Sarah Anne Sumpolec voluntarily hangs out with dozens of kids and teens on a regular basis, so it’s no surprise that she loves writing for those age groups. She is a multi-published author, snagging three nominations for Book of the Year as well as a second and third place finish. She has served as a judge for the Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book awards and for the ACFW Genesis contest, mentors teen writers through the Christian Writers Guild and loves to teach about writing at workshops across the country. Her background includes more than fifteen years training in the theater, which she credits for her deep understanding of character and motivation. She also happens to be a certified elementary teacher, so she has a broad background with children’s literature. Then there is her screenwriting background. She is an alumnus of Act One’s writing program so she also has a knack for dealing with structure and pacing. Overall, it sounds like Sarah just can’t make up her mind about her careers but it’s made her well-suited to helping novelists find their way with their stories.
List of books:
The Masquerade, Becoming Beka Book 1, Moody Publishers, ISBN: 0802464513
The Alliance, Becoming Beka Book 2, Moody Publishers, ISBN: 08024-6452-1
The Passage, Becoming Beka Book 3, Moody Publishers, ISBN: 08024-6453-x
The Reveal, Becoming Beka Book 4, Moody Publishers, ISBN: 08024-6454-8
The Encore, Becoming Beka Book 5, Moody Publishers, ISBN: 0802464580
Testimonials:
Sarah Sumpolec critiqued the first three chapters of my manuscript, Broken Glass. She was enthusiastic and encouraging– pointing out where I excelled as well as giving me helpful suggestions on story elements that still eluded me. I took her suggestions and reworked them into my chapters. This year, I entered that same first chapter in the ACFW Genesis contest and won third place! I’m so thankful for Sarah’s help.
Kasey Heinley
I met Sarah Sumpolec at the Sandy Cove Writers’ Conference in October 2001. When she decided to form a writers’ critique group, I was excited. Sarah’s style of critiquing has been a blessing to me. She tells me what is well written, and points out specific needs for improvement with suggestions on how to improve. When I want a critique that will tell me if my work is ready to submit to an editor, the first person I think of is Sarah.
Suzanne Krein
When it comes to YA, Sarah Sumpolec knows her stuff. And even better, she communicates it clearly in an energy-charged atmosphere. You can’t come away from one of Sarah’s workshops without capturing her love for young people and the importance of touching their lives. I can’t wait until the next opportunity to sit under her teaching.
Colleen Shine Phillips
