How aware are you of autism?

Today I'm delighted to welcome author Sara Fitzgerald to my blog. She was named Writer of the Year

by the League of Utah Writers in 2006, and has written four romance novels and two young adult paranormal novels; plus two Christmas stories, A Miracle for Ann (click here for my review) and Saving Savanna. She lives with her husband and daughter in the Rocky Mountains. She enjoys spending time with her family.

Sara's website is sarafitzgeraldbooks.com

and you can find all her books, listed below, on Amazon.com https://www.amazon.com/Sara-Fitzgerald/e/B0034RK19Q

Saving Savanna
Mine for Keeps
Just What the Doctor Ordered
Yesterday’s Wish
Anything for Charity
Darkness Within
Magic Within

So... welcome Sarah and thank you for visiting my blog. I'd like to start by asking about your latest book, A Miracle for Ann. I've just read and reviewed it, and I'd love to know inspired it...

I wrote A Miracle for Ann because of my daughter. Savanna has autism. When she was first diagnosed, private insurance did not cover treatment for autism. My husband and I struggled to pay for the expensive treatments she needed. We had many miracles from God to help us along this journey.

Several members of my family also have diagnoses on the spectrum. It's that connection that made me want to invite you to my blog. So please tell me more.

I got involved in helping get the “autism” bill passed so private insurances now cover autism. We were blessed to have my daughter attend Pingree as a toddler and now Spectrum Academy.

Savanna is our miracle child. We prayed for her every day for seven years. She has blessed our lives with so much love and joy. I dedicated this story to my husband, Russ, and Savanna.

I think some of the best stories are written from the truth you know. Although A Miracle for Ann is fictional, the emotions are real. I hope you enjoy reading this story, and wish you happy holidays this year.

I've just finished reading a Miracle for Ann and I really enjoyed it. My relatives have benefited greatly from receiving appropriate help with their diagnoses, and it's great that you've been able to help with change. Thank you!

So, returning to the writing. You said A Miracle for Ann is fiction (which often allows so much more to be conveyed than memoir). But do you have any unusual writing habits as you create your fiction?

I have a brand new writing office that is beautiful, but I still prefer to write in my bedroom.

Hmmm. My bedroom is definitely NOT conducive to writing! What are you working on now?

I am working on a full length novel about a woman who has a mental illness; with the Lord’s help she overcomes the darkness that surrounds her soul.

Another seriously important topic; I sense a theme.

Do you have any advice for new authors?

Don’t listen to all the negative noise. Write because you love it. Write what you know.

That's excellent advice. And what is the best advice you have ever heard?

Follow your bliss

Hurray! What are you reading now?

I am reading with my daughter Mistress of all Evil.

I've not read that. But I go into bookstores (or log onto Amazon) and realize there are so so many books I've not read. Yours are certainly going onto my to-read list Sara, and thank you so much for visiting my blog.

Thank you so much for having me on your blog.