Get ready to learn more about the book Somewhere Between Love and Justice in this discussion with sapphic author S.W. Andersen.
Join us for an exclusive peek behind the scenes as we quiz S.W. Andersen about Somewhere Between Love and Justice, writing, reading, and more.
This book is part of the Romance set on a Ranch / Farm category in the 2024 IHS Reading Challenge.
Why did you write Somewhere Between Love and Justice?
This began as a fanfic as I am a huge fan of the show “Lost Girl.” I’ve always loved westerns and “The Quick and the Dead.” I wanted to write something like that but with a cast of strong women in a world where they were unapologetically lesbian.
Who is your favorite character in the book?
Sarah Sawyer. I love her determination and loyalty. Like me, she enjoys dry wit and prefers animals to people. We are both strong willed and fiercely independent. I can also relate to the anger that comes with losing a parent at a young age.
How did you come up with the title for your book?
Always a tough one to do but this one came easily: somewhere between seeking justice and finding love, Sarah finds so much more.
If you’re planning a sequel, can you share a tiny bit about your plans for it?
There are three books in the series so far following Sarah Sawyers journey and evolution. I would like to do a prequel or something with the Marshal.
What is your favorite line from your book?
“I think we’re two very good-looking, very dangerous women who’re very good together.”
What is your writing process like?
Big time pantser here! It would be nice to have some plotting but I tried it and got so tied up in it that I never got any writing done. Much like life, I work better going with the flow. I generally have some ideas and an ending in mind from the start, but I let the story evolve on its own. Often when I am driving scenes come to me and I work through it on my commute then make notes for later.
How do you celebrate when you finish your book?
A shot of whiskey is my celebration. I will try to find one fitting of the story. Like my western, I had Bulleit bourbon in a bullet casing style shot glass.
Do you have a pet who helps/hinders your typing?
Oh yes, my cat. My old man, Willie, used to sit beside my laptop or on my lap when I wrote. After he passed the younger one, Kenzie, took up the torch. Although she likes to lay between me and the keyboard which makes work difficult but getting kitty love fantastic because it is the only time she will lay still like that for me.
What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing, and by whom?
You can’t edit a blank page. I don’t remember where I first heard it but it resonated. You have to put something down, even a few words. That often opens the vault and more flows out. Regardless, keeping it in your head to mull over gets you nowhere.
Have you ever fallen in love with one of your characters?
I adore Sarah Sawyer and I could probably write her forever. There is so much room for growth and adventures. There is also so much of me in her in that way. I also love my latest MC, Dani. She is strong, but doesn’t always recognize it. Yet she pushes forward through fear for what she wants and refuses to let the love of her life fall into darkness after tragedy. I understand both sides of that and how challenging it can be, how powerless it can feel. She held on and it paid off.
What type of books do you enjoy reading the most?
I enjoy romance and fluff, but that is a newer genre for me. The world provides plenty of angst for my taste so I steer towards light and positive. But I have always loved scifi and all the possibilities out there. The creativity and the fact that most of them are timeless.
Do you only read books in one genre or do you genre hop?
I will read whatever grabs my attention. While I enjoy romance and scifi, I am open to most. As long as it’s a good story and characters that I root for, I will give it a shot.
