Sarah Brazytis Interview

Today, I am pleased to welcome author Sarah Brazytis to Interviews & Reviews.

Sarah is a home educated graduate, historian and small business owner. She has published various works of history and historical fiction. Her goal is to be as historically accurate as possible and to portray history from a conservative Christian perspective. 

Sarah is a small business owner, and resides at home with her parents, her two sisters, and three of her four brothers. You can visit her at her website, thehomegrownhistorian.com.

Sarah, welcome to Interviews & Reviews!

How long have you been writing?

I think I began my first pencil-scrawled, unfinished manuscript when I was eight years old, so it’s been a while! Since then, I’ve never been able to go without writing for very long – whether it’s a fiction work, a history piece, or a list of chores, I love to have a pen or pencil in my hand.

What is the hardest thing about writing for you?

The hardest part of writing for me is balancing it with the rest of my life. For example, I should probably be sewing right now. Shh. Don’t tell!

Do you travel to the places you write about?

Oh, I wish I could! So many of my books are set in historical time periods, so it’s not always possible; and I certainly haven’t made it to Europe yet for my books set there. But I have been able ‘visit’ many sites through photos, videos, and Google Earth. And I always try to totally immerse myself in the time period, culture, and land with whatever documents I can find.

Which do you enjoy more, the research part for a book, or the writing?

That’s a tough question! I simply love to delve into a topic and find out everything I can about it. But writing is something I just can’t not do, though, so it’s almost impossible to choose. As soon as I find something new in research, I have to write about it; and as soon as I begin to write, I find things to research!

Tell us about your latest book.

Lighten Our Darkness is set in 1940, at the beginning of WWII and the Battle of Britain. Jedrick Ondraski, a Polish war ace flying with the RAF, is completely focused on finishing his British training and getting back in the air. Helen Smith, a young American woman, has just survived a bombing raid that destroyed her home…and her life. When the two meet in a dark air raid shelter, the encounter begins a journey for both of them of healing, help, and discovery.

What inspired you to write this book?

In a beloved WWII novel, the author briefly mentioned a prayer, “The ‘Lighten our darkness’ that Tony had heard Sunday after Sunday at the evening service in the little grey church”. I fell in love with that phrase, “Lighten our Darkness”, and I just had to know more! I found the prayer in the Book of Common Prayer, and a story just began to grow in my mind. I’m not sure when the Polish Air Force became part of that story, but I’m so glad it did! Even though I am the descendent of Polish immigrants, I had never really learned about the Polish contribution to the war, and specifically the Battle of Britain, and I’m still in awe of everything I found.

Isn't it amazing how a story can brew? What books do you enjoy reading?

Anything historical, fact or fiction. But…I do like them accurate! Stories that are not historically correct are sooo painful!

One final question: What is your favourite Scripture verse and why?

My favorite verse is Psalms 16:11 – Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

It always reminds me that God will lead every step of the way, and that His presence is more important than anything else in life.

Thank you for sharing with us today, Sarah! 

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