running for their lives.”

Why do you write?

I couldn’t not write. I’ve been writing in some form or another all my life. I still have my scribblings from my elementary and teen years (my kids got a kick out of reading those stories and half-completed manuscripts), and I have nearly a dozen novel rough drafts on my computer that I may or may not ever revise. Writing is my happy place. I love creating characters who grow and struggle and overcome danger and come out of it with love and a strengthened faith.

What is your work schedule like when you’re writing a book?

About two years ago, I realized I was leaving my writing time to the “leftovers” of my day. I’d start my day with checking email, and then the other things on my to-do list. Not surprisingly, at the end of the day, I would be too tired to write or had run out of time to write. So I switched things up. Now I get up a half hour early, so I can exercise, eat and dress for the day before booting up my computer to write for at least 45 minutes. That has been a game-changer for getting words on the page, since I don’t check email or anything else during that dedicated writing time.

What’s the best part of your author’s life?

Seeing my name on the cover of a book. That makes me so happy! Also, talking to or hearing from readers. I love to read reviews from happy readers who loved what I wrote. Talking to readers at in-person events is always fun too.

What’s one unusual fact about you?

When I was a teenager, my parents began taking in foster kids. A few years ago, my husband and I became foster parents ourselves. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do because I saw how great the need was as a teenager and young adult. Fostering isn’t easy but being a foster parent has stretched and grown me in ways I could not have imagined.

What is your favorite pastime?

Probably like most writers, I love to read! Favorite genres include Christian romantic suspense, World War I-era historical fiction, and a smattering of nonfiction (whatever catches my attention). I also enjoy listening to audio books, both classic British mysteries (can’t get enough of Agatha Christie!) and contemporary mysteries and suspense. My teenagers gave me a subscription to BritBox streaming service for Christmas, so I’ve enjoyed watching my favorite British crime shows while knitting. Current knitting projects include an afghan for my high school senior to take to college and bookmarks for reader giveaways.

Do you have other books?

We’d love to know. Yes! My romantic suspense books include Dangerous Christmas Memories (Love Inspired Suspense), Mistletoe & Murder, Illusion of Love and Protecting Her witness. I’ve also written two nonfiction books, Hired@Home (about working from home) and Ending Sibling Rivalry (about how to help your children learn conflict management).

Website: sarahhamakerfiction.com

Link to book:

Social media links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorsarahhamaker
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-hamaker-7295a01/

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/sarah-hamaker

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1804799.Sarah_Hamaker

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B002TIARBS

Twitter: @sarah_hamaker