Author Spotlight: Sara Petrie
- Apr 13
- 5 min read
Join us for an exclusive interview with romantasy author Sara Petrie, writer of the First Living High Nymph Trilogy!
About Sara
When did you first start writing?
Even before I could spell the alphabet, I would doodle and tell anyone who wanted to hear the fantastic tales I'd spun. It took me another forty years to truly dedicated myself to writing a full fledged book.
When did you know you wanted to be an author?
It was the story of the First Living High Nymph that just wouldn't let go of me, and drew me straight into authoring :). After I got my debut Electrifying Awakening published, I was hooked.
Was there any author or book in particular that inspired you to write? Or a teacher/mentor?
My father was and forever will be the inspiration behind all my dreams. Author Jean Auell (Earth's Children) awakened my passion for a well crafted story.
What does literary success look like to you?
If I can reach a reader and make them smile, feel seen or inspired, I'm one happy cookie. To me, success isn't in numbers, but in the connections and fulfillment that stem from the books I write. So whether it's one or a thousand happy readers, I'll be genuinely thrilled. The latter sure would be nice though, let's be honest :)
What do you do besides writing? Hobbies, passions, work, etc.
A busy bee in nature, I love running a bustling family of five, my coaching business and the Wild Kids Foundation. A day does not go by without something being baked, crafted and read in our home. The little food garden all around our house is my pride and I love cooking with fruits and veggies that grow there!
What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?
Britt van den Elzen and Dani Torcasio. The first by sharing epic book fair energy and ideas and the latter by ruthlessly though lovingly pointing out any flaws in my WIPs. I learned so much from her and will forever be grateful 🥰
Besides those two, there's a whole community of authors that are genuine in their endeavors to help each other grow. It means so much to me, I get to be a small part of that.
If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
Don't start with a freakin' trilogy, you nitwit 🤣. No seriously, I wouldn't have it any other way, because this story was just dying to get out. But writing the whole epic tale hasn't been without its difficulties.
As a writer, what would you choose as your mascot/avatar/spirit animal?
An unicorn, without a doubt! Believe in the unbelievable 🦄
About Sara's Writing
What inspires you to write the most?
Bringing joy and inspiration in a stress filled world
What is your favorite thing about writing?
Escaping hectic life in general and roaming free in the marvelous corners of my slightly unhinged mind 😄
What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?
It used to be: fitting it in an already packed and fulfilling life. But as of March 2025 I temporarily halted all other business endeavors, to create space of mind and schedule for writing. I've done this last year to publish my debut and prolonged the time frame this time around. Until 2026, I'm a full-time romantasy author, y'all [screams excitedly]
About Sara's Books
How many books have you written?
2
What are they called? Where can they be found/bought?
Electrifying Awakening and Binding the Five, you can find them on Amazon, your kindle, bol.com, some Dutch bookstores (ask for them!) and through DM if you want to order a special edition or signed copy.
How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have?
Part 3 of the First Living High Nymph trilogy ~ Soaring High [release scheduled Fall 2025]
The Rushing Wings of Dawn
Do you want each book to stand on its own, or are you trying to build a body of work with connections between each book?
The trilogy books are obviously connected and maybe more books will build upon that world.
Others are a stand-alone!
About Publishing
Why did you decide to self-publish?
This story was so close to my heart, I wanted it to follow its natural course. Also, I didn't go in for the big numbers, so I didn't want the hassle of going trad.
How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
How did it not, would be the better question! I've learned so much and became even more passionate about delivering the best version of the story. My editor (Dani Torcasio), my Alpha team and proof reader truly lifted me and my writing to another level.
What is the hardest challenge as an independently published author?
You have to do everything by yourself, while -in my case- unable to lower a standard 😅. This means hundreds of hours go into learning, finetuning and upgrading all skills that are required to deliver a book you're satisfied with.
Also, this far in, I truly would love to become a full-time author, which means I need to be noticed by a larger audience. Which kind of clashes with my wish to personally connect with everyone 🥲
Other Books
Who is your favorite author now? What is it you like about them?
I enjoy reading a lot of authors, each bringing their own unique brand and voice. Jaymin Eve, G. Bailey, Raven Kennedy, Alex Lidell, or Meg Xuemei X are some of my favs 😍
Do you have any favorite books you recommend right now?
Curse of the Gods by Jaymin Eve and Jane Washington is the first why choose I read that got me hooked on the trope! If you haven't read the series, and like (or would like to try) r.h., treat yourself and dive in!
What’s your favorite under-appreciated novel?
I don't have one in specific, but I'd like to encourage everyone to search for Indies you like and try out their ebooks, if you can. Like it? Rate it! Get their numbers AND their spirits up 🫶🏽
What is your favorite childhood book?
All fairytales I could get my hands on and I think I devoured peter pan the most ☺️
Readers & Advice
Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want?
I try to... write what *I* love. I don't think about it, just give room to the story that occupies my entire being 💜
How do you balance making demands on the reader with taking care of the reader?
Not sure I understand the question. In all my interactions, I press reading should bring joy not stress, when a reader indicates they aren't a fast paced reader. I truly believe joy of reading (and writing) should be forefront and all else is second to that.
Also, if my book isn't for you? Please dedicate your time and energy to another! It's totally okay to dnf. Life's too short to read mismatched books!
What advice would you give to others who want to self-publish?
Enact your dream by taking it one step at a time. Follow your heart's story and remain true to yourself. Don't get distracted by what others do. When you follow the natural course of the story and your process, it's less daunting and usually the way forward reveals itself as soon as you start taking steps!
Go for it 🤩
Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?
Write for YOU in the first place. Enjoy the process and learn as much as you can while you're at it. Be brave and share snippets of your work to bookish friends. You'll be surprised at the insights you gain!
After all that, if you want to publish, do so. In your own way, at your own time. Like the cherry on top (but don't mistake it for the whole friggin' pie!)
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