Hello, and welcome to Sunday Speed Dates! Today I am pleased to welcome Sarah Vance-Tompkins.
Thanks for joining me, Sarah! Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
After receiving my MFA in Film Production from the University of Southern California, I
worked in feature film development for Lightstorm Entertainment, The Ladd Company and USA Films. Prior to film school, I wrote and produced radio and television commercials. Now I live in the northernmost corner of Los Angeles county with my husband (The Handsomest Man Alive) and three cats. I’m an active member of the RWA.
Wow, you’ve accomplished quite a bit! And yay for fellow RWA member. :)
Tell us a little about your latest project.
My debut YA contemporary romance novella, Kisses On A Paper Airplane, was published in May 2016 through Inkspell Publishing. It’s the story of a girl who wanted the perfect first kiss — and the pop star she dreamed would share it with her.
Aw, it sounds so sweet!
What’s your favorite place to travel to?
My favorite city in the world is London. I spent a semester there in college. I promised on the day I was leaving that I would return to the city the next summer. I still haven’t been back — but I’m hopeful I will go very soon.
Oh my, I completely understand I still have t come off my London High, and it’s been six months.
What does your family think of your writing?
My family is supportive most days. Sometimes they question my devotion to the romance genre. I think they wish I would write something with a bit of a mystery too. I’ve made no secret of my passion for Nancy Drew and Agatha Christie.
I’m with you, I enjoy mystery, but I don’t think I could ever write one of my own it takes a whole new level of creativity.
Are you a morning or night person?
I’m a morning person. I’m an optimist. Every sunrise is a new beginning of a world of endless possibilities.
How many books have you written?
I’ve written four manuscripts, and I’ve had one novella published. Currently, rejection is my new best friend. I’m trying to embrace it and learn as much as I can.
You are always so positive. Truly you are an inspiration. :)
Which is your favorite?
My favorite manuscript is always my work-in-progress. I think it’s because those characters are the ones currently living (and talking loudly) inside my brain.
What do you think most characterizes your writing?
The typical heroine I write is a bookworm who wear glasses, if not she’s a bit of a smarty pants. And she always has a well-developed sense of humor and an off-beat way of looking at the world around her.
Give us an insight into your main character. What does she do that is special?
The heroine of Kisses On A Paper Airplane is a nineteen year-old drama student named Hannah. She grew up in a small town in the Midwest and has gone off to London on an adventure. She’s brave about so many things in her life — but still lets her fear hold her back. It’s not until she meets a pop star in the airport who understand what she’s going through that she’s willing to take a risk and go after what she really wants — the perfect kiss.
I think we all have that one moment when we think “This is it, a fork in the road.” Taking that risk becomes the first step towards a new life. I love her already.
If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
Not one word. Some of the reviews I’ve had said the story is too short, but my motto is to “always leave my audience wanting more.”
And what a good motto that is!
How much research did you have to do for this particular book?
I did a bit of research about airports, but nothing too intensive. I checked out the bar menu in the first class lounge at Heathrow Airport, and made sure there was a spa with services that are mentioned in the book available.
The devil is in the details, they say.
Do you have any pets? (I love pictures!)
My husband and I say we are the “Brady Bunch” of cats. He had two cats when I met 
him, and I had one. Now that we are married and all living under one roof together we question the wisdom of being outnumbered by our feline companions. We are certain they are plotting against us.
What’s your favorite thing to do in the summer? Fall? Winter? Spring?
My favorite thing to do in the winter is to take the Santa Barbara Christmas Light Tour. The tour is conducted each night during the holiday season on the city-owned trolleys. They head out to view the neighborhoods that are decorated with lights in a convoy of six. They serve cookies and cider onboard as you’re moving from neighborhood to neighborhood with Christmas music blasting over the loudspeakers. And total strangers shout “Merry Christmas!” as the trolley convoy passes them in the streets. It always puts me in a good mood. We end the evening at our favorite seafood restaurant in Santa Barbara for a bowl of clam chowder to warm up.
Oh my, that sounds like so much fun!
What is one hidden talent people may not know about you?
When I was younger I was a competitive figure skater. I wasn’t talented, but I had a lot of fun doing it.
I’m impressed. I can barely walk straight, much less skate on ice!
What is the best advice you’ve received as a writer?
Keep writing. No matter what happens. It’s the only way you will improve is by practicing your craft.
Absolutely! Such an important message.
Tell us a little about what your next project will be.
I wrote a New Adult Fantasy manuscript two years ago that I recently decided to rewrite and develop as a series in the Young Adult genre. This is a task that was easier said than done. I just finished the most recent rewrite and it is out for critique and feedback. I hope to have it finished to submit by January 2017. That’s my next step — submitting a new manuscript to publishers and agents — one I am proud to take.
That’s a huge step. Kudos to you for getting it out there!
Where can we find out more about you and what you write?
I blog regularly on my website
Please follow me on Twitter and you can also find me on Instagram.
You can get a copy of Kisses on a Paper Airplane here.
Thanks so much for stopping by, Sarah, I’ve had a wonderful time chatting with you. I can’t wait to here how everything goes with your new project!