Utica Writers Club - Interview

Hello, everyone. As some of you know, I’m the co-vice president of the Utica Writers Club. I am going to do a mini-series of interviews with my other club members. First off, we have Sarah Warring. Hey, Sarah. What is your role in the Utica Writers Club?

Sarah: Right now I am club secretary. However, I have also done my part as the treasurer.

Kissed by Literature: Which do you like best?

Sarah: Secretary probably.

KbL: What does that position entail?

Sarah: I take notes and then send them on to the President. I also am part of voting and other decisions.

KbL: How long have you been a member of the Utica Writers Club?

Sarah: Just under 6 years.

KbL: How did you find out about the club?

Sarah: I don't remember. I used to work with a member. Also a good friend of mine Joe, who used to be an active member, joined at the same time.

KbL: What’s your favorite part of the Utica Writers Club?

Sarah: Probably being around like minded people. They are very helpful when I actually bring something, but I have made good friends within the group.

KbL: What kind of stuff do you write?

Sarah: I write mostly fantasy fiction. Although, I will try almost any kind of writing.

KbL: Do you have a favorite story you’ve written?

Sarah: Well I have been writing a novel, Rayven's Fire, for over 10 years. I go back and forth with it, but it has always been my baby.

KbL: Any interesting club memories?

Sarah: Meeting local and famous authors. Being a contest judge is always interesting as well. *wink*

KbL: What is your favorite reading spot?

Sarah: My bed and some random spots in the local libraries.

KbL: What about a favorite writing spot?

Sarah: I can't be too comfy unless my muse is visiting.

KbL: Biggest writing blunder? Guilty reading pleasures?

Sarah: Most of my blunders are some cruddy poems in my youth.

KbL: Any weird writing rituals?

Sarah: I don't know if my rituals are weird, but I have to have some music on headphones. That way I can focus completely.

KbL: What about any guilty reading pleasures?

Sarah: Guilty pleasures are either some of the Chicken Soup books or fairy tales.

Thank you, Sarah! If anyone would like to ask her a question, I can pass it on and she’ll answer it here.

New Wrist Warmers

I knitted a pair of wrist warmers for my critique partner. I followed the pattern I created for the last pair, but made the ribbing longer. I also used a thinner yarn to make them tighter.

SURPRISED BY OXFORD

I received a copy of SURPRISED BY OXFORD: A MEMOIR by Carolyn Weber
from Thomas Nelson, via BookSneeze. I was originally enchanted by the
cover, depicting historical architecture at Oxford, but once I started
reading, I was enthralled. While I read, I kept forgetting it was a
true story. As Marilyn Meberg states on the back cover, it really does
read like a novel. The fact that it is a memoir makes it all the more
delicious.

The memoir begins with a touching prologue, that clings to the mind
long after the book is closed. She had a wonderful professor who
helped her a great deal, only to die at the end of the semester. This
prologue brought tears to my eyes.

After that, the book jumps between her life at Oxford University and
her life growing up. The writing is smooth and the dialogue is
fascinating. For example, on page 15, the driver says, “I havena idear
you’re talikin’ aboot.” I could hear it perfectly in my mind, making
the experience all the more real.

She also mentions the Irish pop band U2. I’d never listened to them
before, but after hearing her explain their insightful lyrics, I looked
them up online.

I found her experiences with God touching and enlightening. Her
experiences cling to my memory bank even now that I’ve shut the book.
This memoir will appeal to anyone looking for an enjoyable read, and
especially someone who enjoys spiritual journeys.