Sandi Underwood, Guest Author of Middle Grade Fiction

Author Nancy Kelly Allen featured me in her latest blog-

Sunday, October 3, 2021

Sandi Underwood, Guest Author of Middle Grade Fiction

What an exciting day for me! The super-talented author of children’s books and adult novels, 

Sandi Underwood, is my guest.

NKA: Welcome, Sandi. You have exciting news—a new book. Congratulations! Tell us about it.

SU: Thank you, Nancy. It’s good to be a published writer again – especially after the past two years we’ve had! The writing industry, like everything else, was hit hard during the Pandemic, but my new book fits right in there as ‘stranger than strange.’

I received an email from a publisher on New Year’s Day 2020 offering a contract. Now here’s where the strange part comes in: I had only submitted a cover letter and the first three chapters of ON A SCALE OF ONE TO TEN, a coming-of-age story with sinister undertones. The editor provided a phone number and asked me to call at my convenience. Lucky me, it was convenient that very next day, and when I asked if she was sure she wanted my book (I don’t recommend that question to a would-be publisher under normal circumstances!), she gave an emphatic, “yes!”

Never one to be outdone, I argued that I had only submitted the first three chapters. She informed me it was exactly what she was looking for. To sum up, I wound up sending the remainder of the story, along with a signed contract. I doubt that will ever happen again; but if it were to, I will never argue with a Publisher over whether they made a mistake in offering a contract—especially in this topsy-turvy world of publishing that we have come to know.

NKA: This book is a story that touches our emotions on a deep level and is a story that needs to be told, and what a cover. It's beautiful. What gave you the idea for the characters and plot?

SU: I would be less than truthful if I said I had a clear-cut answer to that question. I started out writing a story based on an actual situation, but the final product took wings and veered slightly off-course. ON A SCALE OF ONE TO TEN is about the painful period of time known as adolescence—a time when insecurities and peer pressure rule the day. Drawing on my own experience as a ‘PK’ (Preacher’s Kid), I identified with my main character in thinking others were born with that proverbial ‘silver spoon’ in their mouths, while I had less…friends, opportunities…stuff. Of course, looking back I realize what a perfect childhood I had and, to be honest, I never missed out on much. In the book’s dedication, I acknowledge my loving home and parents for raising me in a safe environment. Not all children have that. Certainly not one character in my book!

NKA: You have other books, too. What are their titles and for what age groups are they written?

SU: I love all genres. I love to read them, and I love to write them. My first book was a children’s book, a Sci-fi Mystery of sorts about ‘shapeshifters’, of all things. THE SECRET AT ONE BELMONT LANE, was written for my second grandson. He was of the age that enjoyed all things weird and bizarre, and I wanted to write a book he would read.

Next book to be published was the first in The Baker Manor Series, BLOOD MONEY. It’s a paranormal romance-mystery that tells the story of a kindergarten teacher that led a happy life until she became an heiress of a vast fortune. After that, unexplained accidents and broken trusts turned her happy life upside down until that fatal night when she stared evil in the face. The Baker Series continues with books #2 and #3, unpublished as of yet.

My third book MOUNTAIN LAUREL, is the story of my parents’ first date, and the setting is pure Appalachia. I drew on family tales that were passed down from both Mom and Dad with the hopes of preserving them for my grandchildren. I enjoy reading this book over and over as it conjures up memories of hearing them for the first time.

NKA: You’ve been a busy gal. Any new books on the horizon?

SU: Book #2 of The Baker Manor Series is finished, and I’m smack-dab in the middle of the final one. I say that, but I’ve grown so familiar with the Baker family, I can’t bear to say goodbye to them. Who knows where that story will really end??? I also have a book, ON THE BANKS OF THE NOLICHUCKY, a fictional story about the young Davy Crockett that is under contract, but no publication date has been announced. And finally, I am playing with the idea of combining two unfinished manuscripts into one. That remains to be seen or, in this case, written.

NKA: I love your books. You use a wide variety of writing techniques in creating interesting characters and plots that amp up the tension in your stories and snag readers’ attention. Would you share a couple of writing tips with us?

SU: In a nutshell, when a new storyline pops into my head, I begin with my main character (MC) by asking myself: Who, What, Where, When & Why?

My MC needs someone to feed off. A love interest? A BFF? A stalker? Honestly, my mind goes immediately to the stalker because I like edge-of-seat mysteries. Once decided, I have two individuals that allow me to begin character sketches—one or two descriptive words to get started, but by the time I’m well into the story and added several more characters, these can turn into lengthy bios.
At this point, I carve out a rustic outline–sometimes just a beginning, a middle (a thought or two that will move the story forward), and an ending (not everything all tied up with a bow at this point, just whether the MC lives happily ever after…or not.

All this before I write the first paragraph, which is without a doubt the most re-written paragraph in the entire story. But that’s a whole separate blog post!

I truly think the reason I love writing adult fiction is due to something you once said: Chase your main characters up a tree and throw rocks at them. (I believe you were quoting someone else, so I acknowledge the fact you and I both are plagiarizing!) I get the most joy writing what I enjoy reading and when life becomes predictable and humdrum for my characters, it’s time to shake it up a bit. Plotting is a fun pasttime for me. I tend to create two or three different paths for each character and hang onto the one that interests me most. At that point, I become the reader. If I listed one bit of advice to a new writer it would be: Write what you enjoy reading.
 
NKA: Great advice. Keeping readers on the edge of their seats is what holds their attention from the first page through the last. I’m sure people would like to know where can we find your books? 

SU: My latest book, ON A SCALE OF ONE TO TEN, is available on Amazon at:
On A Scale Of One To Ten or as with any of my books, to get a signed copy, email me at www.sandiu.comcast.net or check out my website at www.sandiunderwood.net

NKA: Thanks, Sandi, for telling us about your books and giving us valuable writing tips by sharing your writing process. ON A SCALE OF ONE TO TEN is one of the best middle-grade books I’ve read, so I highly recommend it. I hope you visit again.

SU: Definitely!

Nancy Kelly Allen has written 50 children’s books and a cookbook, SPIRIT OF KENTUCKY. Check out her website at www.nancykellyallen.com

 

 

 

 After a scary pandemic and quite a long dry spell of zero blogging, I'm baaaaack! I, like every other writer I know, spent that time wondering if things would ever get back to normal. I am happy to announce my latest book, ON A SCALE OF ONE TO TEN, is available on Amazon and next week I will be interviewed by author Nancy Allen. I hope to post that interview here, so be on the lookout for juicy little details about my new book. But here's a sneak peak at the front & back covers.

 

I was a guest on Nancy Kelly Allen's blog this week to discuss my third book, MOUNTAIN LAUREL. Check it out at https://nancykellyallen.blogspot.com

January 21, 2019: Unto everything, there is a season…and just like that, this season became my writing harvest. After not writing last weekend, I spent a good deal of BIC this past week and churned out some good work. Recently someone told me they are interested in writing and really wanted to pursue it. I asked what stage is your manuscript? She replied, “Oh, I haven’t written anything yet, it’s all in my head.” I replied, “Then you are not a writer…you’re a thinker.” Folks, get it on paper. In any format. In any length. In any stage. Remember the first rule of writing: You need a beginning, a middle, and an end. Start with an outline and build from there. On book three of the Baker Manor Series, it’s in the roughest draft form--basically, three sentences. I have a beginning, a middle (barely) and an ending that consists of seven words. Even that early stage is an outline. It’s minimal, I agree, but I know how the story begins, where it will go, and the big mind-blowing, I didn’t see that coming, ending. All that in three sentences. By the time I finish it, the word count will be closer to eighty thousand, but by that simple outline, I have a manuscript in the making. Whatever works for you, whether it is recording the outline on your phone, jotting down a rough outline with pen and ink, or (like me) creating a Word document, begin with action, end each chapter with a cliff-hanger, and by the end of the story, tell the reader who-what-where-when-and-why. Then, you’ll be a writer!

January 14, 2019: Week two of hearing great reviews from Blood Money, and while I’m enjoying the praise, I’m also feeling the pressure of finishing book number two in the series. Will it deliver? Will people come away feeling book two wasn’t as good as the first? Which came first, the chicken or the egg? But then, I digress…sometimes just to stop fretting over the fact I spent almost the entire weekend NOT writing. So much depends on whether or not Alex and whoever move forward with their lives (and no, I’m NOT answering any of your questions!) while leaving my readers feeling pumped and wanting more. The pressure is real, folks; but I need to take my own advice: BIC and Write The @#$% Book! Here are some hints I hope helps me do just that. The rule of threes: Set aside some specific time each day/week. Be committed to work on a specific number of pages each session. Get the story on paper, revise later. With that in mind, “I hope To Be Half-finished By Friday.” That could be the title of a hit song. Hmmm…maybe I’ll add song writing to my repertoire. (I told you I digress…)

 January 8, 2019:

Happy New Year to all! After a long hiatus, I’m ready to jump back in to writing and revising. My second book, Blood Money, came out December 10^th and I’m hearing great reviews, which is wonderful--what every writer wants. One lady told me she loved every bit of my book except one section…and wouldn’t you know that one section is my least favorite, as well. It’s the bit on PTSD-which is a sad and sorrowful backstory for one of my characters. I struggled over including it, but in the end, I did as a nod to our Veterans who still struggle with PTSD. Sometimes, you just can’t sugarcoat. Sometimes, the truth just needs to be told. Another friend told me she was unhappy with the fiancé. I assured her so was I. I also told her I talked to him several times about his attitude, but didn’t get anywhere. I welcome all comments from my readers, good or bad, and enjoy discussing the writing process. Throwing words on paper doesn’t even begin to describe what is involved in creating a worthy story--worthy of someone’s time to read. Every word is weighed, every scenario is analyzed, and oftentimes, huge chunks never make it to the final revision. My publisher recently asked for a one-liner about Blood Money and after much consideration, I came up with the following: I try very hard to write stories I’m not ashamed for my grandchildren to read. I realize that quote won’t go down in history as profound or life changing, but it is important to me to tell a credible story, to write about real situations that people want to read, without compromising my ethics. There is still an audience who appreciates less graphic language that leaves something to the imagination. I strive to be that author.

November 26, 2018: The Book Signing of Christmas Past−As I approach my second book’s release date (BLOOD MONEY, TWRP) on December 10, 2018, I can only think back to my very first book signing last year for my very first book, and make a list and check it twice for future signings:

·        If outside, the temperature should be ABOVE freezing

·        Portable heaters should be present and nearby, as in under my feet

·        Free hot-chocolate should be plentiful

·        Cute Christmas costumes should include scarves, hats, gloves…and thermal underwear!

·        And last but not least, beg for a backup plan to move the venue inside if the snowflakes threaten

Weather in East Tennessee is unpredictable, to say the least, but wouldn’t you know on that long-anticipated day, the temperature dropped so low that vendors cancelled right and left at our local Christmas street festival. Even the Humane Society thought it too inhumane to bring promised pets for petting. Not me. I was riding a high on the thoughts of autographing my book, and I never considered for one minute that no one would come. Kudos to those few die-hard friends that did, and to one very special lady who drove hours just to support me--that was definitely the highlight of my first book signing; but alas, after three hours, my fingers grew so numb, I barely could sign my name−and those I did mirrored chicken-scratch. I was only too happy to call it quits. I cannot state it enough: book signings in “fowl” weather should be inside…even Santa was cold! www.sandiu.blogspot.com