Interview with Author Sandy K. Quandt

Several years ago at Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference I met Author Sandy Quandt. Did I mention how much I love meeting people at conferences? And Sandy is one of my favorites! Enjoy getting to know her with the following author interview.

Tell readers a few things about yourself.

I’m a wife and mother of an adult son, inspirational writer, University of Central Florida grad, former elementary school educator, and follower of Jesus with a passion for history and travel, passions which often weave their way into my stories and articles.

I’ve written numerous articles and stories for publications including WOW-Women on Writing, Pockets, Sparkle, Standard, The Lookout, Power for Living, Kyria, Today’s Christian Woman, Alive! and Mature Years, plus online for Inspire a Fire and Christian Devotions. Many of my scripture puzzles appear in WORDaction Publishing’s Standard magazine. My devotions appear in Worthy Inspired’s compilations The Wonders of Nature and So God Made a Dog.

I was honored to receive an Honorable Mention and 9th Place in the Annual Writer’s Digest Writing Competition for my young adult writing, and First Place at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference for picture book, flash fiction, young adult, and middle grade entries.

Did you always want to write? Did you dream of being a writer/author when you were young?

I’ve always wanted to write. I began writing in elementary school penning poems, mysteries, and travel adventures. Although my life journey took me along many different paths, writing has always been a part of who I am.

What book or article are you currently working on or just released?

Currently, I’m shopping around three novels. My middle grade novel about the Tuskegee Airmen of WWII, a young adult historical set in 1918 during the end of WWI and the Spanish Influenza Pandemic, and a women’s historical set in the same time period. I’ve begun work on a series of books set on Army forts in Indian Territory in Kansas and Texas during the late 1800s. Twice-weekly I write encouraging devotions on my blog, Woven and Spun, along with gluten-free recipes.

What advice do you have for young writers?

The writing journey is hard. Study the craft, even if you already know it all. The industry changes constantly. Pray about every aspect of your writing before you set down to write. Realize God’s in control. Don’t try to write to the current fad. Instead, write what God places on your heart. Reach out to other writers along your journey for encouragement and to be an encourager.

Do you write in silence or with background noise/music?

I’ve tried writing with music in the background, but it doesn’t work for me. I wish it did because I love music. But I got very distracted and end up singing or humming along to the songs. Silence works best.

What do you want your readers to take away from your book/writing?

I want my readers to be drawn closer to God through the words I write. The words are his after all, right? I want them to find encouragement, no matter what they face whether through fiction or non-fiction, Devotions, articles, or stories. And above all, I want to glorify God with the gift he’s given.

Where do you get your inspiration to write?

History and Scripture mostly. Next my inspiration comes from the things I observe around me. People. Situations. Nature. I pray God open my eyes to see his hand in it all, asking him to show me what he wants me to learn and put in my writing that can encourage others.

Sandy Kirby Quandt is a freelance writer and follower of Jesus with a passion for history and travel. Passions that often weave their way into her stories and articles. Sandy has written numerous articles and stories for adult and children publications. Looking for words of encouragement or gluten-free recipes? Then check out her blog, Woven and Spun.

You can connect with Sandy on twitter and the web.

Check out tomorrow’s blog post here.

If you enjoyed Sandy’s interview, check out other author interviews.