Meet Sarah Faxon | Fiction Author & English Language Arts Educator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sarah Faxon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sarah, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
I have a card on my desk a dear friend gave to me many years ago and on the face of this card, it reads, “You are the author of your own life story.” I keep this card on my desk as a reminder that no matter what happens, successes, triumphs, or failures, it’s all in my hands as to how I interpret the event. I’ve learned to see the stumbles I’ve taken, and there have been a few, as learning opportunities that help me to grow as a business person or as a human being. I truly believe that everything happens for a reason, trite as that may sound, and that even the horrible things help us to become more empathetic to the needs of others or more aware of the beauties in the world around us, especially the little things. As with the characters in my books, this quote reminds me that there will be many challenges ahead before I may reach any goal, and that the only way for the pages in the story to turn, is for me to keep going.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a fiction author, writing across several genres, including urban fantasy, dark fantasy, romance, and horror, with social justice thematic elements throughout each of my works.

I’m very excited about the current project I’m working on, which is a three-part urban fantasy series about a young lady who is dealing with the ghosts from her past while trying to outrun the bounty of a vampire lord. This story came about as an experiment to see if I could write a “generic vampire romance” book as I jokingly called it at first, that now has evolved into a tale revolving around the question of what happens when everyone knows something is wrong and yet, no one does anything about it? The books ask the question, at what point does apathy become compliance? This series, Blood Lords, addresses bullying, neglet, maternal abuse, romantic manipulation, abuse of power, and suicide. I’ve drawn from situations and stories that are very real for, unfortunately, many people. I’m very proud of the social justice themes I bring into my stories as I have a professional background working in human rights, so with my fantasy stories, I’m not just trying to entertain, I’m trying to bring greater themes about society onto the pages to hopefully open the eyes of my readers to the real challenges of the world we live in.

Every author’s journey is different and my story has been quite the journey. No part has been easy, but I have learned so much along the way. I have overcome many challenges by constantly reminding myself that being a writer is all I have ever wanted to be. Being an author isn’t just a dream or a desire for me; it’s a calling, an obsession. I don’t give up on my dreams and I hope that my tenacity inspires the students I work with to pursue what calls to them.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
On the first day, I would start with grabbing coffee and a snack from the Hotel Del Coronado. I love to take people there to enjoy the history and the grandeur of the Del. We’d go for a morning walk through the hotel and on the beach before dusting off our feet and jumping in the car to go to Balboa Park. We’d walk through the park and I’d regale my friend with the history of Balboa and how it helped to put San Diego on the map with the 1915 Exposition. We’d cross Cabrillo bridge and go to The Market Place to grab some of their incredible deli sandwiches before heading back to the park to enjoy a picnic overlooking the downtown skyline. From there, we’d go to InsideOut to enjoy an artisan cocktail or two for the rest of the evening.

The following morning, we’d go to Crest Cafe in Hilcrest to enjoy their amazing brunch fare. After that, we’d go for a light hike probably at Torrey Pines to take in some nature and the breathtaking views. On our way back, we’d stop at any of the number of breweries, likely a Mike Hess, to recount old times.

The next day, we’d go to the Zoo and spend the day there admiring the horticulture and the incredible animal conservation efforts of the Zoo. After freshening up, we’d go to Little Italy to take in the delicious food and to listen to the live music in the piazza while sipping Aperol Spritzes.

The next morning, we’d go to OB and get a cup of coffee, which we’d sip while walking the beach and watching the surfers. I love the idea of going from the surf to the mountains, so we’d get in the car and head east to Julian to enjoy the sweet little community. Depending on the season, maybe we’d go apple picking or wine tasting.

I am in love with this city, her people, and the copious amount of gifts she offers.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people who have been a part of my journey – a few include, my family who have always supported my creativity. My husband has been my coach, my dearest friend, and my shining star throughout my darkest days. My best friend Victoria who has been with me through thick and thin for over twenty years. I’d also like to recognize the school where I teach part-time for the incredible work they do to encourage, train, and support the creative endeavors of our students. I teach a variety of high school English classes at the Children’s Creative and Performing Arts Academy in San Diego. The school balances high academic standards with creative and performing arts, ranging from drama, to dance, to visual arts, and music. Being in this creative environment surrounded by a loving staff and administration has inspired me to continue to develop my own craft of writing, which I hope also serves as an inspiration for my students. The care the leadership at this school extend beyond the students to the staff; even on the more challenging days, I have always felt the support and kindness from the entire community of this school, which is something I will be eternally grateful for.

Website: https://sfaxon.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/s_faxon_author/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-faxon-34592b3a/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarah.faxon.37